Prior to the destruction of the second temple, which of the following areas of the world contained diaspora communities

Answer 1

Prior to the destruction of the Second Temple, diaspora communities of Jews could be found in various areas of the world. These areas included:

1. Roman Empire: The Roman Empire encompassed a large portion of Europe, North Africa, and the Middle East. Jewish communities existed in cities such as Rome, Alexandria, and Antioch.

2. Babylonia: After the Babylonian exile in the 6th century BCE, many Jews settled in what is now modern-day Iraq. The region had a significant Jewish population, and it continued to thrive even after the return to Judea.

3. Persia: Jewish communities also existed in the Persian Empire (modern-day Iran). Babylonian Jews who did not return to Judea after the exile settled in this region, and Jewish presence continued after the Persian conquest.

4. Egypt: Alexandria, in Egypt, had a large Jewish population and was known for its famous Jewish library. Jews settled in Egypt even before the destruction of the Second Temple.

5. Asia Minor: Areas of Asia Minor (present-day Turkey) had significant Jewish communities, particularly in cities like Sardis and Ephesus. Jewish presence here can be traced back to the Hellenistic period.

6. Greece: There were diaspora communities of Jews in various Greek cities, such as Athens and Thessaloniki. The influence of Hellenistic culture on these Jewish communities was significant.

7. Iberian Peninsula: Jews also resided in the Iberian Peninsula (modern-day Spain and Portugal). They had settled in these regions long before the destruction of the Second Temple.

It should be noted that this is not an exhaustive list, as Jewish diaspora communities could be found in other regions as well.