Judaeophobia? Identity conflicts of Judaism in antiquity

The remarkable mosaic in the synagogue of Chammat Tiberias illustrates the bond between the Jewish and Graeco-Roman spheres in antiquity portrayed by the Greek inscription of the founder, the zodiac and a pair of menorahs encircling a Torah sanctuary (Aron). Recent research has paid close attention to these cultural connections. However, the cohabitation and inculturation of Judaism within the pagan world was predominantly not characterized by any implemented antagonism. Thus, although this research is significant, it runs the risk of blurring the boundaries between Judaism and the Greco-Roman world, two extremely different socio-religious systems. Jewish authors such as Flavius Josephus and Philo were interpreted generally in the context of Greco-Roman intellectual traditions, with their own Jewish perspective or identity effectively dissolved behind these readings.  Nevertheless, Judaism, in its monotheistic-theocratic form, was distinctly different from its pagan environment, and it also had a considerable influence on the social life of its actors.

This conference, held in collaboration with Università Roma Tre, will examine how ancient Judaism reacted to persistent misunderstandings and conflicts with the Greco-Roman world. This could ultimately have led to Jewish ‘nationalism’ and, in turn, to Judaeophobia in the Greco-Roman world. This could ultimately have led to an increasingly strong consolidation of genuine Jewish identity and, in turn, to a Judeophobia in the Graeco-Roman world.

Thus, the conference will examine relevant textual passages and the religious imagery of Judaism, considering its role in shaping a specific Jewish identity word.

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Speakers:

Andrea Jördens is Professor Emerita of Papyrology at Heidelberg University. Her research interests focuses mainly on the social history of Greco-Roman Egypt.

Johannes Heil is Professor of the Religion, History and Culture of European Judaism at the Heidelberg University of Jewish Studies. He focuses his research particularly on the cultural and social development of Judaism in Late Antiquity and the Middle Ages.

Arnaldo Marcone is Professor of Roman History at Universitá Roma Tre. His research primarily focuses on the economic and social history of the Roman Empire and Late Antiquity. He has recently edited the volume ‘Giudeofobia nell'Impero Romano?’, which draws on Peter Schäfer's research.

Francesca Lorenzini is a Classical Historian at Universitá Roma Tre. Her research specialises in the social, political and religious relations between Rome and ancient Judaism. She has recently published a monograph on this topic, entitled ‘Il potere politico e religioso nella Giudea romana’.

Christopher Decker is Research Fellow and Assistant at the Department of Ancient History and Epigraphy at Heidelberg University, as well as at Heidelberg University of Jewish Studies. His research interests are the political culture of the Roman Empire, particularly the relationship between Judaism and ancient empires, ranging from conflict to cohabitation.

Interested parties are very welcome!

Zoom-Link: https://eu01web.zoom.us/j/63608385034?pwd=mu8zQT0aQugbegnZmRYz1TbfopL2Fw.1