2011/05/16 by Ory Amitay
Arts and Humanities · Social Sciences · #Archaeology and Historical Studies #Biblical Studies and Interpretation #Historical and Linguistic Studies
paper · doi:10.1177/0951820711411219
openalex publication_date 2011/05/16 · openalex created_date 2025/10/10 · openalex updated_date 2026/07/23
Procopius of Caesarea reports the existence of an inscription in Numidia, allegedly written by the refugees from Canaan’s conquest by Joshua. While this claim cannot be taken at face value, it raises interesting questions as to its provenance and purpose. Regarding provenance, the complicated situation of the sources (especially the ongoing debate about the real date of Moses of Khorene) unfortunately prevents a firm conclusion. Regarding purpose, the inscription seems to reflect the political and religious tensions, which accompanied Belisarius’ campaign to regain North Africa for the Roman Empire and Justinian’s attempts to Christianize those parts of African society who abided by their polytheistic ancestral custom.