197 BCE–99 BCE → Seleucid annexation 197 BCE | Historical era Hellenistic era Today part of Israel
Gaza Strip | |
Paralia palestine
The Paralia (Greek: Παραλία - coast), also known as Medinat HaYam (Hebrew: מדינת הים - country by the sea) was a coastal eparchy in Palestine during Hellenistic and Roman times. According to Josephus, the inhabitants of the region were primarily Greek city-dwellers.
Contents
The region was originally set up by the Seleucids. Josephus wrote that the Paralia was outside Jewish jurisdiction throughout the Second Temple Period, except for a short period under the Hasmoneans and during the reign of Herod the Great and the Agrippas.
Paralia greece
History
The region was originally set up by the Seleucids. The eparchy bordered Samaria, Idumea and Galaaditis. Nicanor son of Patroclus was likely one of the governors of Paralia district, and was titled Cypriarch - apparently commanding some Cypriot garrison troops in the region, when Antiochus V Eupator acceded to the throne.
The region was first conquered by Jews under the Hasmoneans. Simon Thassi captured Joppa in 143 BCE, John Hyrcanus captured Jamnia and Ashdod in 125 BCE, and between 103-99 BCE Alexander Jannaeus conquered the areas from Dora, northwards to Acra, and from Gaza, southwards to Rinocorura. The first penetration of Hasmoneans to Joppa was gradual - first a garrison was set up in the city, with later replacement of the pagan population by incoming Jews. Only Ashkelon was never conquered by the Hasmoneans.
The region was described in 1 Maccabees (11:59; 15:38) and 2 Maccabees (13:24).
In earlier Halakha it was described at "Medinat HaYam" (cities of the sea).