Two New Greek Inscriptions with the name ϒTWR from Umm al-Jimāl

Abstract

Among the several hundred new Greek funerary inscriptions collected by the Al al-Bayt Expedition from Umm al-Jimāl, two mention the name ϒTWR. Both of these are funerary stele inscriptions, bearing the name and patronym of the deceased, and both mention the age of the deceased. After discussion of the new texts, some observations about their significance will be offered. The Ituraeans' kingdom, located in the Biqa' valley near Baalbek in Lebanon in the first century BCE, is attested amply in literary sources. What is now clear is that even earlier, in the second century BCE, the Ituraeans had infiltrated the Hauran of southern Syria, Northern Transjordan and Galilee. Since they are designated as 'Arab' in both biblical and classical sources, it is assumed that they were 'nomads', fiercely independent and warlike. But other evidence now suggests that they were of sedentary character. At Umm al-Jimāl, the name ϒYatūr appeared in a number of Nabataean and Greek inscriptions. Since the texts are of a funerary nature, they appear to be from the settled population.