Aradus, known in modern times as Arwad, is an ancient island city located off the coast of present-day Syria. It is situated in the Mediterranean Sea, approximately two miles from the mainland. The city of Aradus is notable for its historical and biblical significance, particularly in the context of ancient Phoenician civilization.

Historical Background

Aradus was one of the prominent city-states of the Phoenicians, a seafaring people known for their trade and colonization throughout the Mediterranean region. The island city was strategically important due to its location and served as a hub for maritime activities. The Phoenicians of Aradus were skilled sailors and traders, contributing to the spread of their culture and influence across the ancient world.

Biblical References

While Aradus itself is not directly mentioned in the Bible, it is often associated with the broader Phoenician region, which includes cities like Tyre and Sidon. The Phoenicians are frequently referenced in the Old Testament, particularly in relation to their interactions with the Israelites.

In Ezekiel 27, the prophet Ezekiel delivers a lamentation over the city of Tyre, a leading Phoenician city. The passage highlights the extensive trade network of Tyre, which would have included interactions with other Phoenician cities like Aradus. Ezekiel 27:8 states, "The men of Sidon and Arvad were your rowers; your skilled men, O Tyre, were aboard, they were your pilots." Here, "Arvad" is understood to be a reference to Aradus, indicating its involvement in the maritime activities of the region.

Cultural and Religious Significance

The Phoenicians, including those from Aradus, were known for their polytheistic religion, which included the worship of deities such as Baal and Astarte. This religious system often brought them into conflict with the monotheistic beliefs of the Israelites. The influence of Phoenician culture and religion is evident in various biblical narratives, where the Israelites are warned against adopting the idolatrous practices of their neighbors.

Archaeological Insights

Archaeological excavations on the island of Arwad have revealed significant insights into the life and culture of ancient Aradus. The remains of fortifications, temples, and other structures provide evidence of the city's historical importance and its role in the Phoenician trade network. These findings help to illuminate the context in which biblical events and interactions took place.

Legacy

The legacy of Aradus, as part of the greater Phoenician civilization, is seen in its contributions to maritime trade, the spread of the Phoenician alphabet, and its interactions with the ancient Israelites. The city's history serves as a testament to the complex cultural and economic exchanges that characterized the ancient Near East.ARADUS

ar'-a-dus (Arados, 1 Maccabees 15:23): Greek name of the Old Testament ARVAD (which see), a city on the coast of Phoenicia.

Excursion to Aradus.
... Book VII. Chapter XII."Excursion to Aradus. After this, one of those present
began to ask Peter, that early next day we should ...
/.../unknown/recognitions of clement /chapter xii excursion to aradus.htm

Departure from Aradus.
... Book VII. Chapter XXIV"Departure from Aradus. Then Peter, so far as he
could, and as time permitted, addressed the crowds on the ...
/.../unknown/recognitions of clement /chapter xxivdeparture from aradus.htm

Recapitulation.
... And when I had said this, Peter began to relate the whole matter to them in order,
[797] and said, "When we had come to Aradus, [798] and I had ordered you to ...
/.../unknown/recognitions of clement /chapter xxvi recapitulation.htm

Of the Holy Barses, and of the Exile of the Bishop of Edessa and ...
... through all which regions he had travelled with a high reputation won by his great
virtue, had been relegated by Valens to the island of Aradus, [717] but when ...
/.../the ecclesiastical history of theodoret/chapter xiv of the holy barses.htm

Recognitions of Clement.
... Chapter XI.--Different Effects of Suffering on Heathens and Christians. Chapter
XII.--Excursion to Aradus. ... Chapter XXIV--Departure from Aradus. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/unknown/recognitions of clement /

Letter cclxiv. To Barses, Bishop of Edessa, in Exile.
... to any definite see. cf. also Theodoret HE iv. 16, where it is stated that
his bed was preserved at Aradus. [3197] Domninus was a ...
/.../basil/basil letters and select works/letter cclxiv to barses bishop.htm

A Pleasure Trip.
... had spoken thus, a certain one amongst us ventured to invite him, in the name of
all, that next day, early in the morning, he should sail to Aradus, an island ...
/.../unknown/the clementine homilies/chapter xii a pleasure trip.htm

The Canons of the Two Hundred Holy and Blessed Fathers who Met at ...
... Julian, and Cyril, and Olympius, and Diogenes, Polius, Theophanes of Philadelphia,
Trajan of Augusta, Aurelius of Irenopolis, Mys??us of Aradus, Helladius of ...
/.../schaff/the seven ecumenical councils/the canons of the two.htm

How Every Nation was Denominated from their First Inhabitants.
... called Amathe by the inhabitants, although the Macedonians named it Epiphania, from
one of his posterity: Arudeus possessed the island Aradus: Arucas possessed ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/chapter 6 how every nation.htm

How Alexander, Upon the League of Mutual Defense which Cleopatra ...
... But after a while Antiochus, the son of Cyzicenus, who was called Pius, came to
Aradus, and put the diadem on his own head, and made war with Seleucus, and ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/chapter 13 how alexander upon.htm

Aradus
... Standard Bible Encyclopedia ARADUS. ar'-a-dus (Arados, 1 Maccabees 15:23): Greek
name of the Old Testament ARVAD (which see), a city on the coast of Phoenicia. ...
/a/aradus.htm - 6k

Money (284 Occurrences)
... The issues of Aradus, Sidon and Tyre were especially noteworthy, and were of various
types and sizes suited to the commercial transactions of the Phoenicians. ...
/m/money.htm - 69k

Arad (5 Occurrences)

/a/arad.htm - 10k

Phoenicians
... The name was probably first applied to the region opposite Cyprus, from Gabala to
Aradus and Marathus, where the date-palm was observed, and then, as it was ...
/p/phoenicians.htm - 38k

Phoenicia (6 Occurrences)
... The name was probably first applied to the region opposite Cyprus, from Gabala to
Aradus and Marathus, where the date-palm was observed, and then, as it was ...
/p/phoenicia.htm - 40k

Tripolis
... It was divided into 3 quarters by walls-hence, the name "triple city"-and these
were occupied by settlers from Tyre, Sidon, and Aradus, respectively. ...
/t/tripolis.htm - 7k

Arah (3 Occurrences)

/a/arah.htm - 7k

Arvad (2 Occurrences)
... The town is not mentioned in the New Testament, and in modern times has sunk to
a small village, chiefly inhabited by fishermen. See ARADUS. H. Porter. ...
/a/arvad.htm - 11k

Arvadites (1 Occurrence)
... The town is not mentioned in the New Testament, and in modern times has sunk to
a small village, chiefly inhabited by fishermen. See ARADUS. H. Porter. ...
/a/arvadites.htm - 10k

Hittites (39 Occurrences)
... the peoples of the North," and "no people stood before their arms, beginning with
the people of the Chatti, of the Kati, of Carchemish and Aradus." The invaders ...
/h/hittites.htm - 55k

Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus