Following the end of the First World War, my Grandfather, Arthur Muller, re-enlisted in the Somerset Light Infantry, and in 1920 was posted to Palestine. During his time there he collected several hand-painted postcards of the Holy Land, one of which was this landscape of the ancient city of Samaria.
“The Site of the Ancient City of Samaria. The remains of the ancient city are on the olive-clad hill to the left, the modern village with minarets marking the site of the ruined Church of St. John the Baptist (12th Century). It is seen on the lower slope of the hill to the right”
What was the Somerset Light Infantry doing in the Holy Land in 1920?
In 1920, the Somerset Light Infantry was part of the British Army of Occupation in the Holy Land. The regiment was tasked with ensuring peace and order in Palestine, which had been recently taken from the Ottoman Empire by Allied forces during World War I. The regiment was also responsible for providing relief to local populations affected by conflict and famine. Their presence helped to quell local unrest while providing much-needed aid to those suffering in the region.
What was the significance of hand-painted postcards in the 1920s Holy Land?
Hand-painted postcards were a popular form of communication in the 1920s Holy Land. They served as a way to send messages from one place to another and were especially prevalent among tourists and pilgrims visiting Jerusalem, Bethlehem, Nazareth, and other cities. These postcards provided an artistic glimpse into the culture of the time period, depicting scenes of everyday life, religious sites, and historical landmarks. They also gave those who sent them a way to share their experiences with friends and family back home.
What is the history of Tuck’s Post Cards of the Holy Land in the 1920s?
Tuck’s Post Cards of the Holy Land in the 1920s was a series of postcards featuring iconic locations and scenes from Palestine, including Jerusalem, Bethlehem, Nazareth, and the Sea of Galilee. Created by Raphael Tuck & Sons Ltd., these postcards were popular with pilgrims and tourists visiting the area, as well as local souvenir shops. The cards were printed in both English and French, with images depicting religious sites as well as everyday life in Palestine at the time. This postcard series is an important part of history that provides a glimpse into what life was like during this period and serve as a reminder of its rich holy sites. This postcard, for example, shows the site of the ancient city of Samaria.
Tuck’s Oilette Postcard of Ancient Samaria
Tuck’s Oilette Postcard of Ancient Samaria is a popular postcard depicting the ancient city of Samaria, which was located in modern-day Israel. The postcard was published by Raphael Tuck and Sons Ltd., a British publisher that specialized in artwork and postcards.
The postcard, created by the British artist William Tuck in the early 1900s, features a detailed illustration of the ancient cityscape of Samaria.
What was the significance of the ancient city of Samaria?
The ancient city of Samaria was an important political, economic, and cultural hub in the Middle East during the Iron Age. It was part of the Kingdom of Israel and is mentioned multiple times in the Bible. Samaria served as a hub for trade due to its strategic location on a major trade route and it had strong ties to neighboring cities such as Jerusalem, Damascus, Tyre & Sidon. It was also home to several religious sites, including temples dedicated to Baal and Astarte. The city’s significance has been noted throughout history for its role in shaping the culture of the region.
Samaria is known as the capital of the Northern Kingdom of Israel, which existed from 930 to 722 BC. Samaria served as an important political and religious center during this time period, and it was also a major trading hub in the region. The city was known for its grand palace, which housed many of the kings who ruled over Samaria.
The ancient city of Samaria is an archaeological site located in the modern-day village of Sebaste in the West Bank. It is known for its remains of the impressive Iron Age city, which was established by King Omri around 880 BCE and later occupied by King Ahab and his successors. The ruins include a palace complex, a citadel, and a temple to Baal that once stood on the summit of the hill. In addition to these structures, excavations have revealed artifacts from various cultures including Byzantine and Roman civilizations. Visitors to this site can explore these ruins and learn more about the history of this ancient city.
Arthur Muller leaves Palestine
Having served some time in Palestine, Arthur was moved to Cairo and then on to India where he was stationed for two years, returning to the UK, and civilian life in 1922.
Some seventy-seven years later a friend and I took a trip to Cyprus which included a whistle stop, weekend cruise, first to Egypt and then to Israel. We spent a day in each country, visiting the cities of Cairo, Jerusalem, and Bethlehem. Seeing these places and being able to match photographs I took at the time against some of these 1920’s postcards of my grandfathers was fascinating and gave me a connection to a man who died while I was very young and that I only have faint memories of.