A synagogue at Ein Nashut existed in the 1st century CE, but was destroyed during the Great Revolt (66-73 CE). It was reestablished a few centuries later. Coins were found in its foundations from 390 CE and under the entrance paving from 408 to 421 CE, dating the synagogue to the reign of the Roman emperor Honorias. It was a custom then to bury low-value coins in the foundations of synagogues. (See the essay “How do archeologists figure out when an ancient synagogue was built?”). The village was destroyed centuries later and not resettled.

 This was a relatively small synagogue with six Ionic columns in two rows. Impressive sculptured carvings of lions, eagles and a menorah were found, but these were spirited off to the archeological museum in Katzrin. The entrance to the synagogue faced to the west. Note the benches for seating adjacent to the wall. The ark was on the southern wall facing Jerusalem. We know this because of an impression for an ark in the plaster work and also because of the remains of the lowest step of its niche. In the north-east corner is the base of a staircase that led to a gallery or to the roof.

If you follow the path from the synagogue for a short distance, you will come across an olive press within the ruins of a building. Ruins of the rest of the village extend over about 6 acres, but it is not advised to look for them.