Jewish culture is deeply in the idea of diaspora. Adam and Eve’s exile from Eden. Cain, condemned to wander the earth after his act of fratricide. Abraham’s migration from Ur, to Egypt and back again. Wandering is somewhat of a representative symbol in Jewish culture.
During the 2nd and 3rd century, the population of Rome exploded. Its expansion and gain of power provided a lot of opportunity, which attracted many individuals including Jews. Ancient writers did not pay much attention to the Jews, so evidence involving the beginning of Jewish communities is lacking. However, we can assume that Jewish communities continued to grow in the late Roman Republic and early Principate. It is estimated that nearly 20,000 to 60,000 Jews lived in the state of Rome, though the true is more likely closer to the lower number.
Jews adapted their culture and customs to survive within Roman society. Though they went unnoticed by the Roman government and officials for a long period of time, Antisemitism existed among the upper elite. Negative Roman opinion on Judaism wouldn't greatly affect the Jewish community until the time of the Jewish Revolts.
During the 2nd and 3rd century, the population of Rome exploded. Its expansion and gain of power provided a lot of opportunity, which attracted many individuals including Jews. Ancient writers did not pay much attention to the Jews, so evidence involving the beginning of Jewish communities is lacking. However, we can assume that Jewish communities continued to grow in the late Roman Republic and early Principate. It is estimated that nearly 20,000 to 60,000 Jews lived in the state of Rome, though the true is more likely closer to the lower number.
Jews adapted their culture and customs to survive within Roman society. Though they went unnoticed by the Roman government and officials for a long period of time, Antisemitism existed among the upper elite. Negative Roman opinion on Judaism wouldn't greatly affect the Jewish community until the time of the Jewish Revolts.