Did Large Estates Exist in Lower Galilee in the First Half of the First Century ce?

In the discussions on the economy of Galilee in the time of Jesus, the presence or absence of large land-estates must play a significant role. Based on a reading of the parables attributed to Jesus, one could conclude that there were many estates of significantly large size and that they contributed to the economic conditions of Galilee causing loss of land and a growing rural proletariat. This paper will argue that the estates of Galilee were of modest size and had no significant economic impact. The argument will focus on the Bet Netofa Valley, and especially on the village of Shikhin, as the location for the medium-sized estates of the elites of Sepphoris. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]