Topical Encyclopedia Halicarnassus was an ancient city located in Caria, on the southwestern coast of Asia Minor, in what is now modern-day Bodrum, Turkey. Although not directly mentioned in the Bible, Halicarnassus holds historical and cultural significance that provides context to the biblical world, particularly in the New Testament era.Historical Background Halicarnassus was founded by Dorian Greeks and became a prominent city in the region of Caria. It is best known as the birthplace of Herodotus, the "Father of History," who lived in the 5th century BC. The city gained further renown for the Mausoleum at Halicarnassus, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. This monumental tomb was built for Mausolus, a satrap of the Persian Empire, by his wife Artemisia II around 350 BC. During the Hellenistic period, Halicarnassus came under the influence of various empires, including the Macedonian Empire under Alexander the Great. It later became part of the Roman Empire, which is the context in which it is most relevant to the New Testament period. Cultural and Religious Context Halicarnassus was a melting pot of Greek and Persian cultures, which is reflective of the broader Hellenistic influence that permeated the eastern Mediterranean. This cultural blend is significant for understanding the Greco-Roman world in which the early Christian church emerged. The city's religious life was characterized by the worship of Greek deities, and it was known for its grand temples and public buildings. Relevance to the New Testament While Halicarnassus itself is not mentioned in the New Testament, its cultural and historical context provides insight into the world of the early Christians. The spread of Hellenistic culture, including language, philosophy, and religious practices, influenced the regions where the Apostle Paul and other early missionaries traveled. The Roman infrastructure, including roads and cities like Halicarnassus, facilitated the spread of the Gospel. The Apostle Paul's missionary journeys took him through Asia Minor, where he encountered cities with similar Hellenistic influences. The cultural and religious dynamics of cities like Halicarnassus would have been familiar to Paul and other early Christians as they navigated the challenges of preaching the Gospel in a predominantly pagan world. Archaeological Significance Archaeological excavations in Halicarnassus have uncovered significant artifacts and structures, including remnants of the Mausoleum, city walls, and ancient theaters. These findings provide valuable insights into the architectural and cultural achievements of the time, offering a glimpse into the environment that shaped the early Christian experience. Conclusion Halicarnassus, though not directly mentioned in the Bible, serves as a representative of the Hellenistic cities that formed the backdrop of the New Testament world. Its historical and cultural significance enriches our understanding of the context in which the early church developed and spread the message of Christ. International Standard Bible Encyclopedia HALICARNASSUShal-i-kar-nas'-us (Halikarnassos): The largest and strongest city of the ancient country of Caria in Asia Minor, situated on the shore of a bay, 15 miles from the island of Cos. Its site was beautiful; its climate temperate and even; the soil of the surrounding country was unusually fertile and noted for its abundance of fig, orange, lemon, olive and almond trees. When the ancient country fell into the possession of the Persians, the kings of Caria were still permitted to rule. One of the rulers was the famous queen Artemisia who fought at the battle of Salamis. The most famous of the kings, however, was Maussollos (Mausolus), who ruled from 373 to 353 B.C., and the tomb in which he was buried was long considered one of the wonders of the ancient world. Pliny describes the tomb as a circular structure, 140 ft. high, 411 ft. in circumference, and surrounded by 36 columns; it was covered with a pyramidal dome. The ancient writer Vitruvius, in his description of the city, says that the agora was along the shore; back of it was the mausoleum, and still farther away was the temple of Mars. To the right of the agora were the temples of Venus and Mercury, and to the left was the palace of Maussollos. Alexander the Great destroyed the city only after a long siege, but he was unable to take the acropolis. The city never quite recovered, yet it was later distinguished as the supposed birthplace of Herodotus and Dionysius. That a number of Jews lived there is evident from the fact, according to 1 Maccabees 15:23, that in the year 139 B.C., a letter was written by the Roman Senate in their behalf. In the 1st century B.C., a decree was issued granting to the Jews in Halicarnassus liberty to worship "according to the Jewish laws, and to make their proseuche at the sea-side, according to the customs of their forefathers" (Josephus, Ant, XIV, x, 23). Library The Philosophy of the Christians More Ancient than that of the ... The Jewish Institutions and Laws of Far Higher Antiquity than the ... How Solomon Fortified the City of Jerusalem, and Built Great ... Concerning Rehoboam, and How God Inflicted Punishment Upon Him for ... Herodotus and Xenophon. The Review of the Troops at Doriscus. And Now Let us Proceed to Explain the Reasons for which this ... Luke. Eusebius: Constantine. General Index. One Argument which Has Been Much Relied Upon but not More than Its ... Thesaurus Halicarnassus... Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia HALICARNASSUS. hal-i-kar-nas'-us (Halikarnassos): The largest and strongest city of the ancient ... /h/halicarnassus.htm - 9k Rhodes (2 Occurrences) Dionysius (1 Occurrence) Armenia (2 Occurrences) Hali (1 Occurrence) Haling (1 Occurrence) Resources Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus |
    |