The exact number of synagogues in Alexandria, Egypt, during Roman rule (30 BCE-641 CE) is not precisely documented in surviving sources, but historical records provide some insight. Multiple sources, including Philo of Alexandria and the Tosefta, indicate that synagogues were distributed throughout the city, with Philo noting they were present “all over the city” (Philo, “De Legatione ad Gaium”, §20).
The Jewish population in Alexandria was substantial, comprising about 35% of the city’s population, or roughly 175,000-210,000 people, given estimates of a total population of 500,000-600,000 during the Roman period. This large community likely necessitated multiple synagogues to serve their religious and communal needs.
A key synagogue, often referred to as the Great Basilica Synagogue, is described in detail by Philo and the Tosefta (“Sukkah” 4:6) as a grand structure, capable of accommodating thousands, with features like a double colonnade and seating for artisans by trade. While this was the most prominent, it was not the only one. Talmud and other sources suggest synagogues were spread across Alexandria’s five quarters, particularly in the Delta quarter, where Jews were concentrated.
No specific count is given in ancient sources, but the plural references to “synagogues” and their distribution across the city suggest there were likely several – potentially dozens – serving the large Jewish population. For comparison, later records from the 19th century note up to 20 synagogues in Alexandria, reflecting a diverse Jewish community, though this number is from a much later period. Given the size and significance of the Jewish community in Roman Alexandria, a conservative estimate might place the number of synagogues in the range of 10-20, though this is speculative based on the scale of the population and the descriptions of multiple synagogues.
Without archaeological remains or precise records, a definitive number remains elusive. The sources emphasize the prominence of the Great Synagogue and the presence of others, but they do not provide a clear tally.