Index – science – excavated in a Roman synagogue in the Netherlands

Dutch news portal Dutchnews reports that last year volunteers excavated near a town near Roman lime on the UNESCO World Heritage List in 2021, the Dutch cultural heritage agency reported on Tuesday.

Several Roman shrines are known in Holland, but this is the first complete excavated religious complex that was used during the Roman Empire, between the 1st and 4th centuries, as stated in the publication.

The remains of other Roman shrines have been excavated near nearby Elst and Nijmegen, but none have survived in good condition and with important discoveries such as the church complex now excavated at Herwen-Hemeling.

Archaeologists have also discovered jewelry, engravings, and coins

Archaeologists have discovered unique stones dedicated to various gods and goddesses and a number of artefacts, including jewelry, in the sanctuary, as well as excavated artifacts, remains of idols and inscriptions.

The sanctuary was probably used primarily by soldiers, as evidenced by court stamps as well as horse implements and spearheads. According to the report, the votive stones have been almost completely preserved, and the inscriptions can also be read on them.

A special feature, according to the researchers, is the discovery of a well used for purification rituals, with stairs leading to the depth. According to the inscription on votive stones and coins, the finds date back to the Gregorian era. Ranging from 220 to 230.

A large part of the finds will be on display at the Valkhof Museum in Nijmegen from June 24.