This ritual space is distinguished by a mosaic floor made of thousands of colored tesserae. A white background framed by a black meander pattern and surrounded by an orange rectangle emphasizes a central rosette whose eight petals alternate between black and white. The geometric and floral design is very similar to the mosaic found in the synagogue, suggesting that the same artist or workshop may have created both. During the reign of Herod the Great, impressive construction projects influenced by Greco-Roman decorative style took place at Masada, Jericho, Herodium, Caesarea Maritima, and in some houses of Jerusalem’s upper city. During the Second Temple period, despite foreign cultural influence, local customs were respected, and decorative designs avoided images of animate creatures and symbolism involving representations of G-d or other deities. This mosaic exemplifies that prohibition.