What was the main occupation in the first century palestine?

Answer 1

A:

There was no nation of Israel in the first century, Israel having been destroyed by the Assyrians in 722 BCE.

In Judea and Galilee, the most common occupations were associated with farming. Jews had traditionally held a strong bond with the land and avoided losing their farms at all costs, since a landless farmer was destined to extreme poverty. Nevertheless, many Jews did lose their land through indebtedness during the Roman period and became farm labourers. Fishing was an occupation available to some in Galilee. Village artisans performed a variety of tasks such as carpentry and pottery.

Townspeople included priests and scribes, of whom there were many, especially in Jerusalem. As in other parts of the Roman Empire, merchants formed an important part of town life. Good quality pottery, furniture, clothing and other crafts and manufactures provided work in the towns.

Inevitably, those among the very poor who were unable to support themselves turned to brigandry, petty theft and begging. In turn, a corps of guards and local soldiers was required.

Answer 2

It was said that most of the Jews were shepherds or fishermen. However, there must also have been farmers to produce crop for food.