Jerusalem: 1-704

Edited by an international research team from the Universities of Cologne (Germany), Jerusalem and Tel Aviv (Israel).

The first volume of the Corpus Inscriptionum Iudaeae/Palaestinae covers the inscriptions of Jerusalem from the time of Alexander to the Arab conquest in all the languages used for inscriptions during those times: Hebrew, Aramaic, Greek, Latin, Syrian, and Armenian. The 1,120 texts have been arranged in categories based on three epochs: up to the destruction of Jerusalem in the year 70, to the beginning of the 4th century, and to the end of Byzantine rule in the 7th century.

Texte du rabat

Anyone involved in the study of ancient Iudaea/Palaestina and its vicinity has felt the need for a comprehensive work containing all the inscriptions in various languages found in the region. The lack of such a work was all the more regrettable, as the material concerns not only those interested in the region, but also students of a great variety of related subjects, such as the history of the ancient Near East, ancient Jewish history and early Christianity, and, of course, historians of the Hellenistic, Roman and Byzantine periods. A group of scholars from Israel and Germany is now producing such a corpus. It contains all the inscriptions from the time of Graeco-Roman rule in the area, from the time of Alexander until the end of Byzantine rule in Palestine around 640. The territory covered is the strip between the Mediterranean and the river Jordan, the Negev, and the Golan Heights. Unlike traditional corpora of inscriptions it is intended to include inscriptions in all languages represented: not only Greek and Latin, but also Semitic languages, primarily Hebrew, Aramaic (Jewish, Samaritan, Nabataean, Christian and Syriac), Thamudic and the Caucasian languages. The advantages of such a Corpus are obvious: all cultural phenomena expressed in inscriptions can be seen together. The inscriptions are presented within their specific context, and complemented by a translation and commentary; where available, the texts are accompanied by a reproduction. Each volume of the edition is dedicated to a specific region: Vol. 1 Jerusalem, Vol. 2 Caesarea and the Middle Coast, Vol. 3 South Coast, Vol. 4 Judea/Idumea, Vol. 5 Galilee, Vol. 6 Negev.

Résumé

"In conclusion, these volumes are, and the series as a whole will be, the definitive collection of inscriptions from Israel/Palestine for years to come. The first two volumes alone are a magnificent achievement, and will prove even more useful if a comprehensive index is later published. This collection should be the first port of call for a sober verdict on any inscription which may be of relevance to NT study. In fact, every NT scholar would benefit greatly from idling away a morning or an afternoon going through the texts of these inscriptions."
Simon Gathercole in: Journal for the Study of the New Testament 35(4), 394-401

"Unter dem Strich handelt es sich bei dem vorliegenden ersten Teilband des CIIP um ein herausragendes und sehnlich erwartetes Werk, das für alle an der Geschichte Jerusalems Interessierten ein unentbehrliches Hilfsmittel darstellt. Es bietet in fundiert aufgearbeiteter und ausgesprochen benutzerfreundlicher Form eine umfassende Zusammenstellung und fachkundige Kommentierung inschriftlichen Materials, das bislang an unterschiedlichsten Publikationsorten verstreut und zum Teil nur schwer zugänglich war."
Bernd Kollmann in: Klio 1/2012

"One of the singular assets of this volume is that each inscription is conveniently accompanied by a good photo and by a transcription and translation, as well as a brief discussion and bibliography. Overall, it is indeed a major enterprise and one looks forward to the other volumes in the series."
Hagith Sivan in: BMCR 2011.09.12

"In sum, this volume is a treasure trove of data for scholars working in a wide variety of fields."
Christopher Rollston in: www.rollstonepigraphy.com