The book "Palestina ex Monumentis Veteribus Illustrata" by Adriani Rilandi from 1695

The Latin book "Palestina ex Monumentis Veteribus Illustrata" by Adriani Rilandi from 1695 is a groundbreaking scientific treatise on Palestine at that time. Rilandi, a renowned geographer, cartographer, traveler, and philologist, explored the land and visited nearly 2500 settlements mentioned in the Bible. On his detailed map of Palestine, he marked each settlement with its original name in Hebrew, Latin, and Greek.

The results of his research revealed that the land was mainly empty, abandoned, and sparsely populated at that time. The main population centers were Jerusalem, Akko, Safed, Jaffa, Tiberias, and Gaza. The majority of the population consisted of Jews, followed by Christians. There were only a few Muslims, mainly seasonal Bedouin workers in agriculture and construction sites in the cities.

One surprising finding was that, according to Rilandi, there were no settlements in Palestine with Arabic names. Most settlements had Hebrew roots, while some had Greek or Latin origins that were later translated into Arabic. There was also no connection between the land and the Arabs who claimed the Latin name of the land (Palestine) for themselves.

The book debunked theories about "Palestinian traditions" and "Palestinian population" and suggested that Jewish presence in the land at that time was significant. Most settlements were of Jewish origin, and Jews were successful in agriculture, particularly in viticulture, olive cultivation, and wheat cultivation.

Overall, the book "Palestina ex Monumentis Veteribus Illustrata" provides important historical information about Palestine in the 17th century and contributes to the debate on the history and settlement of the region.

Adriani Rilandi's research and findings in his book "Palestina ex Monumentis Veteribus Illustrata" have made a significant contribution to the historical exploration of Palestine. His detailed mapping and description of the settlements and their original names offer insights into land use, population structure, and cultural diversity of the region at that time.

While Rilandi's book dates back to the 17th century and should be considered as a historical source, it remains an important testimony of the time and a valuable resource for those interested in the history of Palestine.

In addition to mapping and describing the settlements, Rilandi's book also provides information on the architecture, geography, and natural resources of the region. His detailed descriptions of the cities and their structures allow us to gain an impression of urban design and the lifestyle of the people.

Furthermore, in his work, Rilandi connects archaeological remains with historical events, helping us better understand the development of the region over time.

Overall, Adriani Rilandi's book "Palestina ex Monumentis Veteribus Illustrata" has made a valuable contribution to the historical exploration of Palestine. His detailed descriptions, mappings, and connections across different disciplines provide us with valuable insights and contribute to expanding our knowledge of the history of this fascinating region.

©️E.S. 2023