Sussia is a Jewish settlement located in the southern Hebron hills (near Carmel and Maon). The site dates back to the Talmudic era / Byzantine period, 3rd -9th century A.D. and it’s the largest Jewish city that has been preserved for over 1500 years.

The City Walls

Burial Cave

According to the Jewish law, the burial place is located outside the city. In the foreground of the cave is an outer courtyard, over the opening to the cave there is a large round stone which was used to close and block the entrance.

 Water Cisterns

As a result of the small amountof rainfall in the winter, there are many water holes and cisters in the site.

The Main Street

The Oil-Press cave 

 

Dwelling Caves

The Synagogue 

The synagogue is located on the highest place of the city. the synagogue dates to the end of the 4th century A.D. .

The Synagogue Courtyard 

In the entrance to the courtyard of the synagogue there is a large round stone whose purpose was to close and block the entrance in time of danger

The mosaic inscription : ” In honour of the kindness of my master and Rabbi Issi HaCohen the honoured, who generously donated this mosaic  and plastered the walls of the synagogue which shook with joy on the day of the wedding feast of his son, Rabbi Yochanan HaCohen the scribe. Peace unto Israel. Amen” .

An entrance to an underground tunnel for emergency escape exit from the synagogue.

 

The emergency tunnel

 The Synagogue

The synagogue mosaic floor

The inscription say: “Remembered for the good and bless(ing) , who endeavored and made (  ) ,               the se(co)nd of the week (yaer) , Four thousan(d) , When the world was create(d) ,  (  ) in it May there be peace” .

The inscription say: “To be remembered for good the layer, Yeshua the witness, and the layer who…”