Enslaved Realities in Ancient Palestine

Embark on a comprehensive exploration of first-century CE Palestine as this project delves into the intricate tapestry of epigraphic, archaeological, and literary evidence for slavery in the region. The nuanced understanding of slavery practices during this period is indispensable for unraveling the historical and religious texts of the Second Temple era, particularly considering the distinctive nature of slavery in Palestine compared to other parts of the Roman Empire. This project meticulously analyzes extant evidence, revealing that slavery in first-century Palestine played a pivotal role in reinforcing the political, military, and religious status quo. Unlike other regions, the institution of slavery in Palestine served to establish and maintain autonomy for those in power, further differentiating the subjugated population. By synthesizing epigraphic, archaeological, and literary sources, this project not only contributes to the scholarly discourse on the social dynamics of ancient Palestine but also sheds light on the ways in which slavery shaped and upheld the broader political and religious structures of the time. This work is an essential resource for historians, archaeologists, and scholars interested in the intricacies of social structures and power dynamics in first-century CE Palestine.