A Building with Jewish Elements in Limyra/Turkey – A Synagogue?

Abstract

This article gives a preliminary excavation report about a building in the Lycian city of Limyra and the finds which were made in it. In the north-east corner of the building – the only part excavated so far – one room was equipped with a marble wall revetment and windows with glass of at least four different colors. Inside, a square water basin was supplied by collected rainwater which was channeled through a terracotta pipe into the basin. Some elements suggest that the basin was used for bathing. The entry to the building led from the main street into a vestibule, which was originally partially open at the front. At a later period, the floor of the building was raised to its current level by means of two stone slabs and two pillars which were in secondary use. The two slabs are remnants of chancel screens decorated with three menorah images. The front side of one of the slabs is decorated also with a shofar and the second one also with a lulav. The combination of these features suggests that the building was connected with the Jewish community of Limyra. The chancel screens indicate that a synagogue was once located in the immediate vicinity. It is therefore not improbable that the building itself was this synagogue.