The historical background of the Zodiac Mosaic Calendar in the Lower Synagogue at Hammath-Tiberias

The article focuses on the author's research on the chronographical background of the Zodiac Mosaic Calendar in Synagogue at Hammath-Tiberias. He sought to find the origin of the mosaic decoration, with the twelve zodiac signs, the four seasons, and Helios, which was found in synagogues in two parts of Palestine, Galilee and Judah. The chronograph of the mosaic art has been extensively debated. The author further studied the history of the Palestine Jews in the 4th century. Most of the work was done during the period of Hillel II. The author concludes that the mosaic from the Stratum IIa synagogue with the Zodiac Calendar was executed in the time of Hillel II, who is said to have died around 365 CE. He proposes a new date for the execution of the Zodiac Mosaic from Hammath-Tiberias (Stratum IIa) after the earthquake in 363, that is, in 364 or 365.