Byzantine Jerusalem

Byxantine JerusalemThis is the chronological framework of Jerusalem during this period. The Romans rule Jerusalem from 63 BCE to 614 CE, and they rename Jerusalem as Aelia Capitolina. Then, it begins the Byzantine Jerusalem from 312 to 637 CE. The Persians capture Jerusalem in 614 CE. In 638 CE, Jerusalem surrenders to Arabs.

During the Byzantine period, the Temple has decreasing influence in Jerusalem, because Jesus keeps on making predictions about the destruction of the Temple. Jesus and his apostles promote the spiritual nature of the Temple. Christianity has been very active in Jerusalem, and it has been gaining influence in the community of the non-Jews. This concept of a spiritual Jerusalem is very different from traditional religion, which usually involves taking a holy sacrifice and sacrifing it at the Temple or mountain. Christianity revolutionizes the view of religion by having people accept Jesus as the spiritualized and internalized body of the Temple. Overall, Jerusalem is important to Christianity because that is where Jesus was said to have been crucified, buried, and resurrected.

In 285 CE, Emperor Diocletian splits administration of Roman Empire between West and East. Constantine the Great comes into power because of the split in power. Constantine rules from 312 to 337 CE. The Edict of Milan legalizes Christianity. His mother, Helena, also brings rise to Christianity by finding the Church of Nativity and Church of the Ascension.