Decapolis
Introduction
The Decapolis was a group of ten cities on the eastern frontier of the Roman Empire in the southeastern Levant. These cities were centers of Greek and Roman culture in a region that was otherwise Semitic (Nabatean, Aramean, and Jewish). The term "Decapolis" is derived from the Greek words "deka" (ten) and "polis" (city), reflecting the number of cities in this league. The Decapolis was a significant cultural and political entity during the Hellenistic and Roman periods, playing a crucial role in the spread of Greco-Roman culture in the Near East.
Historical Background
The Decapolis cities were established during the Hellenistic period following the conquests of Alexander the Great. After Alexander's death, his empire was divided among his generals, leading to the establishment of the Seleucid and Ptolemaic kingdoms. The Decapolis cities were initially under the control of the Seleucid Empire. However, with the rise of the Roman Empire, these cities came under Roman influence and were eventually incorporated into the Roman province of Syria.
Cities of the Decapolis
The Decapolis traditionally included the following ten cities: Gerasa (modern Jerash), Scythopolis (modern Beit She'an), Hippos (modern Susita), Gadara (modern Umm Qais), Pella (modern Tabaqat Fahl), Philadelphia (modern Amman), Capitolias (modern Beit Ras), Raphana (location uncertain), Canatha (modern Qanawat), and Damascus. Each of these cities had its unique characteristics and contributions to the region's cultural and economic life.
Gerasa
Gerasa, known today as Jerash, is one of the best-preserved Roman cities in the Near East. It features a wealth of archaeological remains, including temples, theaters, and colonnaded streets. The city's prosperity peaked during the Roman period, and it became a major center of trade and culture.
Scythopolis
Scythopolis, now known as Beit She'an, was the only Decapolis city located west of the Jordan River. It served as a major administrative and commercial hub. The city is notable for its extensive ruins, including a Roman theater, bathhouses, and a colonnaded street.
Hippos
Hippos, or Susita, was situated on a hill overlooking the Sea of Galilee. It was known for its strategic location and impressive fortifications. The city played a significant role in regional politics and military affairs.
Gadara
Gadara, modern Umm Qais, was renowned for its intellectual and cultural contributions. It was the birthplace of several notable philosophers and poets. The city's ruins include a theater, basilica, and numerous tombs.
Pella
Pella, located in modern-day Jordan, was an important center of early Christianity. The city is mentioned in historical sources as a refuge for Christians fleeing the Jewish-Roman wars. Archaeological excavations have uncovered significant remains from various periods, including Hellenistic, Roman, and Byzantine.
Philadelphia
Philadelphia, now Amman, is the capital of modern Jordan. During the Roman period, it was a thriving city known for its impressive architecture and urban planning. Key landmarks include the Roman theater and the Odeon.
Capitolias
Capitolias, or Beit Ras, was a smaller city compared to others in the Decapolis. It is known for its well-preserved theater and other Roman structures.
Raphana
The exact location of Raphana remains uncertain, but it is believed to have been situated in the northern part of the Decapolis region. Historical records suggest it was a significant military and administrative center.
Canatha
Canatha, modern Qanawat, was located in the Hauran region. The city is known for its impressive temples and other architectural remains from the Roman period.
Damascus
Damascus, one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world, was also part of the Decapolis. It served as a major cultural and economic center in the region. The city's rich history includes significant contributions to art, science, and commerce.
Cultural and Economic Significance
The Decapolis cities were centers of Hellenistic culture, which included Greek language, architecture, and urban planning. These cities played a crucial role in the cultural and economic life of the region. They were known for their theaters, temples, and public buildings, which were modeled after Greek and Roman prototypes. The Decapolis also served as important trade hubs, connecting the Mediterranean world with the Arabian Peninsula and beyond.
Hellenistic Influence
The Hellenistic influence in the Decapolis is evident in the architectural styles, urban planning, and cultural practices of the cities. The use of Greek language and the establishment of gymnasia and theaters reflect the adoption of Greek culture. The cities also hosted various festivals and games, similar to those held in Greece.
Roman Integration
With the incorporation of the Decapolis into the Roman Empire, the cities underwent significant changes. Roman architectural styles and urban planning principles were introduced, leading to the construction of new public buildings, roads, and aqueducts. The cities also became part of the Roman administrative and military network, contributing to the stability and prosperity of the region.
Economic Activities
The Decapolis cities were involved in various economic activities, including agriculture, trade, and manufacturing. The fertile lands surrounding the cities supported the cultivation of crops such as wheat, olives, and grapes. The cities also engaged in trade with neighboring regions, exporting goods such as textiles, pottery, and metalwork. The presence of markets and trade routes facilitated the exchange of goods and ideas, contributing to the economic vitality of the region.
