We know there was a Jewish presence in this town long before there was a Christian one, as can be seen by looking at this column’s carvings.
Earlier menorah and shofar on the bottom, somewhat faded, later Byzantine cross above it…
Later Byzantine inscriptions had a particular way of forming the Greek letters that were distinctive, as in this example…. Notice the omicron
Right in the middle of numerous Greco-Roman structures–basilicas, temples, homes, columned streets, games… Christians decided they should establish their presence.
Below is a water pipe and drain holes in a street…
And here is a game board…
These early Christians didn’t wait around long once Constantine said Christianity was a licit or legal religion, they almost immediately held an ecumenical council here, but where—- did they really build a sanctuary in the late 4th century or was this meeting in a house church? Stay tuned
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