Keywords
Social engineering
New Testament
Jesus
Levant
Cities
Tiberias
Caesarea Philippi
Jerusalem
How to Cite
Abstract
Objective: This study examines lifestyle engineering in the major cities of the Levant during the first centuries of the Common Era, focusing on how the construction and renovation of these capitals – Tiberias, Caesarea Philippi, and Jerusalem – influenced the worldview of their inhabitants and contributed to the spread of Christianity.
Methods: Historical and archaeological analysis methods were employed, along with a review of existing literature on urban planning in Greece and Rome, to understand Greco-Roman influences on the cities of Palestine during the New Testament period.
Results: The study revealed that construction activities in the Levantine capitals were deliberate strategies by rulers to demonstrate power and wealth, and that these urban developments not only improved the quality of life but also shaped the cultural and religious beliefs of the citizens. The influence of Roman culture in constructions such as theaters and temples contributed to the "social engineering" that facilitated the spread of Christianity.
Conclusions: Urban transformations in the Levantine cities, promoted by the rulers, played a significant role in creating environments that allowed for the spread of Christianity. The research suggests that these cities, with their structures and architectural designs, can still be used today to influence the worldview of populations.
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