Unearthing Dura Europos: The Synagogue Lost in Time

Jewish History Nerds

Jonathan Schwab and Yael Steiner explore the story of the Dura Europos Synagogue—preserved beneath desert sand in what is modern day Syria, for 1,700 years. In this colorful episode, Schwab and Yael take listeners on a vivid tour through the 3rd century BCE synagogue, its extraordinary murals of biblical scenes, its mysterious inscriptions, and clues about ancient Jewish life, art, and community. From Pharaoh’s daughter painted in the nude to Ezra depicted with a Torah scroll, this synagogue defies modern expectations with its wall-to-wall biblical imagery, multilingual graffiti, and rich cultural fusion of Roman, Persian, and Jewish influences.

Click the following links to see pictures of the Dura Europos Synagogue.

• Pictures of the Dura Europos Synagogue

• Additional pictures of the Dura Europos Synagogue

• Click here for the sources and summary facts heard in the episode.

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