Prior to 1948 how many decades were jews ever a majoity of the population? To determine how many decades Jews were a majority of the population in the region of Judea/Palestine prior to 1948, we need to examine historical population trends based on available evidence. The region, encompassing what was once Canaan, later Judea, and then Palestine, saw significant demographic shifts over millennia. Reliable population data is scarce for most of history, so estimates rely on archaeological findings, ancient texts, and later records from periods like the Ottoman era. I’ll analyze key historical periods to assess when Jews might have constituted a majority (over 50% of the population) and count the decades accordingly. Historical Periods and Jewish Majority Pre-Iron Age (~1400 BCE – 1200 BCE) Context: Before the Israelite settlement (traditionally dated to ~1400–1200 BCE), the region was Canaan, inhabited by Canaanite peoples. The biblical narrative describes the conquest of Canaan (e.g., Joshua), but archaeological evidence suggests a gradual infiltration rather than a sudden shift. Jewish Population: Effectively zero, as the Israelites (predecessors to Jews) were not yet a distinct group here. Majority?: No. Decades: 0. Iron Age (~1200 BCE – 586 BCE) 1200–1000 BCE: Israelite tribes settled the highlands. Population estimates for Canaan range from 50,000–150,000, with Israelites growing but coexisting with Canaanites, Philistines, and others. No clear majority yet. 1000–722 BCE: United Monarchy (David, Solomon) and early divided kingdoms. Total population might have reached 300,000–500,000 by ~1000 BCE, with Israelites dominant in Judah and parts of Israel. In Judah (southern kingdom), Jews likely became a majority by ~950 BCE, as non-Israelite groups were marginalized or assimilated. Northern Israel had mixed populations (e.g., Canaanites, Arameans), so no Jewish majority there. 722–586 BCE: Assyrian conquest deported much of northern Israel’s population, leaving Judah (100,000–200,000) as the Jewish stronghold. Jews remained a majority in Judah until the Babylonian exile (586 BCE). Majority Duration: In Judah, roughly 950 BCE – 586 BCE = 364 years (36 decades). Regionally, less clear due to mixed populations in the north. Decades: ~36 (assuming Judah as the focus, not all of Canaan). Persian and Hellenistic Periods (~586 BCE – 63 BCE) 586–332 BCE: Post-Babylonian exile, Persian Yehud had a small Jewish population (20,000–50,000), dwarfed by surrounding non-Jewish groups in the broader region (e.g., Samaritans, Idumeans). No majority. 332–63 BCE: Hellenistic rule and Hasmonean expansion increased Jewish numbers (to ~300,000–400,000 by 100 BCE), but the region included growing Greek and other populations. Jews were likely a plurality, not a majority, except in core Hasmonean areas like Judea proper. Majority?: No clear regional majority. Decades: 0. Roman Period (~63 BCE – 324 CE) 63 BCE – 70 CE: Under Roman rule, Judea’s population grew to 500,000–1,000,000. Jews were the majority (perhaps 60–80%) until the First Jewish-Roman War (66–70 CE). Jerusalem and rural Judea were predominantly Jewish, though coastal cities (e.g., Caesarea) had significant Gentile populations. 70–135 CE: Post-Temple destruction, Jewish population declined but remained substantial until the Bar Kokhba Revolt (132–136 CE). Majority likely held until ~100 CE. Post-135 CE: Renamed Syria Palaestina, Jewish population dropped sharply due to exile and slaughter (to ~100,000–200,000), with pagans and later Christians outnumbering Jews. Majority Duration: 63 BCE – ~100 CE = ~163 years (16 decades). Decades: ~16. Byzantine Period (~324 CE – 638 CE) Context: Christianization dominated, with Jews reduced to a minority (~10–20% of 1–1.5 million by 500 CE). Samaritans and Christians outnumbered Jews. Majority?: No. Decades: 0. Early Islamic, Crusader, and Mamluk Periods (~638 CE – 1517 CE) 638–1099 CE: Arab Muslim rule; Jews a small minority (~5–10% of ~300,000–500,000). 1099–1517 CE: Crusader and Mamluk eras saw further decline (population ~200,000–500,000), with Jews at ~1–5%. Majority?: No. Decades: 0. Ottoman Period (~1517 CE – 1917 CE) Context: Population stagnated at 200,000–300,000 until the 19th century, rising to 690,000 by 1914. Jews were a tiny minority (2–8%) until Zionist immigration began in the 1880s. By 1947, Jews were 32% (650,000 of ~2 million), still not a majority. Majority?: No. Decades: 0. Total Decades of Jewish Majority Iron Age (Judah): ~950 BCE – 586 BCE = ~36 decades. Roman Period: ~63 BCE – ~100 CE = ~16 decades. Total: ~36 + 16 = 52 decades. Notes and Caveats Geographic Scope: The question asks about “Judea/Palestine,” but boundaries shifted. I’ve focused on the core area (roughly modern Israel/West Bank), with Judah as the Jewish heartland in earlier periods. If the entire region (including northern Israel or Philistia) is considered, the majority periods shrink, as Jews were not dominant everywhere. Pre-1948 Constraint: Jews only became a majority again in modern Israel post-1948 (statehood), reaching ~80% by 1950 within its borders. Pre-1948, the last majority ended ~100 CE. Estimates: Ancient data is imprecise; majority status is inferred from historical dominance and lack of large rival groups in certain periods. Thus, Jews were likely a majority in the region (or parts like Judah) for approximately 52 decades prior to 1948, primarily during the Iron Age (950–586 BCE) and early Roman period (63 BCE – 100 CE). If you need a more granular breakdown or different regional focus, let me know!