Beth Alpha; Beit Alpha Complete

Description

Situated in the valley of Beth Shean, the site known as Beth Alpha takes its name from the nearby Kh. Beit Ilfa. Although the settlement is absent from surviving ancient literary sources, excavations indicate a community prosperous enough to erect a synagogue adorned with mosaic pavements. The synagogue was excavated in 1929 by Sukenik and Avigad; later investigations established that the building stood within a cluster of domestic structures. Published studies from the site address the synagogue alone. Further reading: CIIP V, 7562–7565.