The Synagogue at Ostia Antica, Italy
“And when the day of Pentecost arrived, they were all together in one place… and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues…Now there were dwelling in Jerusalem Jews, devout men from every nation under heaven…How is it that we hear, each of us in his own native language? Parthians and Medes and Elamites…and visitors from Rome.” Acts 2:1-10
The account of Pentecost in Acts is one place where the presence of Jews in Rome is attested. Many other historical writings confirm a Jewish presence in Rome, even during and after the time of Emperor Claudius’s expulsion of Jews from Rome. Ostia Antica, the ancient port city of Rome, includes the remains of what is thought to be the oldest synagogue outside of the Levant. The synagogue was discovered in 1961 during construction of the busy road that goes to the Fiumicino airport. Initially it appeared that the synagogue structure was from the 1st century AD. Now there are some suggesting that it wasn’t built until the 2nd century. There is agreement that the synagogue was renovated in the 4th or 5th century and that most of the visible remains are from that era.
Ostia Antica is a gorgeous and amazing site. The synagogue is at the far south end of the site and a bit of hike but so worth it. It has become clear over the years since its discovery that while it appears to be a bit “outside” of the main city, there is still plenty to excavate all around it. Large homes / baths / streets/shops. It must have been very close to the sea. The synagogue is entered through a 4 pillared vestibule. Before entering the main hall, to the left, are the remains of a sizable kitchen. As you enter the main hall which was lined with benches and had a bema from which the Torah scrolls were read, to the left is an aedicule that was likely a Torah shrine. Carved into the corbels were a menorah and a shofar on the right, lulab and ethrog on the left. These are copies - one of the originals found at the site is in the Ostia museum.
Visiting Ostia and this ancient synagogue was one of the highlights of our recent trip to Italy - beautiful day, beautiful ancient roman city, and a thrill to stand in a place where it is likely that Jews from the 1st century AD thru the 6th century gathered.
Remains of the synagogue at Ostia Antica
