Religion, Society and Culture at Dura-Europos

This volume provides valuable insights into the religion, society, and culture of Dura-Europos, a small town on the Euphrates known as the Pompeii of the Syrian desert. With inscriptions and graffiti in ten ancient languages, sculptures and frescoes blending Classical and Oriental art, a papyrological dossier of any military unit in the Roman world, documents relating to the local economy, over a dozen pagan sanctuaries, a famously painted synagogue, and the earliest Christian house church, Dura-Europos offers a unique perspective on day-to-day life in a provincial small town.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 332 pages
Publication date: 22 July 2021
Publisher: Cambridge University Press

This comprehensive volume offers a profound exploration into the religion, society, and culture of Dura-Europos, a small town situated along the Euphrates River, renowned since the 1930s as the Pompeii of the Syrian desert. Numerous remarkable features make this site an invaluable source for understanding the daily life of a small town on the periphery of the Roman world. Here are some of the key aspects that contribute to its significance:

Inscriptions and Graffiti: Dura-Europos boasts a wealth of inscriptions and graffiti written in ten ancient languages, providing a rich tapestry of historical information and cultural diversity. These inscriptions and graffiti offer a glimpse into the daily lives, beliefs, and social interactions of the town's inhabitants.

Sculptures and Frescoes: The town is adorned with magnificent sculptures and frescoes that blend elements of Classical and Oriental art. These artistic creations showcase the artistic influences and cultural exchange that occurred during the Roman period.

Papyrological Dossier: Dura-Europos houses the most important papyrological dossier of any military unit in the Roman world. The collection of documents, including military records, administrative correspondence, and legal documents, sheds light on the organization, operations, and governance of the Roman military in the region.

Local Economy: The site provides valuable insights into the local economy, including trade, agriculture, and manufacturing. The discovery of economic documents, such as tax receipts, contracts, and invoices, sheds light on the economic activities and transactions of the town's inhabitants.

Pagan Sanctuaries: Dura-Europos boasts over a dozen pagan sanctuaries, indicating the prevalence of polytheistic worship in the region. These sanctuaries showcase the diverse religious practices and beliefs of the town's population.

Famous Painted Synagogue: One of the most iconic features of Dura-Europos is the famously painted synagogue. The vibrant and intricate murals inside the synagogue depict biblical scenes and Jewish customs, providing a unique window into Jewish religious life during the Roman period.

Earliest Christian House Church: The town also contains the earliest Christian house church, which dates back to the early centuries of Christianity. The church's architectural design and interior decorations offer valuable insights into the early Christian community's worship practices and beliefs.

Gridiron City Plan: Dura-Europos is organized in a gridiron city plan, typical of Roman urban planning. The well-preserved fortifications surrounding the town provide a sense of security and protection, reflecting the importance of defense in Roman society.

Dura-Europos' unique findings offer a unparalleled opportunity to study life in a provincial small town in a way that archaeology and history alone cannot. The site's diverse cultural and historical elements provide a rich tapestry of information that sheds light on the complex and multifaceted nature of Roman society and its interactions with other cultures.

In conclusion, this comprehensive volume contributes significantly to our understanding of Dura-Europos and its place in the history and culture of the Roman world. Its unique features and rich content make it an invaluable resource for scholars, researchers, and anyone interested in exploring the ancient world.

Weight: 586g
Dimension: 170 x 243 x 21 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781107560239