Mount Silpius

Mount Silpius overlooks Antioch of Syria, the Roman capital of this province, at the time.

The fortified mount overlooking the city of Antioch of Syria.

Description

In a letter she addresses to Jesus, the disciple Syntyche informs him of her new life in Antioch. She faithfully describes the city and its surroundings.

"if I turn around I can see the top of Sulpius dominating me with its barracks, and the other building of the Governor."

Another time she adds:

"And here I am in Zeno’s house, on the slopes of mount Sulpius, near the barracks. The citadel impends threateningly from its top."

Simon the Zealot, who had previously been to Antioch, had already explained to his companions:

"And mount Silpius has also lent its tops to assist the defence system"

Key Events

This place is known in the work of Maria Valtorta for the forced exile of two disciples of Jesus: Syntyche, a runaway slave, and John of Endor, a murderous galley slave. A delegation of apostles accompanies them. It is the seed of the Christian community of Antioch described in the Acts of the Apostles.

Its Name

Silpio, Silpius, Sulpius, Habib En Nedjar

Where is it mentioned in the work?

GRM 322.
GRM 461.

Learn More About This Place

Mount Silpius (also named Habib En Nedjar) overlooks the city of Antioch, at the foot of which it is located. Almost nothing remains today of the defenses on the ridge line of Mount Silpius. But L.-F. Cassas or W. H. Bartlett, for example, have left us some sketches showing their condition in the 18^th century.

Explore

• 36° 10’ 35’’ N / 36° 11’ 30’’ E /
• +562m

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Notes and references

Article partially based on the Geographical Dictionary of the Gospel by Jean-François Lavère.