--- title: Map of Diaspora Synagogues (1st - 2nd centuries CE) author: Simeon Netchev source: https://www.worldhistory.org/image/4141/map-of-diaspora-synagogues-1st---2nd-centuries-ce/ format: machine-readable-alternate license: Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivs (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0) updated: 2025-05-13 --- # Map of Diaspora Synagogues (1st - 2nd centuries CE) _Authored by [Simeon Netchev](https://www.worldhistory.org/user/simeonnetchev/)_ ## Image File [![Map of Diaspora Synagogues (1st - 2nd centuries CE)](https://www.worldhistory.org/uploads/images/4141.png)](https://www.worldhistory.org/uploads/images/4141.png) ## Image Caption This map illustrates the geographic spread of Jewish communities and synagogues across the [Roman](https://www.worldhistory.org/disambiguation/Roman/) and Parthian worlds during the 1st and 2nd centuries CE. It highlights the development of Jewish life in the Diaspora following centuries of migration, exile, and integration, offering a window into the religious and communal life of Jews beyond the ancient homeland. By the early Roman Imperial period, thriving Jewish communities had established synagogues in regions as diverse as [Alexandria](https://www.worldhistory.org/alexandria/), [Rome](https://www.worldhistory.org/Rome/), [Ostia](https://www.worldhistory.org/Ostia/), [Delos](https://www.worldhistory.org/delos/), [Antioch](https://www.worldhistory.org/Antiochia/), Dura-Europos, and [cities](https://www.worldhistory.org/city/) throughout [Asia Minor](https://www.worldhistory.org/Asia_Minor/), North [Africa](https://www.worldhistory.org/disambiguation/africa/), and [Mesopotamia](https://www.worldhistory.org/Mesopotamia/). These synagogues served not only as places of worship but also as cultural and communal centers—anchoring Jewish identity amidst dominant Greco-Roman and Parthian cultures. Some were modest gathering spaces; others, like the synagogues in Alexandria and Dura-Europos, featured elaborate inscriptions and rich architectural decoration. The map underscores both the resilience and adaptability of Jewish traditions during a period marked by political upheaval, including the destruction of the Second [Temple](https://www.worldhistory.org/temple/) in 70 CE and the Bar Kokhba Revolt (132–136 CE). Despite loss and dispersion, Jewish communal life flourished across a wide geography. #### 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 Simeon is a freelance visual designer and history educator, passionate about the human stories that shape the past. - [Linkedin Profile](https://www.linkedin.com/in/simeon-netchev/) ## Cite This Work ### APA Netchev, S. (2015, October 23). Map of Diaspora Synagogues (1st - 2nd centuries CE). *World History Encyclopedia*. ### Chicago Netchev, Simeon. "Map of Diaspora Synagogues (1st - 2nd centuries CE)." *World History Encyclopedia*, October 23, 2015. . ### MLA Netchev, Simeon. "Map of Diaspora Synagogues (1st - 2nd centuries CE)." *World History Encyclopedia*, 23 Oct 2015, . ## License & Copyright Submitted by [Simeon Netchev](https://www.worldhistory.org/user/simeonnetchev/ "User Page: Simeon Netchev"), published on 23 October 2015. The copyright holder has published this content under the following license: [Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivs](https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0deed.en). This licence only allows others to download this content and share it with others as long as the author is credited, but they can't change the content in any way or use it commercially. 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.