Swastika Mosaic Discovered In Ancient Israel Synagogue

JERUSALEM—A mosaic depicting a swastika, the first to appear prominently in an ancient synagogue decoration, has been uncovered at Etn Gedi by archeologists of the Hebrew University and the Government Antiquities and Museums Department. It was found in a mosaic pavement dating to the early third century C. E., excavated after the fifth century mosaic pavement of the Eih Gedi synagogue had been lifted and transferred to the Israel Museum in Jerusalem for treatment and conservation. The third century pavement discovered below bears a black rectangular frame measuring eight by three meters, with three 1.4 meter squares, one of which is decorated with the large, left-facing swastika. Swastikas as part of decorative compositions in synagogues have been known before, but this is the first occurrence of such a prominent one in a Jewish context . The early synagogue had two or three entrances in its north side --the side facing Jerusalem--and was a building of about 15 x 9.5 meters . The lower mosaic pavement is one of the oldest known in this country and is the earliest mosaic pavement of a synagogue. The building was changed some time in the late third century C. E., when the central northern entrance was blocked and turned into, a niche for an ark of the law. A seat was constructed on its easternside for the head of the community. A portico and three entrances were added on the west side . The synagogue is important from an archeological point of view because it reveals the radical changes and developments in the architectural plans of synagogues during a period of more than three centuries (ea. 200-550 CE) . The expedition plans to lift the early mosaic pavement as well and to excavate the levels below . The excavation was carried out by Dr. Dan Barag of the Institute of Archeology of the Hebrew University and by Mr. Yosef Porath of the Department of Antiquities and Museums. Mr. Ehud Netzer of the Institute of Archeology was the expedition's architect.The Israel Exploration Society and the Ein Gedi Field School participated in the dig . Students of the Institute of Archeology of the Hebrew University formed the work team. The fifth century pavement will be returned to its place after the conclusion of excavations, when the site will be opened to the public by the National Parks Authority.