Roman Cities, Jewish Cities - Hippodromes & Such

On our trip to Israel we learned there were Jewish cities and Hellenistic-Roman cities.  Jewish cities were places where monotheistic faith in God and obedience to the commands were important.  Jewish villages were generally smaller and poorer than Roman towns.  Elements of faith were also present, such as mezuzahs.

Roman cities contained places of worship for various gods.  They were also bastians of Hellenistic culture.  These cities contained centers of entertainment such as the Theaters which told stories of the gods, hippodromes where horse racing was part of the culture, and amphitheater where gladiators and animals fought. Excellent examples of these structures can be seen in Caesarea, Beit Guvrin and Beit Shean.  Other examples are known to have existed.

Roman towns were often governmental centers.  Caesarea-Maritima, Sipporis, Tiberias, and Beit Shean (Scythopolis) were known to be governmental centers.  Beit Shean is in the Jordan River valley, level ground, which is easy to travel, on the way to Jerusalem.  The ruins of this city are well preserved, with many standing columns on the cardo.  Pictures of Beit Shean today show up on pages 90 of Advent Journeys.

Both types of cities existed in the time of Jesus.  It is thought that Joseph lived in Nazareth, a small Jewish town, but walked 3 miles to Sipporis, the new government center in order to work.  Joseph was a carpenter, or a construction worker.  Homes in the area are built of stone. Buildings in Sipporis have elaborate mosaics on the floor.  Joseph could have been the artist who constructed these floors.

Jewish people stayed in their communities because they were careful not to get caught up in the ways of the gentiles.  Gentiles were interested in entertainment.  Jews were interested in observing the faith and in community.  People were more important than activities, and the Jews were known for their care for one another.

Putting this in perspective, the Gentiles would celebrate this season with giving (and getting) fo gifts; with elaborate decorations (lights and greenery), with their trees (which symbolized new life), parties, and entertainment.  Jews would have put the story before anything else.  Each day would open and close with a scripture.  Music would be important.  And they would make sure no one was alone this season.