The market place was a focal point for ancient society. Much like today’s malls, people not only shopped in them, but also socialized there. See why they were so popular.

In Jesus' day, every village in Palestine had a market (marketplace), which was usually located in an open area or where streets crossed. The market had many stalls or booths, where foods or spices could be measured and sold. A visitor would find things like wheat or barley, bread, fish, olives, and figs.

The market was filled with sights and sounds and smells. Sellers would often shout at buyers to try to get them to look at their food or other items. Animals like sheep, goats, or birds that were being sold also made lots of noise. The smell of animals, cooking food, and spices filled the air.

As Jesus' story about the man who went to the market to hire workers for his vineyard shows (Matt 20.1-16), the market was also a place where people might meet to talk or just to spend some time. Others went there because they knew that landowners often came to the market looking for workers.

Friday, the day before the Sabbath, was an especially busy day in the market. This was when Jewish people came to buy the special things they needed to celebrate the weekly holy day of rest, which began at sunset on Friday evening and lasted until sunset on Saturday.