Aspects of the impact of Christian art and architecture on synagogues in Byzantine Palestine
This thesis examines the relationship between Jews and Christians in the Holy Land from the age of Constantine the Great to the conquest of the eastern provinces by the Arabs from an archaeological viewpoint. At stake is a better understanding of how Jews adapted to changing times, particularly during the rise of Christianity in Palestine. Whereas earlier scholars have viewed the growth of the Byzantine empire as time of persecution toward the Jews, a re-evaluation of the archaeological evidence indicates that Jews prospered along with their Christian neighbors. In scope, this dissertation aims first to re-evaluate how many ancient building remains can be classified as synagogues, and how many of those can be accurately dated. For only after a solid body of archaeological research is firmly established can further progress be made toward our better understanding of the ancient world. Diversity in contemporaneous synagogue layouts, rather than a linear development throughout this period is the norm. Yet, in the sixth-century, one-third of all known synagogues in Palestine bear similar features to early Byzantine churches: basilical layouts, mosaic floors, apses, and chancel screens. Since no single fourth-century
Milson, David
Architecture, Byzantine ; Art, Byzantine ; Church architecture ; Christian art and symbolism ; Jews ; Civilization ; Christian influences ; Synagogues ; Byzantine Empire ; Palestine
Aspects of the impact of Christian art and architecture on synagogues in Byzantine Palestine. This thesis examines the relationship between Jews and Christians in the Holy Land from the age of Constantine the Great to the conquest of the eastern provinces by the Arabs from an archaeological viewpoint. At stake is a better understanding of how Jews adapted to changing times, particularly during the rise of Christianity in Palestine. Whereas earlier scholars have viewed the growth of the Byzantine empire as time of persecution toward the Jews, a re-evaluation of the archaeological evidence indicates that Jews prospered along with their Christian neighbors. In scope, this dissertation aims first to re-evaluate how many ancient building remains can be classified as synagogues, and how many of those can be accurately dated. For only after a solid body of archaeological research is firmly established can further progress be made toward our better understanding of the ancient world. Diversity in contemporaneous synagogue layouts, rather than a linear development throughout this period is the norm. Yet, in the sixth-century, one-third of all known synagogues in Palestine bear similar features to early Byzantine churches: basilical layouts, mosaic floors, apses, and chancel screens. Since no single fourth-century
aspects impact christian art architecture byzantine palestine examines_relationship jews christians holy_land age constantine great conquest eastern province arabs archaeological viewpoint stake well jews adapt_change time particularly rise christianity palestine whereas earlier scholars viewed growth byzantine_empire time persecution toward jews re_evaluation archaeological_evidence indicate jews prosper along christian neighbor scope aim first re_evaluate many ancient_building remain classified synagogue many accurately date solid body archaeological firmly_establish progress_make toward good ancient_world diversity contemporaneous synagogue layout rather linear development throughout_period norm yet sixth_century third know synagogue palestine bear similar feature early_byzantine church layout mosaic_floor screen since single fourth_century