---
title: Theodotos Inscription
author: Dana Murray
source: https://www.worldhistory.org/image/4031/theodotos-inscription/
format: machine-readable-alternate
license: Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/4.0/)
updated: 1970-01-01
---
# Theodotos Inscription
_Authored by [Dana Murray](https://www.worldhistory.org/user/murrayd7/)_
## Image File
[](https://www.worldhistory.org/uploads/images/4031.jpg)
## Image Caption
This dedicatory building inscription was excavated near the [Temple](https://www.worldhistory.org/temple/) Mount and dates to the First Century BCE. An important find, it demonstrates that synagogues existed before the destruction of the Temple. Although they existed during that time, synagogues had not yet become substitutes for the Temple and its rites, but rather filled other religious and social roles. Recorded in [Greek](https://www.worldhistory.org/disambiguation/greek/), it reads: "Theodotos, son of Vettenos, priest and head of the synagogue, son of the head of the synagogue, who was also the son of the head of the synagogue, build the synagogue for the reading of the [Law](https://www.worldhistory.org/disambiguation/law/) and for the study of the precepts, as well as the hospice and the chambers and the bathing-establishment, for lodging those who need them, from abroad; it (the synagogue) was founded by his ancestors and the elders and Simonides." Limestone dedicatory inscription currently housed in the [Israel](https://www.worldhistory.org/disambiguation/Israel/) Museum, [Jerusalem](https://www.worldhistory.org/jerusalem/).
#### Editorial Review
This human-authored image has been reviewed by our editorial team before publication to ensure accuracy, reliability and adherence to academic standards in accordance with our [editorial policy](https://www.worldhistory.org/static/editorial-policy/).
## About the Author
PhD student with interest in the art, architecture, and religion of ancient Greece and the Near East.
## Cite This Work
### APA
Murray, D. (2015, August 29). Theodotos Inscription. *World History Encyclopedia*.
### Chicago
Murray, Dana. "Theodotos Inscription." *World History Encyclopedia*, August 29, 2015. .
### MLA
Murray, Dana. "Theodotos Inscription." *World History Encyclopedia*, 29 Aug 2015, .
## License & Copyright
Submitted by [Dana Murray](https://www.worldhistory.org/user/murrayd7/ "User Page: Dana Murray"), published on 29 August 2015. The copyright holder has published this content under the following license: [Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike](https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/4.0/deed.en). This license lets others remix, tweak, and build upon this content non-commercially, as long as they credit the author and license their new creations under the identical terms. When republishing on the web a hyperlink back to the original content source URL must be included. Please note that content linked from this page may have different licensing terms.