Allegorical Images in Greek Laudatory Inscriptions in Eretz-Israel

Abstract

The present article follows after a number of Greek inscriptions of poetic cliaracter, in which there are allegorical images and expressions of praise to the mosaic art, dic bath-house and its hot, wann and cold waters, and the church in the wider sense of the word, narnely the Christianity. These poetic inscriptions, found in Israel and Northem Sinai, werevariously composed in tbe early Byzantine period by an Empress, a clergyman and an anonymous poet. Their language is the Classical Greek, which at that time was probably commanded by educated people and men of letters. This indicates the continuity of the Classical heritage during the earlyByzantine period in the Land of Israel and the neighbouring countries. The allegorical images in dic inscriptions under discussion indicate on the one liand poetic-artistic tendencies with a Neoplatonic flavour, and on the other hand elements of religious anti-pagan polemic.