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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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5. Even though the third phase is safely dated to later than 88 B.C. on the basis of the integration of marble spoil material from the nearby gymnasium (GD 76), and although its purpose and character can be fairly well described (i.e., to stabilize and restore the east facade of A/B), it cannot be ascertained exactly when and why this wall was rebuilt. Had the building simply collapsed or was it damaged by Mithridates' troops, and if so, to what extent?

6. Since the urban development and history of the Quartier du stade have to date not been examined, the possible influence of a preconceived urban layout, as well as the extension, design, and character of the surrounding buildings, remains unknown.

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7. It cannot currently be proven whether GD 80 was constructed and used by Orthodox Jews or by Samaritans; the presence of both groups in Delos is known from literary sources and inscriptions.

Nevertheless, none of these objections and restrictions seriously challenge the primary hypothesis advanced here, that building GD 80 was conceived and used as a synagogue from its initial construction at an unknown date, and then continuously used as such until its abandonment at the end of the second century A.D. Indeed, strong arguments support this view: the characteristic constitutive architectural features; the continuity of design; the absence of convincing alternative functions, especially for the original building; the lack of exact parallels in Delos for any of the phases of modification and use; and the history of Samaritans and Jews in Delos according to the written sources.

Further research might support and complete or challenge my conclusions and views. In light of the importance of GD 80, such research is in any case imperative and should comprise the following measures:

1. The complete excavation of the surroundings of the building, including the use of trial trenches to clarify the absolute chronology and the history of construction; a full study of the extant architecture and all architectural elements found and stored in the building, including conjectural reconstructions; and thorough publication of the building and all associated artifacts.

2. A trial trench at the findspot of the two Samaritan stelai to address the question of a possible second synagogue.

3. A full study of the supposed Jewish house (Quartier du stade, Ilot I, Maison A) with its possible miqveh, in order to further sustain, or weaken, the vision of a "concentration juive" in the Quartier du stade. (204)

4. A detailed study of the development and history of the Quartier du stade, including the creation of a plan of the whole quarter with all walls visible on the surface and in the sea. Such a study could help us determine the positions of and importance assigned to Jewish or Samaritan buildings in the quarter; better understand the organization and structure of the quarter; and ascertain the period of its use.

5. Finally, the construction history of GD 80, with its remarkably long and "late" use, might encourage a reassessment of Imperial Delos and perhaps even a comprehensive study of this largely neglected period.

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

Hesperia, Fall, 2004 by Monika Trumper

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