OSMAP opened several strategic trenches (= ‘T’) in 2007 (T8-14). The goals of T10-11 and T13-14 reprised objectives from 2005. Other trenches explored questions about later habitation phases in the synagogue (T12); and investigated features no longer visible above ground (T8-9, T15). Ceramic and numismatic finds were analyzed in 2008.

T8 and T15 were positioned west of building 1, directly north of building 2, to continue exploration of the area along the via Severiana (see T6 in 2005). T8 revealed a marciapiede, or sidewalk, in two layers of poured concrete, located alongside the basalt paving stones of the road. The higher layer (approx. 2.608 m ASL) extended approximately 2.70 m south from the basalt stones. The lower layer (approx. 2.378 m ASL) extended 0.86 m north from the south balk of the trench. T15, positioned to the south and east of T8, revealed further traces of the lower layer, suggesting that the marciapiede extended from the road, beyond the exterior façade of building 1, and towards the facade of building 2.

T9 was positioned on the exterior north wall of building 1 west of room 1. Its goal was to study subsurface architecture partially revealed during earlier campaigns. Excavation revealed three features: (a) one north-south wall in poor condition, constructed of reticulate on both sides; (b) an east-west wall with reticulate on its southern face and three courses of opus vittatum on its northern one; and© the foundation of a second north-south wall. Together, these walls formed a chamber (now designated room 2), approximately 1.50 m square, on the exterior façade of building 1. The relative or absolute chronology of these walls and their relationship with the exterior wall of the synagogue or nearby surfaces is under consideration.

T10-11 were positioned along the north and south sides of building 1, room 11. T10 revealed the following relative chronology: The east wall of what later became room 11 is earlier than the north wall of room 11 (= the exterior, mixtum A wall of the synagogue) because (a) the poured foundation of the east wall differs by inclusions, color, and composition from the foundation of the north wall; and (b) the foundation of the north wall has been poured around (but does not touch) the foundations of the east wall.

T11 revealed that the synagogue’s columns (room 12) were re-erected on modern concrete foundations. Although ancient foundations for the columns are visible beneath this concrete, they appear later than the poured foundation for the east and west walls of room 11, on which they are set. This data suggests the following relative chronology: (a) construction of an east wall in what later became room 11, followed by (b) construction of the mixtum A wall along the north, and finally© installation of the columns in room 12. Ceramic analysis may be helpful in assigning an absolute chronology although, as noted, both trenches did reveal evidence of prior excavation.