Magdala

Un enclave galileo del comercio entre Roma y Oriente

Abstract

Recent excavations in the ancient city of Magdala, in Galilee, have revealed its importance in the region during the Hellenistic and Roman periods. Taking into consideration some of these discoveries, which reveal an intense commercial activity, this study seeks to find out what was the role of Magdala in the trade between Rome and the Far East that intensified markedly from the reign of Augustus. To answer this question, it is necessary to place these archaeological finds in the context of the expansion policy of the Hasmonean and Herodian rulers, and to keep in mind the proliferation of new trade routes. The involvement of the city of Magdala in this international trade network invites to rethink what we know about Galilee in the time of Jesus.