Dara
LocationsGeographical Setting
Dara was a fortified city in northern Mesopotamia, founded by the Byzantine Emperor Justinian I in the 6th century AD.
What is the meaning of Dara in the Bible?
Dara is an ancient city in northern Mesopotamia, established by the Byzantine Emperor Justinian I around 528 AD as a strategic military stronghold against the Sassanian Empire.
SIGNIFICANCE
Understanding Dara provides context for the geopolitical tensions between the Byzantine and Sassanian Empires during the early Christian era, illustrating the complex political landscape in which the early church operated.
Bible Study Quick-Reference Guide
Geopolitical & Terrain Context: Dara (located near modern Near Diyarbakır, Turkey) 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 Dara in this passage?
- What cultural or historical assumption does Dara clarify?
Related Topics
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
"Dara." Ancient Context Dictionary. Accessed 2026. https://ancientcontext.com/context/dara/