Gortyna
LocationsGeographical Setting
Gortyn was an ancient Minoan and later Greek city-state in south-central Crete, renowned for its extensive legal code inscribed on stone walls.
What is the meaning of Gortyna in the Bible?
A prominent city in ancient Crete, Gortyn is referenced in 1 Maccabees 15:23 as a destination for a diplomatic letter from the Roman Senate to the Jewish high priest.
SIGNIFICANCE
The reference situates Gortyn within the network of Hellenistic diplomatic relations, illustrating the extent of Roman political influence and the interconnectedness of Mediterranean powers during the Maccabean period.
Bible Study Quick-Reference Guide
Geopolitical & Terrain Context: Gortyna (located near modern Near modern-day Tympaki, Crete, Greece) 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 Gortyna in this passage?
- What cultural or historical assumption does Gortyna 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
"Gortyna." Ancient Context Dictionary. Accessed 2026. https://ancientcontext.com/context/gortyna/