The Mosaics of Hammam Lif

Abstract

Recent advances in Jewish archaeology have served to draw attention to a monument widely known and yet still imperfectly described, the synagogue of Hammam Lif in North Africa. Discovered in 1883 at a time when Jewish art was almost unknown, it caused great interest because of its extensive mosaic pavement and aroused considerable discussion by the “mixed” character of the decoration. Since the discovery, increasing knowledge of synagogue ornamentation leaves little doubt of its Jewish origin, but many details of the mosaic pavement are still uncertain.