
Ancient Synagogue
Discovered: Capernaum, Galilee
Many once believed that synagogues did not come into existence until after AD 70 with the destruction of the Temple in Jerusalem. As a result, the scriptural statement that Jesus taught in synagogues was thought to be an anachronistic error.
However, ancient synagogues have since been discovered at Capernaum, Magdala and a number of other places in Palestine. Study by scholars has shown that synagogues were used by the Jews for civic gatherings as well as for reading of scripture and prayer.