Archaeologists in northern Israel unearthed remains of a synagogue. The discovery made on the Tel Recheš Peak in Galilee region is dated to the end of the Second Temple Era in the first century AD.

The structure contains a room 9 metres wide with walls lined with benches of limestone blocks. Additionally one of two foundations pillars supporting the roof were also discovered. Archaeologists from the Kinneret Institute for Galilean Archaeology state that this is the first synagogue of its kind in the Galilee villages.

The researchers suspected Israelite presence at the site, which is known for previously discovered Bronze Age and Iron Age artefacts, as an absence of big animal bones or remains, especially those of the pig, was noted in the archaeological deposits. Other indication was the existence of many stone utensils, the preferred material for cooking among Jews in that era.

(after Ynetnews)