The story of Jerusalem and its conquest by the Roman Empire is deeply intertwined with the rise and fall of powerful figures like Pompey the Great. His victory in the Third Mithridatic War granted him control of the province of Syria, opening the door to the eastern Mediterranean and putting him in a position of immense power. Imagine, eleven legions and 600 war galleys under his command! It’s no wonder he was called “Pompey the Great.”
A stroke of luck and a well-placed bribe allowed Pompey to seize control of Jerusalem in 63 BC. This victory solidified Rome’s grip on the Holy City, setting the stage for the birth of Christ. Mark Antony, a prominent figure in Roman politics, helped King Herod, a name familiar to many, secure the throne of Judea in 37 BC. These events are crucial to understanding the political climate in which Pontius Pilate and the crucifixion took place.
The Spread of Roman Civilization
The death of Antony and Cleopatra in 31 BC marked the beginning of Octavian’s, later known as Emperor Augustus Caesar, reign over the entire Mediterranean coastline. Powerful Roman triremes, ships of war, sailed the seas from end to end, setting anchor in fortified ports like Portus Julius in Campania and Messina in Sicily. These ports became launching pads for the spread of Roman civilization from the banks of the Tiber River to the rest of the known world.
But Rome’s reach extended beyond its own borders. The conquests of Greece, Persia, Egypt, and Jerusalem brought with them a wealth of knowledge that the Romans absorbed into their own culture. This blend of cultures is evident in the port cities along the Amalfi Coast, Sicily, and Sardinia, one of the oldest inhabited islands in the world.
The Legacy of Rome in Artifacts and History
The most comprehensive collection of ancient Roman artifacts from the era of Pompey and Julius Caesar can be found in the Vatican Museums. Don’t miss the “Inscriptions from the Excavations of Ostia” exhibit. Ostia, a key military region, was a launching point for many of Rome’s conquests and is now known as Ostia Antica. This archeological site continues to reveal secrets about the ancient empire.
For a glimpse into the history of Jerusalem before Roman rule, visit the “Antiquities of the Ancient Near East” exhibit in Room VIII of the Vatican Museums. This is where the Dead Sea Scrolls are housed, along with other ancient artifacts from Palestine and Egypt. The necropolis of Jericho is also featured. These exhibits offer fascinating insights into the past and will leave you wanting more! Don’t forget to visit our main site to purchase tickets to the Vatican Museums.
A Journey Through Faith and History
As you explore the Vatican Museums, take a moment to visit St Peter’s Basilica and offer a prayer. Lent begins next week, and we here at Weekend in Italy will be exploring the origins of Ash Wednesday, followed by a series of articles on the evolution of Christianity through Italian influence. Join us next Monday for more!