Religious and Intellectual Life
The Decapolis was a melting pot of various religious and intellectual traditions. The cities were home to diverse communities, including pagans, Jews, and early Christians. This diversity is reflected in the religious architecture and literary works produced in the region.
Paganism
Paganism was the dominant religious tradition in the Decapolis during the Hellenistic and Roman periods. The cities were adorned with temples dedicated to Greek and Roman deities, such as Zeus, Athena, and Dionysus. These temples served as centers of worship and community life.
Judaism
The Decapolis also had significant Jewish communities, particularly in cities like Scythopolis and Gadara. Synagogues and other Jewish institutions were established, and the cities played a role in the broader Jewish cultural and religious life of the region.
Early Christianity
The Decapolis was an important center for early Christianity. Several cities, such as Pella, served as refuges for Christians during times of persecution. The region is mentioned in the New Testament, and early Christian communities contributed to the spread of the faith.
Intellectual Contributions
The Decapolis was known for its intellectual contributions, particularly in the fields of philosophy, literature, and science. Gadara, for example, was the birthplace of several notable philosophers and poets, including Menippus and Meleager. The cities also hosted schools and libraries, fostering a vibrant intellectual life.
Archaeological Discoveries
Archaeological excavations in the Decapolis cities have uncovered a wealth of information about the region's history and culture. These discoveries include well-preserved buildings, inscriptions, and artifacts that provide insights into the daily life, religious practices, and economic activities of the inhabitants.
Gerasa (Jerash)
Excavations in Gerasa have revealed extensive remains of the city's Roman-period architecture, including the Temple of Artemis, the South Theater, and the Oval Plaza. The city's well-preserved colonnaded streets and public buildings offer a glimpse into its urban planning and architectural sophistication.
Scythopolis (Beit She'an)
Archaeological work in Scythopolis has uncovered significant remains from the Roman and Byzantine periods, including a theater, bathhouses, and a colonnaded street. The city's strategic location and impressive fortifications are also evident in the archaeological record.
Hippos (Susita)
Excavations at Hippos have revealed the city's fortifications, public buildings, and residential areas. The city's strategic location overlooking the Sea of Galilee is highlighted by the remains of its defensive walls and towers.
Gadara (Umm Qais)
Archaeological discoveries in Gadara include a theater, basilica, and numerous tombs. The city's intellectual and cultural contributions are reflected in the inscriptions and literary works found at the site.
Pella (Tabaqat Fahl)
Excavations in Pella have uncovered remains from various periods, including Hellenistic, Roman, and Byzantine. The city's significance as a center of early Christianity is highlighted by the discovery of churches and other Christian structures.
Philadelphia (Amman)
Archaeological work in Philadelphia has revealed significant remains from the Roman period, including the Roman theater, the Odeon, and the Nymphaeum. The city's urban planning and architectural achievements are evident in these well-preserved structures.
Capitolias (Beit Ras)
Excavations in Capitolias have uncovered a well-preserved theater and other Roman structures. The city's smaller size compared to other Decapolis cities is reflected in the archaeological record.
Canatha (Qanawat)
Archaeological discoveries in Canatha include impressive temples and other architectural remains from the Roman period. The city's location in the Hauran region is highlighted by the presence of agricultural terraces and other landscape features.
Damascus
Damascus, with its long history of continuous habitation, has yielded a wealth of archaeological remains from various periods. The city's contributions to art, science, and commerce are reflected in the diverse range of artifacts and structures found at the site.
Decline and Legacy
The decline of the Decapolis cities began in the late Roman period, as the region faced various challenges, including invasions, economic difficulties, and natural disasters. The rise of the Byzantine Empire and the spread of Christianity also contributed to changes in the cultural and political landscape of the region.
Byzantine Period
During the Byzantine period, many of the Decapolis cities continued to thrive as centers of Christian culture and administration. Churches and other Christian structures were built, and the cities remained important hubs of trade and commerce.
Islamic Conquest
The Islamic conquest of the Levant in the 7th century CE brought significant changes to the region. The Decapolis cities were incorporated into the Islamic Caliphate, and many of them continued to be important centers of administration and trade. However, the cultural and architectural landscape of the cities changed, reflecting the new Islamic influences.
Modern Legacy
Today, the legacy of the Decapolis is preserved in the archaeological remains and historical records of the region. The cities continue to be important sites of archaeological research and tourism, offering valuable insights into the history and culture of the Hellenistic and Roman periods in the Near East.