Burns Lecture: More than just mosaics: The ancient synagogue at Huqoq in Galilee
2026 Burns Lectures: Archaeology of the Holy Land
Jodi Magness is the Kenan Distinguished Professor for Teaching Excellence in Early Judaism at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. As an archaeologist, she has participated in over twenty excavations in Israel and Greece. Magness has written numerous books, including Jerusalem Through the Ages: From Its Beginnings to the Crusades (2024); Masada: From Jewish Revolt to Modern Myth (2019); and The Archaeology of Qumran and the Dead Sea Scrolls (2002).
More than just mosaics: The ancient synagogue at Huqoq in Galilee
Beginning in 2011, Professor Magness directed excavations in the ancient village of Huqoq in Israel's Galilee. The excavations brought to light the remains of a monumental Late Roman (fifth century) synagogue building paved with stunning and unique mosaics, including biblical scenes and the first non-biblical story ever discovered decorating an ancient synagogue. In this slide-illustrated lecture, Professor Magness describes these exciting finds, including the discoveries made in the final excavation season.
Learn more about the Huqoq Excavation Project
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