The presence of a Jewish community in Portus is documented through a number of funerary inscriptions. These may have depictions of the menorah (the seven-armed candelabrum) and the shofar (a horn).
Jewish funerary inscription.
From the Episcopio. Musei Vaticani, Lapidario Ebraico, inv. nr. 30885.
Fourth century AD. W. 0.30, h. 0.31. EDR120381. Photo: EDR.Jewish funerary inscription.
From the Episcopio. Musei Vaticani, Lapidario Ebraico, inv. nr. 30874.
Fourth century AD. W. 0.35, h. 0.32. EDR120384. Photo: EDR.One fragmentary inscription mentions a synagogue, using the plural [--- τῶν σ]υναγωγῶν, which is probably a reference to the community using the building, rather than to the building itself. The inscription also mentions παραθυραι, doors flanking the main entrance of the building. Other inscriptions mention people in charge of the synagogue (φροντιστης, αρχων).
Fragment of an inscription with [--- τῶν σ]υναγωγῶν in the last line.
From the Episcopio. Ostia Antica, Lapidario (Piccolo Mercato), inv. nr. 8844.
C. 170-230 AD. W. 0.275, h. 0.265. EDR120377. Photo: EDR.
