Roads to the Holy City: An Integrated Archaeological and Spatial Analysis of Access Routes Leading to Jerusalemin the Second Century BCE–Seventh Century CE

This study presents a comprehensive analysis of Jerusalem’s transportation network by integrating archaeological evidence from rescue excavations with Geographic Information Systems (GIS)-based spatial analysis and literary sources. Three distinct development phases were observed. In the Hasmonean and Early Roman periods (63 BCE–70 CE), roads primarily served Jewish pilgrimage and were accompanied by religious infrastructure such as miqwa’ot (ritual baths), water reservoirs and elaborate tombs reflecting Jerusalem’s sacred status. In the Middle and Late Roman periods (70–324 CE) systematic road construction followed the Jewish revolts, emphasizing military and administrative functions through straight, paved routes marked with milestones, including forts, watchtowers, water installations and roadside structures. During the Byzantine period (324–638 CE), roads were restored and adapted to serve Christian pilgrimage, with the establishment of monasteries, road stations and service installations. Eight major access routes are analyzed, assessing their development and function within the Holy Land and demonstrating how transportation infrastructure reflects broader religious, political and economic transformations, while maintaining Jerusalem’s role as a central hub connecting diverse regions and populations.