10-26-2013, 10:01 AM
In 6 AD, the Romans intervened in Judaea. It was added to the Empire, governor Quirinius conducted a census, there was turmoil, but the high priest convinced the people that they ought to register. He was defeated by his own people, but peace returned.
Because Josephus (in both the Jewish War and the Antiquities) jumps from the annexation of Judaea to a description of the Zealot movement, it is often assumed that violence was widespread and that Quirinius had to intervene with the Syrian army. However, Tacitus denies this. He records an insurrection at the death of king Herod (5/4 BC) and says that after that, all was quiet ("sub Tiberio quies").
What is the actual evidence that Quirinius had to intervene with the Syrian legions? If I have read sufficiently carefully, I would say that his right-hand man Coponius overcame all troubles, perhaps with the Herodian garrison. Anyone any thouhts?
Because Josephus (in both the Jewish War and the Antiquities) jumps from the annexation of Judaea to a description of the Zealot movement, it is often assumed that violence was widespread and that Quirinius had to intervene with the Syrian army. However, Tacitus denies this. He records an insurrection at the death of king Herod (5/4 BC) and says that after that, all was quiet ("sub Tiberio quies").
What is the actual evidence that Quirinius had to intervene with the Syrian legions? If I have read sufficiently carefully, I would say that his right-hand man Coponius overcame all troubles, perhaps with the Herodian garrison. Anyone any thouhts?
