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Adria

Locations
Modern Location Adriatic Sea, separating the Italian Peninsula from the Balkan Peninsula
Coordinates 42.5000, 15.5000

Geographical Setting

The Adriatic Sea is a northern arm of the Mediterranean Sea located between the Italian Peninsula and the Balkan Peninsula.

What is the meaning of Adria in the Bible?

The term Adriatic originates from the ancient Etruscan city of Atria, situated near the Po River delta. While initially denoting only the northern portion of the sea, the name gradually expanded to designate the entire body of water separating the Italian peninsula from the Balkan coast.

SIGNIFICANCE

Recognizing the geographical scope of the Adriatic Sea aids in reconstructing the maritime journey of the Apostle Paul, particularly as his vessel navigated these waters prior to the storm that ultimately led to his arrival in Malta, as recorded in the Acts of the Apostles.

Bible Study Quick-Reference Guide

Geopolitical & Terrain Context: Adria (located near modern Adriatic Sea, separating the Italian Peninsula from the Balkan Peninsula) held strategic importance. Understanding its position and trade routes explains why key biblical events unfolded here.
Bible Study Reflection Prompts:
  • Why did the biblical author mention Adria in this passage?
  • What cultural or historical assumption does Adria clarify?

Source Attribution

Built upon the 1915 International Standard Bible Encyclopedia and Easton's Bible Dictionary (1897). Entries have been modernized, checked for academic truthfulness, and shortened for clarity.

How to Cite This Entry

"Adria." Ancient Context Dictionary. Accessed 2026. https://ancientcontext.com/context/adria/
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