"The castle" basilica Complete

ID: 207

Building type: basilical synagogue

Context:

monastery

Site:

Inscriptions:

317 , 318

Description:

The complex comprised a basilica and a courtyard measuring 100 meters in length, both enclosed by a lofty perimeter wall, a feature that led Professor Sachau to describe the basilica as “the castle.” Inside, an unusually broad nave is set apart from the lateral aisles by two colonnades, each made up of fourteen columns. In the northern apse, behind the sixth column, remains were discovered of a stone screen—interpreted as a parapet or chancel—that once extended almost the full width of the nave. The surviving panels display relief ornamentation, and their bordering frames contain inscriptional texts arranged to run from the upper edge down the sides. Image source: AAES II 302 Further reference: AAES II 301–303