Learn more about Ituraea

Introduction to Ituraea

Ituraea, also spelled Iturea, is a geographical region mentioned in the New Testament, notably in the context of Roman provincial divisions during the time of Jesus and John the Baptist. Though only briefly referenced in Scripture, Ituraea has a rich historical and geopolitical significance in the broader narrative of the Roman Empire and the Herodian dynasty. The name is believed to be derived from the Ituraeans, a semi-nomadic Arab people descended from Ishmael, who settled in the region north of Galilee.

Ituraea Pronunciation

“Ituraea” is pronounced as it-yoo-REE-uh, with emphasis on the third syllable.

Ituraea in the Bible

Ituraea is mentioned specifically in the Gospel of Luke in the context of identifying the political rulers at the beginning of John the Baptist's ministry:

• Luke 3:1: "In the fifteenth year of the reign of Tiberius Caesar—when Pontius Pilate was governor of Judea, Herod tetrarch of Galilee, his brother Philip tetrarch of Ituraea and Traconitis..." This passage situates the beginning of John the Baptist's ministry in a very specific political and geographical context.

In this reference, Ituraea is governed by Philip the Tetrarch, one of the sons of Herod the Great. This administrative detail helps biblical scholars establish a timeline for the early ministry of Jesus and reflects the fragmentation of Herod's kingdom after his death.

Historical and Geographical Context of Ituraea

Ituraea was located in the region northeast of Galilee and the Sea of Galilee, encompassing parts of what is today southern Syria and northern Lebanon. It was part of the larger territory known as the Decapolis in Roman times. The region was known for its rugged terrain and was historically difficult to control, making it a haven for tribal groups like the Ituraeans.

The Ituraeans themselves were known as fierce warriors and archers, often serving as mercenaries. The Roman historian Strabo refers to them as semi-nomadic people involved in raiding and herding. During the 2nd century B.C., the Hasmonean ruler Aristobulus I conquered the area and forcibly converted the Ituraeans to Judaism, similar to what happened with the Idumeans under John Hyrcanus.

Related Themes and Meanings to Ituraea

• Herodian Rule: The division of Herod the Great’s kingdom among his sons, including Philip who ruled Ituraea, is a key theme in understanding the political fragmentation of Judea during the time of Christ.
• Roman Administration: Ituraea illustrates how Rome administered far-flung provinces by placing local client kings or tetrarchs in charge, such as Philip.
• Conversion and Identity: The history of the Ituraeans includes forced conversion to Judaism, a fact that speaks to the broader dynamics of religious identity and imperial control in the ancient Near East.

Trivia and Interesting Facts about Ituraea

• Though mentioned only once in the Bible, Ituraea's inclusion helps scholars date Luke’s Gospel with precision due to the listing of specific rulers.
• Philip the Tetrarch, who ruled Ituraea, is often remembered more favorably than his relatives for his relatively peaceful and stable rule. He founded the city of Caesarea Philippi in his territory.
• Some scholars identify the Ituraeans with the Nabateans, another Arab group, or as a distinct Arab tribe with close ties to the Nabatean Kingdom.
• Roman records and Jewish sources provide much of what we know about the Ituraeans, including Josephus who refers to them in his historical accounts.

Conclusion

Though a minor region in terms of biblical mention, Ituraea plays an important role in understanding the broader geopolitical landscape of the New Testament era. Its connection to Herodian rule, the Roman Empire, and the historical Ituraean people provides a deeper appreciation for the setting in which John the Baptist and Jesus began their ministries. Ituraea stands as a testament to the complex and diverse cultural and political tapestry of first-century Palestine and surrounding regions.