( CNN ) -- Archaeologists are reveling in the discovery of an ancient synagogue in northern Israel , a `` monumental '' structure with a mosaic floor depicting the biblical figure of Samson and a Hebrew inscription . The synagogue -- dating to the fourth and fifth centuries in both the Talmudic and late Roman periods -- is in Huqoq , an ancient Jewish village in the country 's Galilee region , the Israeli Antiquities Authority said . Jodi Magness , a professor of early Judaism in the Department of Religious Studies at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill , said the building was found in a recent excavation . She called the find `` exciting '' and described the `` very high quality of the artwork '' in the mosaic , crafted with `` tiny colored stone cubes . '' Only a few late Roman period synagogues contained mosaics with biblical scenes , said Magness , one of the leaders of a U.S. , Israeli and Canadian team engaged in the digs . `` This discovery is significant , '' she said , calling the site `` extraordinary '' and `` stunning . '' Samson was known for enormous physical strength and his fighting prowess against the Philistines , the enemy of the Israelites . His story , recounted in the Bible 's Book of Judges , mentions Delilah , a Philistine woman who worked to undermine Samson . She cut his hair after she persuaded Samson to reveal that his long hair was the secret to this strength . Magness said the mosaic scene shows Samson putting torches between the tails of foxes . That image , from a vignette in the Book of Judges , is a reference to Samson exacting revenge on the Philistines by sending out flame-laden foxes to burn their lands . She said the only other images of Samson in synagogues are at one nearby place in the Galilee known as Wadi Hamam , where Samson is seen `` smiting '' the Philistines with the jawbone of an ass . Another is in what is now modern Turkey , depicting scenes from Samson 's life . Samson is also depicted in early Christian art , she said . Why is Samson portrayed and apparently revered in two synagogues close to each other ? Magness said she plans to find out . The other image contains two apparently female faces flanking a circular medallion . It has a Hebrew inscription referring to rewards for carrying out good deeds . `` Our mosaics are also important because of their high artistic quality and the tiny size of the mosaic cubes . This , together with the monumental size of the stones used to construct the synagogue 's walls , suggest a high level of prosperity in this village , as the building clearly was very costly , '' the authority said in its statement , citing Magness .
The ancient site is in Israel 's northern highlands . Samson is a well - known Bible figure . The first scene is straight from the Book of Judges . Another shows a Hebrew inscription .