Description
The ancient synagogue of Sardis, which is the largest outside of Israel, is part of a large bathing complex. Originally a Roman basilica style building, the structure was redesigned at the end of the 2nd century A.D. as a synagogue, where 1,000 worshipers could congregate at one time. Here we see the colonnaded courtyard that leads into the synagogue from the east. The floors below the colonnades were decorated with intricate geometric designs.