63 BCE – 330 CE

The Roman Period in the land of Canaan typically refers to the period from the conquest of Jerusalem by the Roman general Pompey in 63 BCE to the emergence of the Byzantine Empire in 330 CE. The Byzantine Period follows the Roman Period and is considered a continuation of Roman rule in the eastern part of the Roman Empire which continued until the Arab-Muslim conquest in the 7th century CE. 
The Roman Period in Canaan was characterized by significant political, social, and religious changes. Here are key aspects of the Roman Period in the land of Canaan:

1. Roman Conquest:
    - In 63 BCE, the Roman general Pompey captured Jerusalem, bringing the land of Canaan under Roman influence.
    - While the Hasmonean rulers retained a degree of autonomy initially, Judea became a client kingdom under Roman suzerainty. 
    - The Philistine cities were incorporated into the Roman administrative structure.
2. Herodian Dynasty:
    - The Roman Senate appointed Herod the Great as king of Judea in 40 BCE. Herod was known for his ambitious building projects, including the renovation of the Second Temple in Jerusalem.
    - The Herodian dynasty ruled Judea under Roman oversight, and Herod's descendants continued to govern parts of the region.
3. Life under Roman Rule:
    - Roman administration introduced changes to local governance, taxation, and legal systems.
    - The construction of Roman infrastructure, such as roads and aqueducts, facilitated trade and communication.
4. Client Kingdoms:
    - While Judea was under direct Roman rule, neighboring regions like Galilee and the Decapolis were organized as semi-autonomous client kingdoms.
5. Romanization and Hellenization:
    - Roman influence brought about Romanization, influencing language, legal systems, and administrative structures.
    - Greek continued to be a significant language, and Hellenistic cultural elements persisted alongside Roman practices.
6. Roman/Jewish wars:
    - Tensions between the Jewish population and Roman authorities escalated (66–73 CE), leading to the outbreak of the First Jewish-Roman War. The war resulted in the destruction of the Second Temple in 70 CE.
    - The defeat of the Jewish rebellion led to a dispersal of Jewish communities, known as the Jewish Diaspora, as many Jews were taken as slaves or migrated to other regions.
    - The Bar Kokhba Revolt (132–136 CE) was a second major Jewish rebellion against Roman rule. Led by Simon Bar Kokhba, the revolt was ultimately crushed by the Romans, resulting in significant loss of life and further restrictions on Jewish life in Judea.
    - Jewish communities in various regions of the Roman Empire and beyond continued to exist and develop in the diaspora. However, the return to the land as a significant and organized movement occurred centuries later, particularly during the era of the Islamic Caliphate. 
    - The experience of dispersion and exile became a central element in Jewish consciousness and identity and the longing for a return to the homeland, expressed in prayers and rituals, became a fundamental aspect of Jewish life.
1. Palaestina Prima:
   - Palaestina Prima was one of the provinces created during the Roman Empire, specifically in the Eastern part, and it encompassed the central and southern parts of historic Palestine. The capital of Palaestina Prima was Caesarea Maritima, a coastal city.
   - The province included major cities such as Jerusalem, Jaffa, and Ashkelon. It covered the region from the Mediterranean Sea to the Jordan River.
2. Byzantine Period (330–636 CE):
    - The division of the Roman Empire into the Western and Eastern Roman Empires (Byzantine Empire) in 330 CE had an impact on the region.

This period marks a significant confusion point in the history of the region. 

At the end of this period, the inhabitants of the land of Canaan (which includes modern-day Israel, Palestine and parts of Lebanon and Syria) are a mix of Canaanites, Philistines, Israelites as major groups. Note that these groups themselves are mixed with many group that passed through the land such as Amorites, Phoenicians, Moab, Ammon, Tjeker, Geshur and Edom. 

Another group, which is not distinct from the early mentioned groups, will play an important role in the future of the region are the Jews who migrated (wither voluntarily or forced to migrate) to other regions of the Roman Empire with hopes of returning to the land one day. 

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