2-368-660 - Samuel Magal/Sites & Photos/Heritage Images

An ancient synagogue in Ostia Antica, Italy. The synagogue at Ostia was founded during the reign of Emperor Claudius (41-54 AD), deduced from the fact that its earliest phase was built from a type of wall-construction commonly used at Ostia during that time. Ostia Antica was once the harbour city of ancient Rome. Although some sources say that the city was founded by Ancus Marcius, the semi-legendary fourth king of Rome, in the 7th century BC, the oldest archaeological remains so far discovered date only from the 4th century BC. The most ancient buildings currently visible are from the 3rd century BC.