A new study led by Professor Jodi Magness of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and published in the journal PLOS ONE reflects the discovery of a monumental synagogue at Huqoq in the Galilee region, which may challenge the belief that Jews in the Holy Land suffered severe oppression after the legalization of Christianity during the Roman Empire.
From radiocarbon analysis of the remains found at the site, it was stated that the synagogue, which preserves impressive mosaics, was built in the late 4th or early 5th century AD.
This contradicts the theory that Galilean-style synagogues were built in the second and third centuries. According to Magness, director of the excavations at Huqoq, it is possible to affirm that "if these buildings were built in the fourth century, they were already in a Christian setting, which challenges the notion that Jews were severely persecuted and could not erect monumental synagogues."
The site of Huqoq, located about three kilometers from the Sea of Galilee, had previously been identified as a possible site of a Galilean synagogue, but its dating was uncertain.
Despite the findings regarding the date of construction, researchers were unable to determine when or why the synagogue fell into disuse.