Galile
A historical and geographical region located in northern Israel. It holds significant religious, historical, and cultural importance, especially within the context of Judaism and Christianity.
Residents of Galilee were among the followers of Joseph of Arimathea. It was also the home of Esclabor the Unknown, father of Palomides.
In two romances – Claris et Laris and the Alliterative Morte Arthur – it is allied to Arthur’s Roman enemies. Claris names its king as Marbrin.
Galilee | First century AD to 700 AD
During the early part of this century, Galilee was part of the Roman province of Judea. It was a diverse region with a mix of Jewish, Greco-Roman, and other cultural influences. The city of Sepphoris (Zippori) was a major center of Roman administration and culture in Galilee.
In the 30s AD, the ministry of Jesus Christ was seen. The region’s association with Jesus’ life and teachings made it a central location for early Christianity.
In 70 AD, the Jewish revolt against Roman rule led to the destruction of Jerusalem and the Second Temple. This event marked a turning point for the Jewish community and impacted Galilee as well.
Christianity continued to spread throughout the Roman Empire, including in Galilee, during the second and third centuries. Nazareth, hometown of Jesus, became a significant center of Christian pilgrimage. Early Christian communities were established in Galilee, contributing to the growth of the faith.
In 313, the Edict of Milan, issued by the Roman Emperor Constantine, granted religious tolerance to Christianity and allowed it to flourish openly. This had implications for the spread of Christianity in Galilee and other regions. During the fourth century, Galilee’s connection to Christianity led to the construction of churches and other Christian religious structures. The Church of the Annunciation in Nazareth is one example of a prominent Christian site from this era.
The Byzantine Empire, in the fifth and sixth centuries, which followed the Roman Empire, exerted its influence over Galilee. The region continued to be an important Christian center, with the construction of churches, monasteries, and other religious institutions.
The seventh century saw the expansion of the Islamic Caliphate, and by 638 AD, the Islamic forces captured Jerusalem, including its holy sites. The presence of Christianity in Galilee persisted, but the region became increasingly influenced by Islamic culture and governance.
See also
Jaffa | The Legend of King Arthur
Saint Peter | The Legend of King Arthur
Sources
Vulgate Estoire del Saint Graal | 1220-1235
Post-Vulgate Queste del Saint Graal | 1230-1240
Claris et Laris | 1268
Alliterative Morte Arthure | c. 1400