Introduction

In 1695, Adriani Relandi described the region then known as Palestine. The author was a distinguished Dutch geographer, cartographer, voyager, and philologist who exhibited proficiency in several languages, notably Arabic, ancient Greek, and Hebrew.

His research, conducted during a time of growing European interest in the Middle East, resulted in the book “Palaestina ex Monumentis Veteribus Illustrata”, published in 1714. The book comprehensively studies ancient Palestine, focusing on its geography, history, and culture. Relandi conducted extensive research and utilized various ancient sources, including biblical texts, classical literature, and inscriptions, to shed light on the region’s past.

Methodology

Relandi visited nearly 2,500 settlements referenced in the Bible, covering a wide geographical area that included present-day Israel, the West Bank, and Gaza Strip. The research methodology employed was as follows:

• He initially constructed a map of Palestine, designating each settlement mentioned in the Bible or the Talmud using its original name.
• In instances where the original name was Jewish was denoted as “pasuk” (a reference in the Holy Scriptures that cites the name).
• If the original name bore Roman or Greek origins, the corresponding connection was articulated in Latin or Greek.

Conclusions

• The region is predominantly desolate, abandoned, and sparsely populated. The principal population centers identified include Jerusalem, Akko, Tsfat, Jaffa, Tveria, and Gaza.
• The majority of the population is Jewish; nearly all others are Christians, with a minimal Muslim presence, primarily consisting of Bedouins.
• The sole exception is Nablus (currently known as Shchem), where approximately 120 individuals from the Muslim Natsha family and about 70 Samaritans reside.
• In Nazareth, the capital of Galilee, roughly 700 individuals lived there, all Christians.
• In Jerusalem, the population is approximately 5,000, with almost all being Jews and a few Christians.
• In 1695, it was broadly recognized that the region’s origins were Jewish.
• No settlement within Palestine possesses Arabic roots in its nomenclature.
• The majority of settlements are of Jewish origin, with some names reflecting Greek or Roman Latin influences.
• Except for the city of Ramla, no Arab settlement retains its original Arabic name. Many Jewish, Greek, or Latin names have undergone modifications into Arabic, resulting in nonsensical interpretations. In Arabic, names such as Akko, Haifa, Jaffa, Nablus, Gaza, or Jenin lack meaning. Names like Ramallah, al-Khalil (Hebron), and al-Quds (Jerusalem) do not possess philological or historical Arabic roots. For example, in 1696, Ramallah was referred to as Bethel (Beit El, the House of God), Hebron retained the appellation Hebron, and the Cave of Machpelah was referred to as El-Khalil (the moniker of Abraham) among Arabs.
• Relandi refers solely to Muslims as nomadic Bedouins who entered the urban areas as seasonal laborers in agriculture or construction.
• Approximately 550 individuals resided in Gaza, with equal representation of Jews and Christians. The Jewish populace excelled in agriculture, particularly vineyards, olives, and wheat, while Christians engaged primarily in trade and transportation.
• Jews inhabited Tveria and Tsfat; however, their occupations are unspecified, aside from traditional fishing in Kineret.
• In the village of Um El Fahm, for instance, 10 families, all Christians (about 50 individuals), lived alongside a small Maronite church.
• The book fundamentally refutes theories regarding “Palestinian traditions” and the “Palestinian people,” leaving negligible connections between the land and the Arabs, who have appropriated the land’s Latin designation (Palestine) for their own.

An Interdisciplinary Study

Hadrian Relandi’s approach in “Palaestina ex Monumentis Veteribus Illustrata” stands out for its meticulous use of ancient texts and monuments to reconstruct the geography and history of Palestine. Working in a time when historical research was often based on speculative narratives, Relandi relied heavily on primary sources, such as biblical references and classical texts. His focus on cartography and linguistic studies also set him apart, as he combined geographical accuracy with linguistic insights to comprehensively understand the region.

In comparison, historians like Leopold von Ranke, who emerged later, emphasized empiricism and objectivity, relying on state archives and official documents to write historical accounts. While Ranke’s methodology revolutionized historiography, Relandi’s work pioneered the integration of archaeology, linguistics, and historical analysis, offering a unique perspective on the ancient world.

Relandi’s interdisciplinary approach has not only been praised for its depth and precision, but it has also significantly influenced the field. His work in Palaestina ex Monumentis Veteribus Illustrata is a valuable resource for scholars studying the history and geography of the Middle East, inspiring them to adopt a similar comprehensive approach.

A Modern Approach?

Hadrian Relandi’s work, particularly ”Palaestina ex Monumentis Veteribus Illustrata, ” aligns with several principles of modern historical methods, even though these methods have been predated by centuries. Here are some key connections:

1. Interdisciplinary Approach

Relandi combined geography, linguistics, archaeology, and textual analysis to study Palestine. This mirrors modern historical methods, emphasizing interdisciplinary research to better understand historical contexts.

2. Reliance on Primary Sources

Relandi’s meticulous use of ancient texts, inscriptions, and monuments reflects the modern emphasis on primary sources as the foundation of historical inquiry.

3. Empirical Evidence

His focus on accuracy, such as mapping ancient locations and comparing measurements, resonates with the empirical rigor valued in contemporary historical research.

4. Comparative Analysis

Relandi’s work often involved comparing biblical and classical sources, a method still widely used in modern historiography to cross-verify information and understand cultural interactions.

5. Cultural and Linguistic Contexts

Relandi anticipated the modern trend of contextualizing historical events within their broader cultural and linguistic frameworks by studying languages and artistic practices. While Relandi’s methods were groundbreaking for his time, modern historians have expanded upon these approaches with advanced technologies, such as digital mapping and data analysis, to refine historical research further. His work remains a testament to the enduring value of meticulous scholarship.