Archival Research on the Excavation of the Synagogue at Ostia: A Preliminary Report

Abstract

This report outlines preliminary findings from an examination of unpublished materials relating to excavations of the ancient synagogue at Ostia carried out from 1961 to 1964 and in 1977 by Maria Floriani Squarciapino. Taken in tandem with Floriani Squarciapino’s publications on the synagogue, this material (entries in the excavation journal coupled with labels for excavated artifacts, archival photographs, and drawings) allows a partial reconstruction of the excavation process and contextualization of the finds. Previously unreported numismatic finds from 1962 and 1963 help to establish more precise dates for certain phases of the building and demonstrate that occupation of the synagogue persisted at least through the fifth century, indicating the continued presence of a thriving Jewish community at Ostia.