Session 17 | Turning West – The Hellenistic Period
#65-69

#65. Introduction

The recognition of Christianity by the Roman Empire under Constantine and its transformation into the authorized religion of the kingdom had profound effects upon Palestine. These consequences will be examined in lecture and in the readings below. The Roman Empire at this time (4th-7th centuries CE) is referred to as the Byzantine Empire because it was to the city of Byzantium (Map, More Info.), modern-day Istanbul, that Constantine the Great moved the capital of his kingdom from Rome in 330 CE. Byzantium was then renamed Constantinople after this ruler.

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#66. Byzantine Law

One of the results of the legitimization of Christianity was that imperial legislation was then issued in support of the Christian faith. Such favoritism inevitably led to the discrimination of those outside of the status quo; such was the case for Jews and Samaritans. The excerpts provided below are taken from Byzantine imperial legislation. One portion is derived from the Theodosian Code, a collection of laws that were decreed in the 4th and 5th centuries (see attached bibliography). Take notice of the relationship between Christians and non-Christians as portrayed through law.

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#67. Pope Gregory

The letter by Pope Gregory included here provides an excellent opportunity for one to obtain a glimpse at the application of imperial law. Based upon a reading of the above texts, one would expect the Jews to have almost no rights at all. Observe how this letter suggests the contrary.

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#68a. Madaba Map

The Madaba Map is one of the oldest extant maps of Palestine. It was constructed in the 6th century as a mosaic floor in Madaba, Jordan. More specifically, it served as the floor of a Byzantine church. Many cities were listed on the map, but Jerusalem was provided the greatest amount of space, making the “Holy City of Jerusalem” (as the Greek inscription next to the city states) the centerpiece of the work.

Madaba Map Source: www.henry-davis.com/MAPS/AncientWebPages/121.html

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Replica of Madaba Mosaic of Jerusalem. Picture courtesy of J. Tatlock

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Early 20th Century Map of Jerusalem by Baedeker K. Baedeker, Palestine and Syria. Handbook for Travellers, 5th Edition (c) 1912 Accessed at: https://www.lib.utexas.edu/maps/historical/ancient_jerusalem.jpg

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#68b. Egeria

Jerusalem long served as a place of pilgrimage in Judaism; it did so as well in the Byzantine era (cf. Christian Pilgrimage). One such pilgrim was Egeria, a woman who traveled to Palestine in the 4th century and left us a detailed account of her journey. By reading the excerpt given below, you will have the opportunity to experience Jerusalem through her eyes. Pay special attention to her comments about Constantine and his building projects in Jerusalem, such as the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, particularly in her section on festivals.

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#69. Robert L. Wilken

Robert Wilken is a professor of Christian history at the University of Virginia. The following piece is but one chapter of his larger work on the historical Christian perspective on Israel/Palestine. It focuses upon the transformation of Jerusalem in the early Byzantine period.

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