The civilian-military community in the two phases of the synagogue at dura europos: A new approach

Our research presents a unique interdisciplinary approach that combines traditional historical-archaeological research with the reading of the visual findings as a historical text. This paper focuses on the two phases of the synagogue in Roman Dura-Europos (hereinafter: Dura). Our research findings show that the military culture prevailing in Dura at that time was strongly reflected in the 3rd-century 'Rebuilt Synagogue'. A comparison of the findings from the two stages of the synagogue with the corresponding historical data concerning the synagogue's time and place have led to new insights regarding the nature and culture of the synagogue community, as well as to a totally novel understanding and interpretation of the synagogue's ornamentation and inscriptions.