Epiphanius and the Date of Foundation of Aelia Capitolina

Abstract

In his work On Weights and Measures Epiphanius dated the beginning of the rebuilding of Jerusalem as Aelia Capitolina to 117 CE, immediately after Hadrian’s accession to the throne, but his chronology is usually ignored or dismissed as a mistake, in favour of the date of 130 CE, based on the narrative of Cassius Dio. However, recent excavations along and under the route of the eastern cardo of Aelia have indicated that preparation works for the infrastructure of the road were carried out in the early 2nd century, which led the excavators to the conclusion that the decision to rebuild Jerusalem was made by Hadrian shortly after he became emperor. This requires re-evaluating Epiphanius’ chronology, which appears to be sound and not in contradiction to the view that Hadrian inaugurated the new city in 130.