Are they going to come in with jackhammers, dynamite and bulldozers to destroy the evidence again?
I asked Grok when did the hexagram become associated with the Star of David.
Grok says:
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The hexagram, commonly known as the Star of David or Magen David, became associated with Jewish identity gradually, with its origins and adoption as a symbol unfolding over centuries. Here's a concise timeline based on historical evidence:
Ancient and Early Use (Pre-Medieval Period): The hexagram, a six-pointed star formed by two interlocking triangles, appears in various cultures as a geometric or decorative motif, not specifically Jewish. It was used in ancient Mesopotamia, India, and other regions, often with cosmological or mystical significance. In Jewish contexts, it appeared as early as the 3rd century CE in synagogue decorations, such as in the Capernaum synagogue in Israel, but it was not yet a distinct Jewish symbol.
Medieval Period (7th–13th Centuries): The hexagram began appearing in Jewish manuscripts and artifacts, particularly in mystical and Kabbalistic traditions. It was used in Jewish esoteric texts, such as those associated with Kabbalah, where it symbolized concepts like the unity of opposites or divine protection. However, it was not yet widely recognized as a Jewish emblem. During this period, it also appeared in Islamic and Christian art, indicating its broader use as a geometric pattern.
14th–17th Centuries (Prague and Early Modern Adoption): The hexagram gained prominence as a Jewish symbol in Central Europe, particularly in Prague. In 1354, Emperor Charles IV granted the Jewish community of Prague the right to use a flag, and a hexagram reportedly appeared on it. By the 17th century, the hexagram was used on Jewish communal seals and flags, such as those of the Jewish community in Prague, marking its growing association with Jewish identity. It was sometimes referred to as the "Shield of David" (Magen David), linking it to biblical and protective symbolism.
18th–19th Centuries (Emancipation and Zionism): The hexagram’s association with Jewish identity solidified during the European Jewish emancipation, when Jews sought symbols to represent their communities. It appeared on synagogues, tombstones, and communal buildings. The Zionist movement, starting in the late 19th century, adopted the hexagram as a central emblem. At the First Zionist Congress in 1897, the hexagram was incorporated into the design of the Zionist flag, which later became the flag of Israel, cementing its status as the Star of David. 20th Century (Modern Symbol): By the 20th century, the hexagram was widely recognized as the primary symbol of Jewish identity, appearing in religious, cultural, and political contexts. Its use by the State of Israel, founded in 1948, further standardized it as the Star of David.
In summary, the hexagram’s association with the Star of David as a Jewish symbol began to take shape in the medieval period, particularly in Prague by the 14th century, and became firmly established in the 19th century with the rise of Zionism. Its adoption was a gradual process, evolving from a general geometric motif to a specific emblem of Jewish identity.
That was the location of a substantial Roman city named “Amida”. In fact, in someof the local dialects it’s still called “Amid”.
CC
“The six-line inscription is written in ancient Greek, the administrative and liturgical language of the Byzantine Empire.”
So I am a little confused...Greek is well known....why are there “efforts” to translate it? Just read it...
Free Anatolia for its indigenous Christians and Jews!
4th crusade destroyed so much and led to total collapse and fall of Constantinople in 1453. The Byzantine Roman’s constant civil wars didn’t help either. So much lost!
Entirely appropriate as a symbol for Christ, and quite often used in early medieval church buildings.
