We continue with our section dedicated to exploring the publication Ancient Magdala: Archaeological Excavations (2010–2017), Volume I: Daily Life, First Interpretations, which brings together the results of the first seven years of archaeological excavations at Magdala. On this occasion, we present the chapter A Study of Magdala’s First Synagogue: Identification, Layout, and Context of the Synagogue Discovered in 2009, written by Jordan J. Ryan and Marcela Zapata-Meza.

Since 2012, Jordan J. Ryan has participated in several excavation seasons at Magdala. His interest and specialization have always focused on the synagogue and its architectural space, layout, function, and context. In this chapter, the authors discuss the identification, dating, architectural layout, and context of the Magdala synagogue; they argue in favor of dating the synagogue to the Early Roman period and present the possibility that its use extended into the mid-first century C.E.

This chapter also discusses the architectural layout of the synagogue, particularly the location of its entrance. Unlike the archaeologists who excavated the synagogue, the authors present evidence suggesting that the main entrance may have been located on the south of the synagogue, with a secondary entrance to the west of the structure.

Finally, the chapter discusses the function of the space within the context of the ancient city and the identification of a second synagogue during the 2021 excavations, raising new questions about the function of both spaces and their relationship to the ancient inhabitants.

We invite you to learn more about this chapter and the publication in upcoming editions of our newsletter, where you can consult Volume I and discover the results of the first seven years of excavations at Magdala, led by the Mexican expedition.