Ancient Synagogue Found in Israel:

While digging the foundation for a new hotel, the site of an ancient synagogue was unearthed.

Dates back to around 50 BCE

In the 120 square meter main hall, archaeologists found a carved stone with a menorah on it. This finding shows the rarity of the find:

"The menorah engraving is the first of its kind to be discovered from the Early Roman period according Avshalom-Gorni who said the site joins just six synagogue locations that are know to date from the same time. She said synagogues from this period were extremely rare in part because many Jews during that time were in the habit of visiting the main temple in Jerusalem three times a year as opposed to attending local houses of worship."

Thrilled about the discovery, the company that was set to build a hotel on the property will make a multi-cultural and multi-religious center at the site.

http://www.cnn.com/2009/WORLD/meast/09/11/jerusalem.synagogue/index.html