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Chapter 26 : The Holy Land
The region of known to the Greeks as Philistia, and to Jews as Judea or Israel has a great historical significance to almost every monotheistic religion (with an exception of Rahmanism), for it contains the cities of Jerusalem, Safed and Tiberias important to the Jews, Mount Gerizim key to the Samaritans and Bethlehem, Nazareth and Jerusalem with great religious importance to the Christians.
As mentioned previously, the area has been ruled by various Arab dynasties since the 7th century, were it the Ghatafanids,Banu Judham and ultimately most recently tgey have been subjugated by the Ghassanids.
The Ghassanid state was however in decay, and by 817 AD, a major rebellion has begun in the mountainous areas of northern Judea and southern Samaria. The Jews viewed this time as a good opportunity to reassert their independence; and they were led by a charismatic figure called Miriam, who was the daughter of the Jewish Exilarch (religious head of Judaism in Mesopotamia).
While supported by many rabbis, who at these times would often read from the Maccabbees or the Judges and inspire their cobelievers to take up arms, Miriam would be careful to not assume the role of a Messiah, as to not generate antipathy from the Christians.
While the Jewish revolt was quick in attracting Jews, for its duration it became key to gain support of the Samaritans. Tge Samaritans, after joining, quickly took control over Sikhem and Bethshan, and most of Samaria itself.
Soon, also the mountainous areas south of Jerusalem came under the control of the rebels, taking over Hebron.
Only Nabatea, Galilee, and coastal areas remain outside of rebel control, aa well as the city of Jerusalem and town of Bethlehem
By spring 818, many Christians have fled northwards or westwards, to areas outside of rebel control. While Ghatafanid armies have crossed the Jordan army and restored control in some of the towns on the West Bank, they failed to restore order in the hinterlands. After having lost a few battles, the rebels would retreat to mountain forts and refuges, and switch to guerrilla tactics.
In may, the city-state of Acre seized the opportunity and assumed control over the Yezreel Valley and the Galilee. They were welcomed by local Christians, whether they be Chalcedonian or to a lesser extent Miaphysite.
Despite their religious differences, tge Phoenician city states have supported the Jewish rebels, seeing a political fragmentation of the Levant. Egypt as well used the opportunity to conquer the coastal strip north of Gaza until Mount Carmel.
The Egyptian king soon pressed both parties to cease hostilities. Ultimately, he managed to effectively vassalize the Kingdom of Israel , and assuming the title of Advocate of the Christians in Israel. However, except Ebionites there were few Christians in the realm outside Jerusalem and Bethlehem.
The Sanheddron as an institution assumed a more important role in the society. Many Jews from Arabia Petrea and Egypt would return to Israel and boost the Jewish segment of the society.
Relations with the Samaritans remained stable throughout the first half of the ninth century, and Samaritans enjoyed internal autonomy.
As mentioned previously, the area has been ruled by various Arab dynasties since the 7th century, were it the Ghatafanids,Banu Judham and ultimately most recently tgey have been subjugated by the Ghassanids.
The Ghassanid state was however in decay, and by 817 AD, a major rebellion has begun in the mountainous areas of northern Judea and southern Samaria. The Jews viewed this time as a good opportunity to reassert their independence; and they were led by a charismatic figure called Miriam, who was the daughter of the Jewish Exilarch (religious head of Judaism in Mesopotamia).
While supported by many rabbis, who at these times would often read from the Maccabbees or the Judges and inspire their cobelievers to take up arms, Miriam would be careful to not assume the role of a Messiah, as to not generate antipathy from the Christians.
While the Jewish revolt was quick in attracting Jews, for its duration it became key to gain support of the Samaritans. Tge Samaritans, after joining, quickly took control over Sikhem and Bethshan, and most of Samaria itself.
Soon, also the mountainous areas south of Jerusalem came under the control of the rebels, taking over Hebron.
Only Nabatea, Galilee, and coastal areas remain outside of rebel control, aa well as the city of Jerusalem and town of Bethlehem
By spring 818, many Christians have fled northwards or westwards, to areas outside of rebel control. While Ghatafanid armies have crossed the Jordan army and restored control in some of the towns on the West Bank, they failed to restore order in the hinterlands. After having lost a few battles, the rebels would retreat to mountain forts and refuges, and switch to guerrilla tactics.
In may, the city-state of Acre seized the opportunity and assumed control over the Yezreel Valley and the Galilee. They were welcomed by local Christians, whether they be Chalcedonian or to a lesser extent Miaphysite.
Despite their religious differences, tge Phoenician city states have supported the Jewish rebels, seeing a political fragmentation of the Levant. Egypt as well used the opportunity to conquer the coastal strip north of Gaza until Mount Carmel.
The Egyptian king soon pressed both parties to cease hostilities. Ultimately, he managed to effectively vassalize the Kingdom of Israel , and assuming the title of Advocate of the Christians in Israel. However, except Ebionites there were few Christians in the realm outside Jerusalem and Bethlehem.
The Sanheddron as an institution assumed a more important role in the society. Many Jews from Arabia Petrea and Egypt would return to Israel and boost the Jewish segment of the society.
Relations with the Samaritans remained stable throughout the first half of the ninth century, and Samaritans enjoyed internal autonomy.
- Tomislav Addai
- Word Count: 520