Koddaroi and Xurēsitauroi in the letters of Apollonius of Tyana: new evidence for tension between Jews and Gentiles in Sardis during the Flavian period?

New evidence suggests that tensions between Jews and Gentiles in Sardis during the Flavian period may have been reflected in the labels 'Koddaroi' (meaning 'the foreskinned') and 'Xurēsitauroi' (referring to circumcision). This interpretation, derived from an etymological analysis of letters attributed to Apollonius of Tyana, aligns with historical records of Jewish–Gentile conflicts in the first-century Diaspora. The study also proposes that letter 41 hints at the ownership of Jewish slaves by Sardian Jews, offering rare insight into ancient Jewish practices regarding slavery. The research supports a broader understanding of social dynamics and religious identity in Asia Minor during this era.

Penella, R. J. (2015). Koddaroi and Xurēsitauroi in the letters of Apollonius of Tyana: new evidence for tension between Jews and Gentiles in Sardis during the Flavian period? Journal of Jewish Studies, 66(2), 231–241. https://doi.org/10.18647/3232/jjs-2015