Jerusalem in the Byzantine Period (Drawing)

ca. 4th Century

In the five centuries following the Bar Kokhba revolt, Jerusalem remained under Roman and then Byzantine rule and became heavily Christianized. In the fourth century, the Roman emperor Constantine I constructed many Christian places of worship in Jerusalem, including the Church of the Holy Sepulchre and the Church of the Ascension on the Mount of Olives. Later emperors added the Nea Church, the basilica of Holy Zion, and the Siloam Church, among others.
Black-and-white illustrated map of Byzantine Jerusalem, showing labeled landmarks: Basilica of Holy Zion, Nea Church, Hippicus (David's Tower), Holy Sepulchre, Damascus Gate, Temple Mount (abandoned), and Siloam Church.

Credits

Dr. Leen Ritmeyer, Ritmeyer Archaeological Design.

Published in: The Posen Library of Jewish Culture and Civilization, vol. 2: Emerging Judaism.

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Black-and-white photo of a large amphitheater, showing its ancient stone arches and partial ruin. The large amphitheater stands alone, with some missing sections and an empty foreground.
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Related Guide

The Late Roman Period in History and Memory

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Christianizing, Dechristianizing, and Rechristianizing Jerusalem in the Late Roman Period

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Jerusalem’s religious identity evolved from a Roman colony into a Byzantine Christian center, despite Emperor Julian’s brief attempt to rebuild the Jewish Temple.

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