Category:Roman Period (subject)

Second Temple Studies -> 4. Roman Period

The Roman Period goes from the conquest of Pompey in 63 BCE onwards.

< Timeline : (1) Babylonian Exile -- (2) Persian Period -- (3) Greek Period -- (4) Maccabean Period -- (5) Roman Period -- see also Historical Jesus Studies, and Christian Origins Studies >

< Main Events : Parthian Invasion -- Census of Quirinius -- Jewish War -- Kitos War -- Bar-Kokhba Revolt >

< People : Hasmoneans -- Herodians -- High Priests -- Messiah Claimants -/- Pompey -- Julius Caesar -- Mark Antony -- Roman Emperors -- Roman Governors of Judea -- Roman Governors of Syria -- Pontius Pilate -/- Herod the Great -- Mariamne -- Teacher of Righteousness -- Philo of Alexandria -- Herod Antipas -- Salome -- John the Baptist -- Jesus of Nazareth -- Paul of Tarsus -- Josephus -- Bar Kokhba >

This page is edited by Gabriele Boccaccini, University of Michigan.

Roman Period -- Overview

File:Roman Empire map.jpg

Roman Empire

The Beginnings of the Roman Influence in the region

The Roman Period officially started with the conquest of Jerusalem by Pompey in 63 BCE and the end of the Hasmonean rule. However, the influence of Rome in the region goes back to the Seleucid Period. In order the undermine the solidity of the Seleucid Empire, the Romans supported the Maccabean Revolt and the Hasmonean Rule.

Under Pompey (63-47 BCE)

In 63 BCE Pompey took advantage of the civil war between Aristobulos and his brother Hyrcanus II to intervene and establish Roman rule in the East.

Under Julius Caesar (47-44 BCE)

In 47 BCE Julius Caesar arrived in Egypt, chasing Pompey. Hyrcanus II and Antipater supported Julius Caesar.

Under Mark Antony (44-30 BCE)

In 44 BCE, after the assassination of Julius Caesar the region fell initially under the influence of Cassius but the struggle with Mark Antony changed the balance of power. Antipater, who had sided with Cassius was poisoned, while feasting with John Hyrcanus II. His children, Phasael and Herod the Great were quick enough to switch allegiance to Mark Antony and retained power.

in 40-37 BCE the Roman Rule was shortly interrupted by the Partian Invasion. Mark Anthony with the support of generals such as Ventidius and Herod was able to retore the Roman rule in the region.

In 34 BCE Mark Antony and Cleopatra felt strong enough to challenge the authority of Rome and Octavian by establishing an independent Kingdom in the East. Octavian with the support of his general Marcus Agrippa promptly reacted. The showdown ended in 31 BCE with the defeat of Antony and Cleopatra in the naval Battle of Actium and the invasion of Egypt in 30 BCE. Antony and Cleopatra committed suicide. Herod the Great was quick in submitting to the power of Octavian after the Battle of Actium and was confirmed as King of Judaea.