Decapolis
“Ten cities”
Summary
A league of ten Greek cities in eastern Palestine, formed around the time of Pompey's conquest, known for their Hellenistic culture and mentioned as a region where Jesus ministered.
☩Origin and Purpose
Decapolis ('ten cities') was a confederation of Greek cities formed around the time of Pompey's campaign in Syria (65 B.C.). The Greek inhabitants hailed Pompey as a liberator from Jewish rule, and several cities dated their eras from his conquest. The league was formed to promote common interests in trade and commerce and for mutual protection against surrounding peoples. These cities were independent of local tetrarchies, answering directly to the governor of Syria, and enjoyed rights of coinage and asylum.
☩The Ten Cities
According to Pliny, the ten cities were Scythopolis (the only one west of the Jordan), Hippos, Gadara, Pella, Philadelphia, Gerasa, Dion, Canatha, Damascus, and Raphana. Scythopolis (ancient Bethshean) was the capital of the league. The cities were scattered over a wide region, with Damascus far to the north and Philadelphia to the south. Other cities later received similar privileges, and by the second century the league had expanded to eighteen towns.
☩Jesus and Decapolis
Crowds from Decapolis followed Jesus during His Galilean ministry. The Gerasene demoniac whom Jesus healed 'began to publish in Decapolis how great things Jesus had done for him.' When Jesus returned from Tyre and Sidon, He traveled 'through the midst of the borders of Decapolis' to reach the Sea of Galilee. The presence of the great herd of swine indicates the predominantly Gentile character of the population.
☩Later History
The magnificent ruins still visible at Gadara, Gerasa (Jerash), and Canatha testify to the splendor of these Hellenistic cities in their prime. It was to Pella that the Christians fled before the destruction of Jerusalem in A.D. 70. The region, once so prosperous and populous, is now largely deserted, with Damascus alone continuing to flourish.
References
- 1.James Orr (ed.), "Decapolis," in International Standard Bible Encyclopedia, vol. II (Howard-Severance Company, 1915).
- 2.James Hastings (ed.), "Decapolis," in Dictionary of Christ and the Gospels, vol. I (T. & T. Clark, 1906–1908).
- 3.John McClintock and James Strong, "Decapolis," in Cyclopedia of Biblical, Theological and Ecclesiastical Literature, vol. II (Harper & Brothers, 1867–1887).
- 4.George Morrish, "Decapolis," in Morrish's Concise Bible Dictionary (George Morrish, 1898).