Judea facts for kids

The fall of Jerusalem and the Roman conquest of Judea

Judea (also spelled Judaea) is a historic region in the southern part of the Land of Israel. Today, this area is divided between Israel, the West Bank, and Jordan.

In modern Hebrew, people sometimes call a large southern part of Israel and the West Bank "Yehudah." The term "Judea and Samaria" is also used to specifically refer to the West Bank area.

This region was once home to the ancient Kingdom of Judah. Later, it became the Kingdom of Judea, which was part of the powerful Roman Empire. The name Judea comes from the Greek and Roman versions of Judah. At first, it referred to the whole historic region of Palestine. But by the time of the New Testament, it mostly meant the southern part of the region.

Important cities in Judea include Hebron, Bethlehem, Efrat, and Beitar Illit. Judea is very important in the stories of the Torah. Many believe that the ancient leaders, called Patriarchs like Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, are buried in Hebron at the Tomb of the Patriarchs.

What Happened in Judea's History?

Judea has a long and interesting history, with many changes over time. Here's a quick look at some key periods:

• Before 63 BC: Judea was an independent state, meaning it ruled itself.
• 63 BC to 6 AD: It became a "client kingdom" of Rome. This means Rome had a lot of influence, but Judea still had its own king.
• 6 AD to 41 AD: Judea became a Roman province, directly ruled by Rome.
• 26 AD to 36 AD: A Roman governor named Pontius Pilatus was in charge.
• 41 AD to 44 AD: Herod Agrippa ruled as a client king again.
• 44 AD to 48 AD: Judea went back to being a Roman province.
• 48 AD to 100 AD: Herod Agrippa II ruled as another client king.
• 66 AD to 70 AD: The First Jewish Rebellion against Roman rule took place.
• After 100 AD: Judea remained a Roman province.
• 115 AD to 117 AD: A second rebellion happened.
• 132 AD to 135 AD: The third rebellion, led by Simon Bar Kokhba, occurred.
• 135 AD: After the rebellions, Emperor Hadrian renamed Judea to Syria Palaestina.

Images for kids

• 

  The Judean hills

• 

  An old Roman road in Judea

• 

  Mediterranean oak and terebinth woodland in the Valley of Elah, southwestern Judea

• 

  A map from the 5th century CE showing Byzantine provinces of Palaestina I (which included Philistia, Judea, and Samaria) and Palaestina II (Galilee and Perea).

See also

In Spanish: Judea para niños