The Ethnic Composition of Jerusalem’s Population in the Byzantine Period (312-638 CE)

The article deals with the various ethnic components in the urban texture of Byzantine Jerusalem, from Constantine to the 7th century. Pilgrims from all parts of the world converged on the Holy City, and some of them took permanent residence there; many others stayed for long periods, and even when they left, their place was taken up by fellow-countrymen. Thus communities were formed, held together by a common origin, a common language, a common cultural or social background. Most prominent among them were Latins and other Westerners, Greeks from the Aegean and coastal Asia, Cappadocians and other peoples of central Anatolia, Armenians and Georgians. Syrians, visitors from the Sassanian Empire and from Ethiopia were numerous. Jews and perhaps Samaritans also lived in the city, if not during the entire period, then at least for part of it.