Hebron
- SCHOLARLY AND FICTIONAL WORKS: see Category:Hebron (subject)
Hebron (now in the West Bank) is an ancient city in the land of Israel, famous for containing the traditional burial site of the biblical Patriarchs.
Overview
Hebron was a Canaanite city. According to Jewish tradition, Abraham, Isaac and Jacob lived and were buried there (see Cave of the Patriarchs). For seven years, Hebron was then the first residence of King David and the capital of his kingdom, before he conquered Jerusalem. During the First Temple Period, Hebron remained part of the kingdom of Judah.
After the Babylonian exile, Hebron was known as an Idumean city. It was pillaged by Judas Maccabee in 167 BCE and returned under Jewish rule with the Hasmoneans and the Herods. Herod the Great built the monumental wall which still surrounds the Cave of the Patriarchs.
During the Jewish War Hebron was controlled by the Sicarii of Simon bar Giora. The city was retaken by the Romans, along with Caphethra and Caphatabira, when in the summer 69 Vespasian sent one of his military commanders, Cerialis, to regain control of the region of Idumea.
A Roman and Byzantine city, Hebron was pillaged by the Persians in 614 CE and fell under Muslim rule in 638 CE.
Hebron in ancient sources
- See Hebron (sources)