Shikhin

Shikhin, known in Greek as Asochis, was an ancient Jewish village in Galilee, located near Sepphoris and approximately 8 kilometers northwest of Nazareth. Formed during the Hasmonaean Dynasty in the 2nd century BCE, the village was a significant center for pottery production, specializing in items such as oil lamps and kraters. It featured domestic structures, workshops, and a synagogue, reflecting its vibrant community life. In the 4th century CE, the village was abandoned, with its buildings dismantled and materials repurposed elsewhere. Excavations have revealed the village's layout, evidence of industrial activity, and burial structures, offering insights into the cultural and economic dynamics of Galilean Jewish life during the Late Iron Age and Classical Periods.