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Dura

Locations
Modern Location Dura-Europos, Syria
Coordinates 34.7467, 40.7383

Geographical Setting

An ancient Hellenistic and Roman city located on the west bank of the Euphrates River.

What is the meaning of Dura in the Bible?

Dura refers to the ancient city of Dura-Europos, situated on the Euphrates River in modern-day Syria, which served as a strategic military outpost for the Parthian and Roman empires.

SIGNIFICANCE

Understanding the geographical and political context of Dura-Europos helps readers appreciate the broader historical landscape of the Near East during the biblical periods, illustrating the complex interactions between major empires that influenced the regions mentioned in Scripture.

Bible Study Quick-Reference Guide

Geopolitical & Terrain Context: Dura (located near modern Dura-Europos, 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 Dura in this passage?
  • What cultural or historical assumption does Dura 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

"Dura." Ancient Context Dictionary. Accessed 2026. https://ancientcontext.com/context/dura/
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