The oldest dated evidence of a synagogue is from the 3rd century bce, but synagogues doubtless have an older history. Some scholars think that the destruction of Solomon's Temple of Jerusalem in 586 bce gave rise to synagogues after private homes were temporarily used for public worship and religious instruction.

When was the first synagogue built in the world?

The oldest active synagogue in the world is the Old New Synagogue of Prague in the Czech Republic, built in 1270s.

What was a synagogue in the Bible?

"house of study". Synagogues are consecrated spaces used for the purpose of prayer, reading of the Tanakh (the entire Hebrew Bible, including the Torah), study and assembly; however, a synagogue is not necessary for Jewish worship.