The Administration of Idumea in the Persian and Early Hellenistic Periods

This article examines the administrative status and internal administration of Idumea during the Persian period and the transition to Hellenistic rule, based on literary sources, archaeological evidence and epigraphic finds, especially the many ostraca that have been published. It takes the position that Idumea was part of the Qedarite realm, and not under direct Persian administration. The Qedarites, whose main interest was in the trade routes, were not closely involved in local administration. Local administration was mostly rural and clan-based, without a clear administrative or economic hierarchy. No »capital city« can be identified. Idumea only became a »hyparchy« after the Macedonian conquest, when Mareshah became its chief town, and administration was adapted to Hellenistic norms.