Felix
- ANCIENT SOURCES: see Felix (sources)
- SCHOLARLY AND FICTIONAL WORKS: see Category:Felix (subject)
Marcus Antonius Felix was the Roman governor of Judea, from 52 CE to 58 CE, under Emperors Claudius and Nero. His wife was Drusilla, daughter of Herod Agrippa.
Overview
In 52 CE, Marcus Antonius Felix succeeded Ventidius Cumanus as Roman Procurator of Judea. Around 54-56, Felix divorced his fist wife and married Drusilla, daughter of Herod Agrippa. The couple had a son, Marcus Antonius Agrippa, who would die with his wife in 79 CE in the eruption of Mount Vesuvio. Felix' tenure was marked by unrest and accusations of bribe, violence and corruption. He escaped unpunished thanks to the support of his powerful brother Marcus Antonius Pallas, who served as a secretary of the treasury at Rome. Paul of Tarsus stood trial before Festus and was hold in prison at Caesarea for two years. In 58 CE Porcius Festus replaced Felix.
Felix in ancient sources
Josephus' works are the major source of information on Felix, who is mentioned also in the Acts of Apostles in relation to Paul of Tarsus and by the Roman historian Tacitus.