Halicarnassus
LocationsGeographical Setting
Halicarnassus was an ancient Greek city and the capital of Caria, located on the southwestern coast of Asia Minor.
What is the meaning of Halicarnassus in the Bible?
Halicarnassus was a prominent city in ancient Caria, situated on the Mediterranean coast of Asia Minor, renowned for its strategic harbor, fertile hinterland, and status as the birthplace of the historian Herodotus. It served as the capital of the satrapy of Caria under Persian rule and later became a significant center for Hellenistic culture and Jewish community life.
SIGNIFICANCE
Understanding Halicarnassus provides context for the cultural and political landscape of the eastern Mediterranean during the biblical periods, particularly regarding the spread of Hellenistic influence and the presence of Jewish communities in major urban centers of the Roman Empire.
Bible Study Quick-Reference Guide
- Why did the biblical author mention Halicarnassus in this passage?
- What cultural or historical assumption does Halicarnassus 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.