Horvat Sumaqa

Horvat Sumaqa is a significant archaeological site located in Israel, known for the remains of one of the largest Jewish settlements during the Roman and Byzantine periods. Situated south of Mount Carmel, the site features a variety of structures, including a synagogue, residential buildings, workshops, and agricultural facilities. The synagogue, with its basilica-shaped structure and architectural remnants such as notched columns and a doorframe with lion reliefs, is a key highlight. Evidence of industrial activities, such as a tannery and potential textile dyeing, alongside extensive agricultural installations like oil presses and wine presses, reflects the site's multifaceted economic life. The presence of rock-cut tombs further emphasizes its cultural and historical richness. Despite its partial use as a resource for nearby settlements in later periods, Horvat Sumaqa remains an invaluable window into the region's past.