Carolina-led Huqoq project enters new phase

When a team led by Carolina archeologist Jodi Magness first unearthed mosaics from an ancient synagogue more than a decade ago in Huqoq, Israel, the discovery sent ripples across the archeological world.

The findings enriched understanding of Judaism in the late fourth-to-early fifth centuries, and National Geographic named the Huqoq mosaics to its list of “100 Archaeological Treasures of the Past.”

U.S. Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee addresses the launch of the Judeo-Christian Heritage in the Galilee Project at Huqoq. (Photo by David Azagury/U.S. Embassy Jerusalem)

Now, thanks to a $1.6 million grant from the U.S. Department of State to the W.F. Albright Institute of Archaeological Research, the Huqoq excavation site is entering a thrilling new phase.

On July 9, Mike Huckabee, U.S. Ambassador to Israel, and other American officials visited Huqoq to announce the launch of the Judeo-Christian Heritage in the Galilee Project after receiving a tour of the site from Magness.

The U.S.-Israel initiative will combine archaeological excavation and conservation to develop the Huqoq site and lay the foundation for the synagogue’s eventual opening to the public.

While site development takes place over the next several years, the project will provide a dedicated website, a 3D reconstruction of the synagogue and other digital resources to the public.

Magness will serve as the archaeological consultant for the multiyear project.

U.S. Ambassador Mike Huckabee speaks with Carolina professor Jodi Magness. (Photo by David Azagury/U.S. Embassy Jerusalem)

From 2011 to 2023, a series of Magness-led excavations in the ancient Jewish village uncovered a diverse set of mosaics — including the first nonbiblical story discovered in an ancient synagogue.

“It’s really hard to overstate the importance of the discovery — and I say that not because it’s my site,” said Magness, professor of religious studies in the UNC College of Arts and Sciences. “The reason is that this is by far the richest and most diverse set of mosaics that we have decorating any ancient synagogue anywhere.”

Implemented by the Albright Institute in partnership with the Israel Antiquities Authority and additional Israeli partners, the project will also expand to other Jewish and Christian heritage sites across the Galilee region of Israel, including a Christian church at Bethsaida.

“As Huqoq enters this important new phase, the United States is proud to partner with Israeli institutions to preserve one of the region’s most significant archaeological treasures while making its remarkable story accessible to people around the world,” Huckabee said in a news release. “This initiative reflects our commitment to preserving shared cultural heritage through international cooperation and education.”

Aerial view of Huqoq Synagogue and the surrounding Galilee landscape. (Waseem Hamdan/Israel Antiquities Authority)

What’s next for Huqoq

Though Magness and her team uncovered myriad treasures at Huqoq, their work continues. They’re creating publications to put their findings in historical context and analyzing the mosaics, which portray a wide range of biblical scenes and figures.

“There are a lot of unanswered questions,” Magness said. “Why were certain stories chosen to be depicted? Why are they put into certain locations? Do they relate to each other? Is there an overarching theme?”

Carolina has taken a prominent role in this work, with Magness leading the excavation project at Huqoq and dozens of students contributing throughout the 12-year dig.

“One of the best parts of the whole project was the opportunity to bring students — a lot of undergraduate and some graduate students from UNC but also from other universities around North America and a couple of European students,” said Magness, the Kenan Distinguished Professor for Teaching Excellence in Early Judaism.

“At the end of every summer, I would say, ‘Wow, that is the best group of students we ever had,’ and every summer I meant it.”