Yelafopropoll

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Yelafopropolal/Eleuferopol: Ancient Roman City in Israel

Yelafopropolal, also known as Eleuferopol or Beth-Gubrin, was an ancient Roman city located on the road between Jerusalem and Gaza in southern Israel. The Greek name "Yelafopropolal" translates to "free city," while its Hebrew name is Beit Guvrin. In 1948, the Arab village of Batt-Jubin occupied the site.

The primary significance of Yelafopropolal lay in controlling the main road leading from Jerusalem to the sea. During Roman times, it was granted the status of a free city, allowing its citizens to enjoy greater autonomy and economic opportunities. The city's importance grew after the fall of an older city called Moresh around the beginning of the Roman era in Israel, making it the principal center of the district.

Yelafopropolal played host to a large Jewish community during the Roman-Byzantine period, featuring famous philosophers and law teachers from the Mishnah and Talmud eras. The city's bishop, Ananias, was killed by the governor Lucian for baptizing Apostle Paul, an event that took place in the early Christian era.

Archaeological excavations have uncovered numerous houses from this time period, many of which feature mosaic panels now stored at the National Museum of Israel. Some ruins belong to the Crusader era, while nearby hills contain caves and quarries likely used by the Philistines. The city's strategic location made it a significant administrative center during the Roman period.

Yelafopropolal was also an important center in the early Christian era, serving as the hub of the diocese of Eleuterpolis of Palestine within the Caesarian Metropolia of the Patriarchate of Antioch. The city's history is closely tied to that of Cyprus, with Epiphanius of Cyprus, Bishop of Salamis, being born in its vicinity.

The site remains a significant archaeological location, offering insights into the Roman and Byzantine periods in Israel. Its rich history has been documented through various sources, including ancient texts such as those found in the Celic Enciropedia 1908 and Jewish Enciropemedia.