Facts About Palestine: The 2nd — 6th Century
Some Historical context
In 106 AD, the Romans annexed the territory of the Nabataean client kingdom into the province of Arabia Petraea. This was done without bloodshed. The Nabataeans controlled many important trade routes and continued to prosper under Roman rule.
The incorporation of the Nabataean kingdom began a slow process of Hellenization in the Levant and after the fourth century, the Greek language replaced Aramaic for formal purposes. It is likely that Most Nabataeans converted to Christianity.
Jewish communities thrived along the edges of Judah, in northern Palestine, and in many places including Scythopolis and Caesarea in the 4th Century. Many of the Jews here were ethnically Arabs as well.
Historical records indicate that in late 351 AD, a Jewish revolt in Galilee may have taken place. A decade later, In 361, the new Emperor Julian renounced Christianity, became a polytheist, and was determined to reverse Christianity’s influence and growth.
As part of this plan, he also befriended the Jews by, ordering the Jewish temple in Jerusalem to be rebuilt.
