Synagogues of the First Century C.E.

"Synagogues of the First Century C.E.", by Dr Deslee Campbell, discusses all of the archaeological sites so far discovered in Israel that were in-use in that period. It notes how recent finds contest previous scholars' conclusions. Interestingly, these finds support the New Testament's information that synagogues were "throughout Galilee" as some were small and in rural locations while those in prosperous towns were substantial buildings with thinck walls. The widespread damage, destruction and deaths caused by two wars against Rome assist in dating these synagogues. After these wars, no new synagogues were built for more than a century and a new style was adopted so the cohort from the pre-destruction period is unique and interesting. Dr Campbell's well-illustrated book will be appreciated by Jews, Christians, tourists, students and armchair archaelogists.