ALMA Digital Atlas of the Ancient Jewish World: An Introductory Essay

Abstract

The “spatial turn” in the humanities has led to increased exploration of spatial perspectives. This shift inspired the ALMA Digital Atlas of the Ancient Jewish World project, which aims to develop a comprehensive digital-analytical atlas. It is intended to serve as a tool for geographical and comparative research on ancient Jewish geography, spanning the Hellenistic and Byzantine periods. The atlas builds on two elemental entity types: place, which pertains to regions or settlements, and source, which addresses pertinent historical texts, archaeological finds, or both, allowing for the robust comparison of geographical information from various sources. This project seeks not only to address existing historical and geographical questions but also to raise new ones, offering fresh insights into geographical perception in antiquity.