Eusebius and Hadrian's Founding of Aelia Capitolina in Jerusalem

New evidence from numismatic findings and recent excavations in the Old City of Jerusalem challenges the traditional timeline for the founding of Aelia Capitolina, suggesting that preparatory work began under Emperor Hadrian's rule as early as the 120s—over a decade before the Bar Kokhba war. This contradicts the account provided by Eusebius, whose narrative likely stems from sources like Ariston of Pella and reflects his own theological interpretation of Jewish history rather than historical accuracy.

Hofman, M. B. Z. (2019). Eusebius and Hadrian’s Founding of Aelia Capitolina in Jerusalem. Electrum, 26, 119–128. https://doi.org/10.4467/20800909el.19.007.11210