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The oldest original synagogue building in the Diaspora: the Delos synagogue reconsidered

Hesperia, Fall, 2004 by Monika Trumper

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[FIGURES 25-27 OMITTED]

If a layout with porticoes at the north, west, and south seems possible (indeed, quite likely), (69) it remains to be considered whether the following can be reconstructed more precisely: (1) the extension of the courtyard toward the east; (2) the design of the east facade; and (3) the design of the porticoes (the number of columns, their height, and order).

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1. The nature of the extension of the building to the east cannot be determined with any degree of certainty, and the formation of the east limit of the building is entirely open to speculation. Foundation a extends about 6.5 m to the east, and the corresponding north wall of C continues for another 1.7 m (Fig. 2). At present, it seems most likely that the east limit of the building was aligned with the east facade of the neighbor to the north. There is no evidence for the reconstruction of a significantly extended courtyard, although for neither the north nor south wall of C is an outer corner or a clear terminus preserved (Figs. 24, 28). (70) It is equally unlikely that three cuttings in the natural rock at the east end of the north portico, just east of the supposed east limit of the building, are to be associated with the facade of the building (Figs. 24, 29). The largest cutting, which is rectangular, is not symmetrically situated in relation to the north portico and it has a different orientation. The layout of the two flanking round cuttings confirms that whatever they accommodated, on either a fixed or a temporary basis, would not have been oriented either parallel or perpendicular to the building. Therefore, the cuttings certainly were not intended for use associated with a column or supports for a railing that belonged to the building. (71) A satisfactory explanation of these cuttings must await further investigation and excavation. (72)

[FIGURES 28-29 OMITTED]

Since the supposed east limit of courtyard C was only 15 m from its west wall, the restoration of a fourth colonnade at the east is impossible. The restoration of a courtyard bounded by three porticoes is then the only plausible solution. (73)

2. Three configurations of the east facade can be posited: (a) the north and south porticoes ended in columns, were completely open and freely accessible, and with the west portico, formed a three-winged portico (see Fig. 38:a, below); (74) (b) the north and south porticoes were terminated by walls at the east (with or without doorways) and still formed, with the west portico, a fully visible and accessible three-winged portico (Fig. 38:b, below); or (c) the entire complex was closed off by a wall running from the northeast corner to the southeast corner of the courtyard, with access via doorways, or no access at all (Fig. 38:c, below). (75) In the latter case, the colonnades would have defined a truncated three-winged peristyle inside the building and within an actual closed courtyard.

[FIGURE 38 OMITTED]

It need not be stressed that the form of the east facade is most important for the reconstruction of the accessibility, openness, and visibility of the complex and the amount of privacy it afforded its users. There might have been a promenade, quay, beach, or path in front of the east facade, because in antiquity the sea was farther east than it is today. (76) Could such a feature have been closed off efficiently and legally and restricted to private use? (77) Could anyone passing by cast a glance at the three-winged portico, or were they confronted with a high, blind wall and diverted to the south facade to find the only, and rather modest, entrance to the building? Did the owners and users of the building seek complete privacy and seclusion or were they, on the contrary, interested in presenting to the public their ambitious, extended, three-winged portico as proof of their wealth and social standing? Or did they just desire a pleasant view of, or direct access to, the sea?

The oldest original synagogue building in the Diaspora: the Delos synagogue reconsidered

Hesperia, Fall, 2004 by Monika Trumper

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