Salamis

SALAMIS, in Cyprus, which must not be confused with the scene of the great battle between Xerxes and the Greeks in 480 BC, was the first place visited by Paul and Barnabas on the first missionary journey (Ac.13.5). It is already mentioned in 7th. cent. Assyrian inscriptions. A whole line of its kings is known. It attained great power under Evagoras (410-373 BC). It was besieged by the Persians (381 BC). The royal house ended in 310 BC. In Roman times it remained a flourishing commercial city, and the eastern half of the island was governed from there. There were very many Jews in Cyprus. Christianity was early preached there (Ac.11.19f), and among early converts were Mnason (Ac.21.16) and Barnabas (Ac.4.36). Under Trajan (AD 116-117) the Jews made an uprising and destroyed the city. They were annihilated, and Jews were henceforth not allowed on the island. [Article: Dictionary of the Bible, J.Hastings, 2nd Ed., T&T.Clark, 1963 - A.So.—E.G.K.]