christians in jerusalem.

Byzantine Jerusalem (312-637 CE)

Cities other than Jerusalem become important with the rise of Christianity 

Prominent Jewish cities: Jerusalem, Alexander in Egypt, and Babylon

Things begin moving west with the rise of Christianity

Antioch, Turkey, Greece, Rome- western expansion of Christianity

Rome became most powerful

Early in Christianity:
Jesus was actually Jewish

Before the term "Christians", they were called “The Way”

Increasing Hellenization of Europe that causes all different kinds of Christians

Continue to see the spiritualization of the faith

Decrease in influence of Jerusalem: comes about from Jesus predicting that the Temple would be destroyed

The Book of Acts is spreading the word about spiritualization of faith 

Acts I: tells about the ascension of Jesus into the sky

Acts 2: the spirit of God is said to be with every believer

There are contrasting beliefs about what the Christians should instill as a part of their religion

There's an apocalyptic vision of a new Jerusalem

Many more records of Jesus proclaiming Temple will be destroyed

Consequently, faith is becoming portable

Jerusalem is important to Christians because this is where Jesus was crucified, buried and resurrected

“This is Jesus, King of the Jews” sign above him when being crucified on the cross

This is mocking him because he said he could destroy and build the Temple in three days

Christians justify it as Jesus referring to the Temple as his body (explanation of resurrection) 

Roman Rule (63 BCE - 614 CE):

Romans turn Jerusalem into a Roman town

285 CE: Roman rule changes when Emperor Diocletian splits his empire into east and west

He forms a tetrarchy because empire was getting so large

Maximan takes on Constants as co-emperor, Diocletian takes on Galerius as co-emperor (four rulers in total)

There becomes issues when the emperors die, etc. 

As predicted, his tetrarchy doesn’t work out

Constantine (son of Constantius) takes over complete power

Constantine (312- 337 CE):

Jesus is very pacifist, never worried about an earthly kingdom

Constantine takes interest in Christianity to unify his kingdom

He wants to conquer in the name of Jesus

Ironic because Jesus didn’t promote war, conquest, or anything of the sort

In 313 CE, Constantine legalizes Christianity through the Edict of Milan

He is fundamentally changing the way Christianity is practiced, but at least it’s legalized

At this time, there are many different groups claiming to be Christian, though they all have different beliefs

-Some people believe he was only a spirit

-Others believe in his physical being and believe he was adopted as God’s son.

-Some just think he has always been God

-Some deny that he was ever Jewish

Constantine comes up with standard set of beliefs

In 324 CE, the Council of Nicea arranges this. 

The recognize God as the Father, Son, and Holy ghost 

So there’s now two physical entities and one holy entity

Nicene Creed creates the Doctrine of the Trinity

7th Canon in the Creed says Aelia Capitolina should have an honored position

Now ruling under Religious Law, which becomes a usual thing for the Christian religion

Constantine moves his capital to Bosphorus Straight and calls it Constantinople

Constantine used Christianity for his own political gain

In 324 CE, Constantine’s mother, Helena, visits Jerusalem

Constantine allows her to be Empress

Ordered construction of church in Egypt to commemorate the burning bush

This new church was called the Chapel of Helena

She doubted the burial site of Jesus and “found” the relics of true cross, though her reasons were not very scientific

The Church of the Holy Sepulcher becomes the axis mundi when it is built over the actual spot of Jesus’ death

Julian “the Apostate” (361-363 CE):

He was given this name because he rejects Christianity 

He comes to power after Constantine and is pro-Jewish

Undid anything Christian that Constantine established

He even wanted to build a new church to replace the Temple

In 391 CE, Theodosius comes to power and names Christianity the state religion

Constantine only legalized it, Theodosius actually made it the religion of Jerusalem

Christian Jerusalem:

Wife of Theodosius II makes a pilgrimage to Jerusalem in 438 CE

She contributes a lot to the city (churches, hospitals, etc.)

Justinian is the next ruler (527-565 CE)

He expands Jerusalem and builds the Nea Church to credit St. Mary as well as the Holy Zion

Nea church commemorates the axis mundi

It is very similar to Solomon’s temple in structure

Now that it is the state religion, physical things begin to play into religion again

Pilgrimage:

Jewish- 3 Festivals & 9th of Ab (celebration of Jesus' birth and mourning of Temple destruction, respectively)

Christian- Pilgrim of Bordeaux is the earliest known Christian pilgrimage

Physical experience becomes important again (sacred space)

Graffiti in holy sites to record account for pilgrimage

Pilgrimage becomes part of the 5 Pillars for Muslims later

Madaba Mosaic Map:

Mosaic on the floor of Holy Sepulcher

Portrays a very accurate map of the time

Lots of Roman influence seen in the buildings, etc.

Depicts several gates: Damascus, Hadrian, Stephen’s, Dung, Zion, Jaffa, and Golden gates

East is always “up” in ancient maps

Temple is no longer in the center, it’s off to the side

Center is now the Church of the Holy Sepulcher

Church of the Holy Sepulcher:

Migrating myths towards Christianity and away from Judaism 

Tomb was a theophany, Adam buried at Golgotha, etc.

Christian beliefs being moved to new axis mundi and away from Temple Mount


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