THE BATAVI
a Germanic tribe inhabiting the Rhine delta (modern-day Netherlands), were highly regarded by the Romans as exceptional warriors and were often recruited as auxiliaries in the Roman army. They were known for their bravery, discipline, and unique fighting style, which often involved swimming across rivers in full armor.
The Batavi served in various capacities within the Roman army. They were part of the Emperor's elite Germanic bodyguard, providing personal protection to Roman emperors from Augustus to Galba. They also served in cavalry units and infantry cohorts, participating in numerous Roman campaigns, including the invasion of Britain in 43 AD.
The Batavi's loyalty and military prowess were highly valued by the Romans. However, their close relationship with the Empire also led to tensions and, ultimately, the Batavian Revolt of 69-70 AD, a significant uprising against Roman rule. Despite this rebellion, the Batavi continued to be recognized as formidable warriors and remained an important part of the Roman military for centuries.
MARCUS VIPSANIUS AGRIPPA
was a brilliant Roman general, statesman, and architect who played a key role in the rise of the Roman Empire. He was a close friend and right-hand man to Augustus Caesar.
Agrippa was a skilled military leader, winning crucial battles like Actium, which helped secure Augustus' power. He also excelled as an administrator and diplomat, managing various provinces and territories.
He was a visionary architect and urban planner, responsible for major projects like the Pantheon and the expansion of Rome's aqueduct system.
JUNO
Juno, the Roman goddess, was a figure of great importance and reverence. Often equated with the Greek goddess Hera, she held a prominent position in the Roman pantheon.
Key Roles and Attributes:
* Queen of the Gods: As the wife of Jupiter, the king of the gods, Juno held the title of Queen of the Gods.
* Goddess of Marriage and Women: She was the patroness of marriage and childbirth, watching over women throughout their lives.
* Protector of Rome: Juno was considered a protector of Rome and its people, often invoked for blessings and protection.
* Symbol of Fidelity and Maternal Love: She embodied the ideals of a faithful wife and a loving mother.
* Associated with the Moon: Juno was often linked to the moon, symbolizing cycles of life and renewal.
Symbolism and Imagery:
* Peacock: The peacock was sacred to Juno, representing beauty, immortality, and the cyclical nature of life.
* Diadem: She was often depicted wearing a diadem, a jeweled headband worn by royalty and deities.
* Throne: As the queen of the gods, Juno was frequently shown seated on a throne, symbolizing her power and authority.
THE 10TH LEGION
Legio X Equestris:
* One of Julius Caesar's most trusted legions.
* Fought alongside Caesar in his Gallic Wars and other campaigns.
* Disbanded after Caesar's assassination.
* Later reformed and fought for Mark Antony and Octavian.
* Eventually disbanded again.
Legio X Fretensis:
* Formed by Octavian (later Augustus) in 41/40 BC.
* Fought against Sextus Pompey in the Battle of Naulochus, earning its cognomen "Fretensis" (of the Strait).
* Participated in the Battle of Actium against Mark Antony.
* Played a significant role in the Roman-Jewish Wars, including the Siege of Jerusalem in 70 AD.
* Remained active well into the 4th century AD, primarily stationed in the Eastern Roman Empire.
SIEGE TOWERS
Roman siege towers were a crucial tool in their arsenal of siege warfare.
Key features:
* Size and Structure: Siege towers were often multi-story structures, their height matching or exceeding the height of the city walls. They were typically built on a wooden framework, covered with protective materials like animal hides or iron plates.
* Mobility: Siege towers were mounted on wheels, enabling them to be moved closer to the city walls.
* Ramps and Platforms: Ramps or bridges were extended from the tower to allow soldiers to quickly ascend and engage the defenders on the walls.
* Defensive Capabilities: Some siege towers were equipped with defensive features like arrow slits or even small ballistae to repel enemy attacks.
* Battering Ram: In some cases, a battering ram was integrated into the base of the tower, allowing it to breach city gates or walls.
Tactics and Usage:
* Overwhelming the Defenders: By bringing soldiers closer to the walls under the protection of the tower, the Romans could overwhelm defenders with numbers and firepower.
* Protecting Assault Forces: The tower shielded soldiers from projectiles and missiles thrown from the city walls.
* Psychological Warfare: The sheer size and imposing nature of siege towers could demoralize defenders, making them more susceptible to surrender.
ROMAN TAXES
Early Roman Republic:
* Land Tax (Tributum): Primarily levied on land, it was a significant source of revenue during the early Republic.
* Poll Tax (Capitis): A personal tax levied on individuals, regardless of their wealth or property.
* Customs Duties: Taxes on imported and exported goods.
Later Roman Republic and Empire:
* Direct Taxes:
* Land Tax: Continued to be a major source of revenue, but its administration became more sophisticated.
* Wealth Tax: A tax on personal wealth, introduced during the reign of Augustus.
* Inheritance Tax: A tax on inherited property.
* Indirect Taxes:
* Sales Tax: A tax on the sale of goods and services.
* Customs Duties: Expanded to include a wider range of goods and higher rates.
* Excise Taxes: Taxes on specific goods like wine and oil.
Tax Collection Methods:
* Publicans: Private tax collectors who contracted with the Roman government to collect taxes. They were often criticized for their harsh methods and corruption.
* Direct Collection: In some cases, taxes were collected directly by Roman officials.
* In-Kind Payments: Some taxes, particularly in provinces, were paid in kind, such as agricultural products or livestock.
THE MITHRADATIC WARS
The Mithridatic Wars were a series of three conflicts fought between the Roman Republic and the Kingdom of Pontus, led by the formidable Mithridates VI Eupator, between 88 and 63 BCE.
* First Mithridatic War (88-85 BCE): Mithridates seized large parts of Asia Minor and Greece, but was eventually defeated by Roman forces led by Sulla.
* Second Mithridatic War (83-81 BCE): A brief conflict triggered by Roman aggression, it ended inconclusively.
* Third Mithridatic War (73-63 BCE): The longest and most decisive war, it saw Roman generals Lucullus and Pompey gradually erode Pontic power. Mithridates was eventually defeated and forced to commit suicide.
ROMAN TUNIC
The Roman tunic was a fundamental garment worn by both men and women in ancient Rome. It was a simple, rectangular piece of cloth, typically made of linen or wool, that was sewn into a tubular shape with openings for the head and arms.
Key features of the Roman tunic:
* Sleeves: Tunics could be sleeveless, short-sleeved, or long-sleeved, depending on the wearer's status, gender, and the occasion.
* Length: Men's tunics were generally shorter, reaching to the knees or mid-thigh, while women's tunics were longer, often reaching to the ankles.
* Clavi: Wealthy Roman men often wore tunics with clavi, vertical stripes of purple or red wool that ran down the front of the garment, indicating their social status.
Different types of tunics:
* Tunica: The basic, everyday tunic worn by most people.
* Tunica manicata: A tunic with long sleeves, often worn by women and higher-status men.
* Stola: A long, loose-fitting tunic worn by Roman women over a shorter tunic.
The tunic was a versatile garment that could be worn for a variety of occasions, from everyday activities to formal events. It was a symbol of Roman identity and culture, and its style and decoration could reveal information about the wearer's social status, gender, and occupation.
NEW TESTAMENT CENSUS
And it came to pass in those days that a decree went out from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be registered.
This census first took place while Quirinius was governing Syria. So all went to be registered, everyone to his own city.
Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judea, to the city of David, which is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and lineage of David, to be registered with Mary, his betrothed wife, who was with child.
Luke 2. 1-5 NKJV
