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Bosora

Locations
Modern Location Bosra, Syria
Coordinates 32.4167, 36.2667

Geographical Setting

Bosora is an ancient fortified city in the region of Gilead, historically identified with the Roman Bostra and the modern site of Bosra esh-Sham in southern Syria.

What is the meaning of Bosora in the Bible?

One of the strong cities of Gilead taken by Judas Maccabeus, identified with the Roman Bostra and modern Bosra esh-Sham. The city was a place of great strength and importance.

SIGNIFICANCE

Understanding Bosora's strategic location in Gilead clarifies the military campaigns described in 1 Maccabees, illustrating the geographic scope of Jewish resistance against Seleucid control in the second century BCE.

Bible Study Quick-Reference Guide

Geopolitical & Terrain Context: Bosora (located near modern Bosra, Syria) 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 Bosora in this passage?
  • What cultural or historical assumption does Bosora 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

"Bosora." Ancient Context Dictionary. Accessed 2026. https://ancientcontext.com/context/bosora/
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