By Dimosthenis Vasiloudis

The Renaming of Judea: Hadrian’s Attempt to Erase Jewish History by Creating Palestine

The Roman Emperor Hadrian (Publius Aelius Hadrianus), who reigned from 117 to 138 AD, is considered one of the most significant and controversial leaders of the Roman Empire. His reign was marked by important political and administrative reforms and extensive cultural activities. However, one of the most contentious aspects of his rule was his conflict with the Jews and his attempt to eradicate Jewish identity and religion. His decision to rename Judea as Syria Palaestina and the suppression of the Bar Kokhba Revolt (132–136 AD) left an indelible mark on the history of the region.

Hadrian's Conflict with the Jews

Hadrian's conflict with the Jews was not merely the result of political or military differences but a deeper cultural and religious confrontation. Influenced by Greek philosophy and classical tradition, Hadrian sought to impose Greco-Roman culture across the provinces of the empire. This policy manifested in the founding of the city of Aelia Capitolina on the ruins of Jerusalem and the construction of a temple dedicated to Jupiter on the site of the destroyed Temple of Solomon. To the Jews, this was not just a political act but a profound sacrilege, as it directly challenged the core of their religious beliefs.

The Jewish response was driven by a desire to preserve their identity in the face of an empire that sought uniformity. Hadrian's attempt to ban circumcision, a fundamental Jewish religious practice, heightened tensions. Circumcision was not just a religious rite but a symbol of the covenant between God and Abraham, embodying the Jewish people's absolute faith. The prohibition of circumcision was seen as an attempt to erase Jewish identity itself.

The Bar Kokhba Revolt, led by Simon Bar Kokhba, was the Jewish response to these provocations. Lasting from 132 to 136 AD, this rebellion was marked by intense violence, underscoring the deep-rooted resistance of the Jews to foreign domination and cultural imposition. The revolt presented the Roman Empire with one of its most formidable challenges, reflecting the resilience of Jewish determination to maintain their religious and cultural autonomy.

The Renaming of Judea to Syria Palaestina

Following the suppression of the Bar Kokhba Revolt, Hadrian decided to take drastic measures to erase the Jewish presence in the region. One of these actions was the renaming of the province of Judea to Syria Palaestina. This was not merely an administrative change but a deliberate attempt to sever the historical and religious connection of the Jews to their land.

The choice of the name "Palaestina" referred to the ancient Philistines, traditional enemies of the Jews in the Old Testament. By invoking this name, Hadrian aimed to undermine the historical continuity of the Jewish people in the region, stripping them of their claim to the land. The renaming was also a strategic move to prevent any future Jewish uprisings or attempts to reclaim their independence.

The founding of Aelia Capitolina and the renaming of the province were part of a broader policy of cultural assimilation. Hadrian sought not only to impose Greco-Roman culture but also to obliterate any remnants of Jewish religion and history. This policy was particularly harsh, aiming to render the Jews a marginalized minority with no hope of regaining their former glory.

The Causes of Hadrian's Persecution of Judaism

The reasons behind Hadrian's persecution of Judaism were multifaceted, rooted in his philosophical and political vision. Firstly, Hadrian was a proponent of classical Greek culture and Roman organization. His admiration for Greek culture and architecture made him view Judaism as something foreign and incompatible with the values of the empire. His desire to unify the empire through cultural homogeneity left little room for tolerance toward religions that diverged significantly from the Roman model.

Moreover, the continuous resistance of the Jews to Roman rule made them a persistent thorn in the side of the empire's eastern frontier. The memory of the Jewish Revolt of 66-73 AD was still fresh in Roman minds, influencing Hadrian's decisions. To avoid a recurrence of such events, Hadrian opted to destroy the very foundation of Judaism by imposing severe measures of suppression.

Finally, Hadrian's religious tolerance did not extend to religions he perceived as threats to the political unity of the empire. Unlike other emperors who tolerated or even encouraged religious pluralism, Hadrian saw Judaism, with its strict monotheism and unique practices, as a danger to the imperial order. This perceived threat was exacerbated by the Jews' persistent refusal to fully integrate into Roman society and accept the emperor's supremacy.

Hadrian, though recognized for his cultural initiatives and administrative reforms, left a deep scar on the Jewish people through his actions. His attempt to eradicate Judaism and transform Judea into Syria Palaestina was part of a broader strategy of cultural unification and suppression. His conflict with the Jews was a clash of cultures and religions, with the wounds of this period echoing into modern times. The history of Hadrian and his relationship with Judaism remains one of the most significant chapters in the history of the conflict between religion and power.