En-Rogel,and the Brook that Overflowed

Abstract

Our investigation of the Stratum IB building indicates that the apse on the southern wall was a later addition to a pre-existing 'Galilean type' synagogue, as field plans from Dothan's 1962 excavation testify. In fact, the three main doors to this building were in the southern wall. Contrary to the excavator's final publication, the central apse was not an integral part of the original plan. Some time after the southern wall was broken down and this apse was added, the Stratum IB building underwent further renovations. This subsequent change occurred when a small apse with a pool fed by a water-cistern was built in the southern end of the western courtyard. As these additional features are not found in synagogues, but are typical of baptisteries in churches, they might indicate that this apsed synagogue was transformed into a church.