Rachel Hachlili

Ancient Jewish Art and Archaeology in the Diaspora (Handbook of Oriental Studies) Rachel Hachlili

Jewish Diaspora in Hellenistic, Roman and Byzantine periods from the 1st to the 8th centuries C. E. is the subject of this work. The author investigates origin, symbolism and significance of the mainly synagogal and funerary art forms in the Diaspora. This text a companion to "Ancient Jewish Art and Archaeology in the Land of Israel" (1988) by the same author. The first section examines the characteristic features of Diaspora Art synagogue architecture and art (including the Torah shrine and mosaic pavements). Another section deals with burial and funerary practices. Of special importance are the sections on the "Biblical scenes", designs and iconography of the Dura Europos synagogue, and the Jewish symbols such as the Menorah, ritual objects, the Ark, the conch and the "Torah Scrolls".