Lifestyle Differences Between Romans and Palestinians in the Intertestamental Period

The lifestyle between Intertestamental Palestinians and Roman daily life were quite contrasting. These two groups grew from distinct traditions, geographies, socio-economic conditions and religious beliefs. These distinctions came at odds with each other, demonstrated some harsh qualities on both sides and resulted in some influencing on the other. However, it was the might of the Romans that typically positioned their culture in the dominant position politically and economically.
Housing and daily existence
Life as a Palestinian might have consisted as an agrarian or a Bedouin. It would have been necessary to be mobile as a wanderer in the desert, while those with more permanent housing would have relied on cheap materials available within the near vicinity. Stucco, brick or a tent would have been common, sufficient and practical. Romans would have been able to afford a more permanent residence made of durable materials and in a tight communal setting. Conveniences would have included central heating, baths and plumbing, oil lamps, elaborate decorations and possibly a real floor.
Food
Food would have been described as delicious, abundant and rich had it been Roman fare. On the other hand, Palestinians would have relied on grains, some fruits and vegetables, possibly fish and on more festive occasions a meat product. Generally two meals a day was standard in the desert, while possibly as many as four in the city.
Clothing
Both Romans and Jews would have seen men and women in tunics. This loose fitting garment would have been practical and given the wearer an opportunity to add color or specific embroidery which could indicate status or position. Palestinian women would typically wear a veil and all would include a cloak when the temperature dropped. This cloak would have been considered quite precious and could not be taken from an owner even as settlement from legal proceedings. When Jesus later appealed to have someone give their cloak away along with other surrendered items, He was suggesting a very important and drastic event.
Society
It is interesting that in some ways the Romans would have been considered more sophisticated, yet they displayed a more barbaric and oppressive lifestyle. Social distinctions were based on wealth and the use of slaves was quite common. These slaves would not have been treated the best and may have had this role because they were a prisoner of war or crime. A slave in Palestine would have been less common and their treatment more on the line of a servant. A typical Jew would have felt a connection with Yahweh and therefore would have had less of a barrier between the classes. However, most would have despised the tax collectors and publicans and would have made this known.
Medicine, education and crime
A few other distinctions between Palestinians and Romans would have been medical treatment, education and punishment for crimes. The Romans were much more advanced in medical training and equipment. Although still barbaric by modern standards, they were able to perform surgery with some degree of success. Education by Palestinians consisted of parental training that may have moved to the Rabbi when a child came of age. In Rome, more formalized education existed with perhaps slaves often acting as educators. Lastly, Romans would generally be considered more brutal in their punishment. And yet, one would not want to be in front of a Palestinian court in the event that they committed crimes against religion. The practice of idolatry, magic or blasphemy received the penalty of death.
Trade routes
The Romans had created a travel network superior to anything the Palestinians could compose. This was due to the need for military movement, but also opened up routes for trade and the transfer of lifestyles. This was not always the best result in that many Jews moved to the Roman held cities and lost some of the intensity of their own culture and religious adherence.
Marriage
Marriage and divorce both occurred for Jews. It might seem odd to hear about divorce, but it happened regularly, yet initiated by men only. Wives could only compel a court to force their husbands to divorce them back in the case of abuse or other violation. Marriage commitments were typically not the suitors to make, but rather an arrangement with financial implication based on the loss of the bride as a worker. Parents would begin this process with children as early as 12 years old. The marriage was a celebration for all and a sort of festival could last as long as a week.

Similarities Between Then and Now
The culture that I live in maintains many of the same characteristics of both the Intertestamental Palestinian and Roman citizen. Diversity has come by the mixing of different influences as a result of travel, relocation, politics and economic development. A hierarchy of wealth and influence exists today based on some legitimate areas such as talent, but often because of wealth, upbringing and being at the right place at the right time. There are those that have plenty and those that live day to day. Religion is adhered to by some, sacred to others and placated by many. While we have less of the obvious barbaric acts of 400 B.C., we now have hidden ones such as overcrowded prisons and legalized murder of the unborn. Perhaps our most similar attribute is a government that is difficult for common citizens to find a voice.

Conclusion
Roman and Palestinian lifestyles contrasted regularly. Romans tended to be more sophisticated, wealthy and cosmopolitan while Palestinians were more traditional, religious in order and a lead a humbler economic existence. Well developed routes tied the two cultures together for trade, politics and the military. These ties lead to cross contamination of their various distinctions and the ability to gain some benefits in medicine, education, religious order and trade.