מבט חדש על סביבות ירושלים בתקופה הרומית התיכונה

The study examines settlement patterns in Jerusalem’s rural hinterland during the MiddleRoman period (70-136 CE) following the destruction of the Second Temple. Archaeological evidence reveals a dramatic transformation, with only 4 of the 42 settlements survivingthe First Jewish-Roman War within our 10-kilometer (6.2-mile) research radius, whilesettlements beyond this area successfully recovered.The Roman military presence fundamentally reshaped the region’s compositionand fabric. Three key sites emerged: Shuafat, where there was a Jewish settlement likelyfunctioning as a vicus serving the Legion; Motza (Colonia), where Vespasian establisheda veterans’ colony; and the site of Binyanei HaUma (International Convention Center,Jerusalem), where a pottery workshop operated under Legion control.The settlement at Shuafat is particularly notable, as it housed a Jewish population thatmaintained ritual purity practices while engaging commercially with the Roman military. Itslocation and architectural features suggest it existed within prata legionis—lands directlysubordinate to Legion authority.We propose a spatial-administrative model where Jerusalem’s immediate surroundingsfell under direct Legion control, while more distant areas belonged to the Orine toparchy,where Jewish settlements were permitted to recover. This explains the contrasting settlementpatterns observed within and beyond our study area.The collapse of Jerusalem’s rural support system necessitated alternative supplymechanisms for the Roman forces. The establishment of Motza in a fertile valley representsa targeted effort to develop agricultural production. Evidence suggests that supplies camefrom this colony and more distant regions despite challenging transportation.The distinct burial patterns and scarce evidence of hiding complexes in the area from theBar Kokhba Revolt further confirm this transformation. These findings demonstrate howRoman administrative decisions and the altered economic landscape created settlementpatterns that persisted through later periods, fundamentally transforming Jerusalem’srelationship with its rural surroundings.