The Fall of Jerusalem: Cultural Trauma as a Process

Abstract Cultural trauma theory provides a framework for studying the socio-cultural process which takes place between an event and its (socially accepted) representation. This article will apply process-oriented approach of cultural to biblical narratives Babylonian conquest Jerusalem, focusing in particular on destruction pillage temple. The comparison various accounts their different versions transmitted Hebrew Greek, reveals that memory this was by no means unified developed over longer period time. Discussing passages from 2 Kgs 24–25 parallels book Jeremiah, argue devastation temple is often regarded as major traumatizing history ancient Judah, became remembered such only result process.