Art and architecture of the synagogue in late antique Palestine : : in the shadow of the church / / by David Milson.

• Author: Milson, David.
• Place / Publishing House: Boston : : Brill,, 2007.
• Year of Publication: 2007
• Language: English
• Series: Ancient Judaism and Early Christianity 65.
• Physical Description: 1 online resource (608 p.)
• Notes: Description based upon print version of record.

This study examines the material evidence for synagogues and churches in the Holy Land from the age of Constantine in the fourth century CE to the Arab conquest of the eastern provinces in the seventh century CE. Whereas scholars once viewed the growth of the Byzantine empire as time of persecution, a re-evaluation of the archaeological evidence indicates that Jews prospered along with their Christian neighbours. What influence did Christian art and architecture have on ancient synagogues? In the sixth century, one-third of all known synagogues in Palestine bear features similar to early Byzantine churches: basilical layouts, mosaic floors, apses, and chancel screens. Focusing on these features sheds light on how Jewish communities met the challenges posed by the Church’s development into a major religious and political power. This book provides a critical analysis of the archaeological evidence as a basis for our better understanding of Jewish identity and community in late Antique Palestine.

Table of Contents

Preliminary Materials / D.W. Milson -- Introduction / D.W. Milson -- Chapter One. Evolution And Ancient Synagogues / D.W. Milson -- Chapter Two. Excavated Synagogues Dating To The Byzantine Period / D.W. Milson -- Chapter Three. On The ‘Orientation’ Of Ancient Synagoguesand Churches / D.W. Milson -- Chapter Four. The ‘Façade Motif’ In Ancient Synagogues / D.W. Milson -- Chapter Five. Dated Churches In Galilee And The Chancel Screen / D.W. Milson -- Chapter Sixe. Cclesiastical Furnishings In Synagogues / D.W. Milson -- Chapter Seven. The Niche And The Apse In Synagogues / D.W. Milson -- Conclusion / D.W. Milson -- Appendix A. On Vitruvius, A Synagogue, And Five Churches In The Provinces Of Syria And Palestine / D.W. Milson -- Definition Of Fields Used In Table A:1 / D.W. Milson -- Bibliography / D.W. Milson -- Archaeological Evidence For Ancient Synagogues Catalogue / D.W. Milson -- Figures / D.W. Milson -- Index / D.W. Milson.