Synagogue Forecourt

Synagogue Forecourt. . , English Text:, Fountain , The large krater or vase at the center of the forecourt is a replica of the marble original, a fountain where congregants washed before prayer. Water was supplied by terracotta pipes below the floor. An ingenious valve controlled the water flow. The surrounding pool was originally paved with flat stones, probably marble., Floor mosaics , The floor mosaics presented complex geometric patterns in a series of small carpet-like patterns. Most of the mosaics were installed or repaired in the 5th and 6th centuries., Wall decoration in the forecourt , The forecourt walls were originally covered with painted plaster. The marble decoration was added in the 5th or 6th century. Some of the marble slabs were found, still attached to the lower walls. Moldings, capitals, and pieces of the arched frieze depicted kraters, doves, and vines. The frieze was carved in recessed (champlevé) relief and originally painted.