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All through Palestine had been small villages upon the hilltops and in the valleys, lived in by farmers and shepherds. Many of the same crops that grow in the United States were raised there as well, but their ploughs and other farming implements would look very strange to us. Horses or cattle often walked all over the grain. There were no fences between their fields, and during the harvest the poor people were given permission to trail behind the reapers and pick up whatever was left behind. Their houses were low, plain buildings of brick or rough stones and mud, with dwq windows, and only 2 rooms, one for the family and one for the cattle. When they had a fire it was built in the middle of the room, and the smoke found its way out as it could through a hole in the roof.

In the cities could be found carpenters, shoemakers, tailors, smiths, potters and other working people; and even those who were not obliged to work were generally taught some trade. Traffic between various places in the East was carried on by means of caravans, long processions of camels, mules and donkeys laden with all sorts of goods. As one of the main roads from Damascus to the Mediterranean passed near the Sea of Galilee, this brought much trade to those regions.

Usually, people customarily traveled on foot or on donkeys and depended on the people of the country to entertain them. Eastern people were very warm and made it a rule to welcome all strangers. They had many lovely customs in their treatment of guests. On some roads could be found inns or caravansaries where travelers could rest, but anyone who needed a place to stay could do come in without cost.

The cities had walls about them, with high watchtowers and strong gateways. The gates were shut at night but stood open during the day and the citizens met there to talk, gossip and trade. The streets were narrow, with few sidewalks. The houses often jutted out overhead so as almost to touch. The houses were low with flat rooks and stairs leading up to the roof from the outside. Sometimes a foot-passage led from one roof to another. The large houses were built around a courtyard, in which were fountains and trees. The people lived chiefly in the open air, so that the roof was as important a part of the house as our parlors are. Families sat there, entertained their friends there, shared meals and slept there. What we would miss most in their houses would be chairs, as they all sat cross-legged on the floor or on couches. During the cold months, the room was warmed by a little charcoal burning in a pan or on a low stand. wealthy people had candles to burn, but those living in poverty must have gone to bed when it became dark.

Both genders wore long, flowing robes gathered around the waist by cords or sashes. There was an under-tunic of cotton or camel’s hair and an over robe of striped cotton or silk. The men wore brightly-colored turbans. The women wore caps covered with a handkerchief and veil. Instead of shoes they wore sandals. The women were fond of jewelry. Along with more standard necklaces and earrings, they often wore rings in their noses and anklets, which jingled pleasantly as they walked.

Study Questions

1.What was the difference between how the city people lived and those in the country did?

2.What was their preferred mode of travel?

3.What were their cities like compared to ours?

4.How did their houses differ from ours?

5.How did they dress?