Sepphoris Synagogue (Tzippori Synagogue)

sketchfab

The remnants of a mosaic floor from a fifth-century CE synagogue at the ancient city of Sepphoris in Israel's Galilee region reveal a rich tapestry of symbolism and narrative. The remains comprise seven bands, each telling a distinct story, with the bottom-most band depicting an angelic visit to Sarah. Above this scene lies the binding of Isaac, a pivotal moment in the biblical narrative. In between these two scenes, the seasons are captured in all their cyclical beauty, with the zodiac and Helios, the sun god, riding his chariot across the sky. Temple offerings and rituals are next in line, showcasing Aaron's role as high priest at the desert tabernacle. This is followed by a depiction of the temple itself, complete with an ark that holds sacred significance. Finally, two lions flank a wreath, their fierce yet majestic presence underscoring the importance of order and harmony in this ancient setting. This model will form part of a larger project, funded by a grant from UNC-Chapel Hill's Center for Digital Humanities Initiative, to recreate the Sepphoris synagogue in vivid detail. Using Unity3D, an openly accessible online navigable model will be created, allowing viewers to explore the synagogue at their leisure. A VR visualization will also be developed, utilizing room-scale navigation with the HTC Vive to transport users to this ancient world. For a 360-degree glimpse of the Sepphoris synagogue, click here.