Huqoq

Huqoq is an archaeological site located 12.5 km north of Tiberias, noted for its continuous habitation from the Early Bronze Age through various historical periods, including the Roman and Byzantine times. The site is particularly renowned for its 5th-century CE synagogue, which features intricate mosaics depicting Biblical scenes, such as Samson, Noah's Ark, and Moses' parting of the Red Sea. These artistic elements highlight the village's prosperity during the Roman period. Additionally, the site contains agricultural terraces, burial structures, and evidence of habitation throughout the Iron Age. The presence of a synagogue and absence of pig bones suggest a predominantly Jewish population during the Roman era. The village was later replaced by the Ottoman-period Arab village of Yaquq, which was eventually abandoned in the 20th century. Huqoq's rich archaeological layers provide insights into the region's cultural and historical transitions over several millennia.