Browse the Collection Record
Images
Metadata
Object Name |
The Theodotus Synagogue Inscription |
Object ID# |
MC 0460 |
Date |
37 BC-AD 73 |
Description |
This dedicatory inscription in Greek, is believed to have been part of the synagogue of the libertines in Jerusalem (Acts 6:9). Theodotus built the synagogue for the reading of the law [Torah]" reads part of this first-century BC inscription, in Greek, discovered just south of the Temple Mount in Jerusalem. According to the inscription, Theodotus's synagogue contained rooms for itinerants and water installations for bathing. Standing in sight of the Temple Mount, this Jerusalem synagogue was a place where Jews assembled to study Scripture. Theodotus's synagogue apparently also gave shelter to pilgrims, who may have purified themselves in its pools before ascending to the Temple. This Greek inscription, found in the southeastern area of Jerusalem, is the only remnant of the many synagogues in Jerusalem, believed to have been part of the synagogue of the Libertines (Acts 6:9), built prior to the destruction of the Second Temple in 70 AD. "R. Pinchas, in the name of R. Hosea: There were four hundred and eighty synagogues in Jerusalem and each had a school and a college-the school for the Bible and the college for Mishna-and all were razed by Vespasian."(Palestinian Talmud, Megilla 73b). The name Vettenos (Vetinus) is Roman. Thus it has been suggested that Theodotos' father was a Jew who had been taken captive to Rome by Pompey and served as a slave to the family of the Vetii there; upon being freed, he used the of]) Vettenos, priest and head of the synagogue, (re)built the synagogue for the reading of the Law and for the study of the precepts, as well as the hospice and the chambers and the bathing-establishment, for lodging those who need them, from abroad; it (the synagogue) was founded by his ancestors and the elders and Simonides. Stephen, the first Jewish Christian martyr, must have belonged to this community (Acts 6). Libertines (Acts 6:9) ...Schürer suggests that the Libertines were Rom. freedmen descended from Jews who had been prisoners of war under Pompey (63 BC) and subsequently released. Possibly only one synagogue is referred to here, which was attended by Jewish freedmen or their descendants from the places mentioned. |
Place of Origin |
Jerusalem |
Medium |
Sign |
Material |
Hard Limestone (orig.) // Dental Plaster (copy) |
Metzger Location |
Christian History |
Location of Original |
Rockefeller Museum Jerusalem |
Dimensions Details |
Height: 42.2 in (orig.) // 175 mm (copy) Weight: 74.5 in (orig.) // 326 mm (copy) |