The Donor Stone

During recent renovations at the ancient synagogue, a large artifact was found.[2]Inside the courtyard was a limestone pillar bearing two inscriptions in Hebrew. Carved during Roman times, the 1,800-year-old column was curiously placed upside down for some reason. Researchers studied the engravings and concurred that they appeared to be a list of names, honoring those who had made donations to the synagogue.

Peqi’in is deeply steeped in Jewish history, and the exact location is still a bone of contention. However, some experts feel that the stone enriches the settlement’s story during the Roman and Byzantine eras, and that the artifact proves the site is indeed the Peqi’in community mentioned in the ancient scriptures. To find evidence that strongly supports one of Galilee’s most significant sites is a historical step for Israeli archaeology.