Which city was one of the earliest centers of Jewish culture outside of Judea?

Alexandria was one of the earliest centers of Jewish culture outside of Judea for several reasons. Founded in the 4th century BCE by Alexander the Great, Alexandria quickly became a cosmopolitan hub that attracted diverse populations, including a substantial Jewish community. By the time of the Hellenistic and Roman periods, Jews in Alexandria had developed a rich cultural and intellectual life, largely characterized by their engagement with Hellenistic culture and philosophy.

The city was home to the famous Library of Alexandria, which housed numerous works, including translations of Jewish texts into Greek, such as the Septuagint. This integration into the cultural fabric of the city allowed for significant developments in Jewish thought and literature. Additionally, Alexandria served as a point of connection between Jewish communities across the Mediterranean, contributing to the spread and evolution of Jewish culture and ideas during antiquity.

In contrast, while Rome, Antioch, and Constantinople also played significant roles in Jewish history, they were not as prominent in the early establishment of Jewish culture outside of Judea during the same period as Alexandria was. Rome gained significance later as a center for Jews, particularly with the growth of the Jewish diaspora, while Antioch became known later as a key center for early Christianity. Constantinople,