Herodian Agrippa I Archaeology: Introduction: Herodian Era Archaeology: Agrippa I, #1

By Elizabeth Legge

This is the thesis Abstract, Introduction and Table of Contents. This research examined some of the archaeological and material evidence which throws light on aspects of the life of Agrippa I as revealed in the historical sources, including any indications for problems which might provide non-natural reasons for the shortness of his reign. This has begun with an examination of building projects in Judaea and Syria attributed to his grandfather, Herod I (the Great) in hope of revealing Herod's cultural identity and how this might differ from Agrippa I's own approach. 

 

First Published by the University of Pisa in 2023.

Self-published edition by Elizabeth Legge in 2024.

Image: Freepik, 2024.

 

This publication may be periodically updated for accuracy and clarity.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Elizabeth Legge
• Release date: May 14, 2024
• ISBN: 9798224062805

Elizabeth Legge

Elizabeth Legge is a Doctor of Medicine candidate at a European university. She achieved her Master’s degree in Classical Archaeology at the University of Pisa, Italy. She was awarded her Bachelor of Arts in Classical Studies and Bachelor of Sciences in Integrated Sciences at the University of British Columbia, Canada. She has travelled extensively to all continents since childhood and lived in many countries. She is Australian, Canadian and half English.

Book preview

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UNIVERSITY OF PISA  Department of Civilizations and Knowledge  Corso di Laurea Magistrale in Archeologia Classica

MASTER THESIS  Herodian Era Topography and Archaeology

to Throw Light on the Life of Marcus Julius Agrippa I 

SUPERVISOR  Dr. Simonetta Menchelli

CANDIDATE  Elizabeth Legge

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ACADEMIC YEAR 2022-2023

Abstract

This thesis has examined some of the archaeological and material evidence which throws light on aspects of the life of Agrippa I as revealed in the historical sources, including any indications for problems which might provide non-natural reasons for the shortness of his reign.  This has begun with an examination of building projects in Judaea and Syria attributed to his grandfather, Herod I (the Great) in hope of revealing Herod’s cultural identity and how this might differ from Agrippa I’s own approach.  The shortness of Agrippa’s reign and limitations on archaeological work in Palestine, Syria and Lebanon have restricted the amount of material information on Agrippa.

The investigation has confirmed that Herod I had a mainly Hellenistic presentation while innovatively incorporating Greek, Roman and other Eastern cultural elements which apparently provided accommodation for his friendship with Rome, his Roman guests and the multicultural residents in his kingdom.  Privately, he observed basic Judaic Law by using miqveh and avoiding graven imagery.  Agrippa I did not alter his grandfather’s multicultural style nor architectural features, including the private ones adhering to the Jewish Law’s requirements. He created some high quality Roman technological projects, including initiating construction on a well-built northern