Antiquity and Christian Origins
WORK AND SUMMARY
Report of the 2001 Study Season
In 2001 OSMAP established an official numbering system for the assembly of buildings along the via Severiana outisde the Porta Marina gate. Adapting the standard formula used throughout the site by scholars and archaeologists, this system designates: (1) the region of the city in which each building is located; (2) the insula, or neighborhood block, in which each building appears; (3) the number of the building on that block; and (4) any rooms within the building itself.
The OSMAP survey region has, accordingly, now been designated Region IV, insulae 14-17. The synagogue itself is classified as IV.17.1, with sequential room numbers 1-18. The edificio con ninfeo is classified as IV.17.2, with sequential room numbers 1-10. The edificio accanto alla via della Scafa is classified IV.17.3, with sequential room numbers 1-4. In 2001 this numbering system was accepted and approved by the Soprintendenza di Ostia (Anna Gallina Zevi) and the head of the Ostian archives (Elizabeth Jane Shepherd).
Once labeled, the OSMAP team then executed architectural drawings of the synagogue and its neighboring structures, including for the first time the edificio con nifeo. Then, with the approval of the Soprintendenza, survey points were permanently marked in modern concrete throughout the area with a bolt and aluminum tag (‘OSAMP 2001 UT’). These points were linked in with three survey points already marked by the Deutsches Archäologisches Institut during their campaigns at Ostia (DAI survey points 1013, 1015 and 1136). An additional, digital top-plan of the site was then drawn using GIS equipment. The data points will form an invaluable reference for future study and excavation.
Plan of the OSMAP Survey Area with new numbering system.[CLICK TO ENLARGE]
Top plan of the synagogue building and surrounding structures (final phases) with approved room numbers. [CLICK TO ENLARGE]
