Festus
- ANCIENT SOURCES: see Festus (sources)
- SCHOLARLY AND FICTIONAL WORKS: see Category:Festus (subject)
Porcius Festus was the Roman governor of Judea, from 58 CE to 62 CE, under Emperor Nero.
Overview
In 58 CE, Porcius Festus succeeded Marcus Antonius Felix as Roman Procurator of Judea. Felix had to fight hard against the rising power of the Sicarii. He also deported to Rome Paul of Tarsus, who had been imprisoned by Felix. Festus' opposition to the erection of a wall in the Temple, which limited the view of the Temple by the Roman guards, was overcome by the authorities of the Temple, by petitioning directly to Nero. Apparently, Festus died in office in 62 CE; Nero appointed Lucceius Albinus as the new governor.
Festus in ancient sources
Josephus' works are the major source of information on Festus, who is also mentioned in the Acts of Apostles in relation with Paul of Tarsus