Amy – Page 6 – Amazing Bible Timeline with World History

Posted on February 10, 2015October 4, 2017 by Amy — Leave a comment

Asoka King of Magadha

Asoka, the King of Magadha, ruled around 200 BC and were listed on the Bible Timeline Chart during that period. Magadha is a kingdom that is made up of several districts including Nalanda, Nawadah, Gaya, Patna and some areas of Bengal. Some boundaries make up this kingdom such as the River Ganges, River Champa, Vindhya mountains and River Sone. Anga was also a part of its boundary during the time of the Buddha.

The kingdom was the center of religion and culture. During 500 BC, it witnessed urbanization, and Buddhism began to flourish. The culture of Magadha is evident in Jainism and Buddhism, and these religions involved some of the features of the kingdom’s rich culture, particularly the belief in karmic retribution and reincarnation. The belief in obtaining liberation through having a deeper knowledge of oneself was practiced in Greater Magadha’s culture, specifically in the earlier dates in history.

Asoka_Kingof Magadha — Asoka and his army won the battle, but the effects of the war caused him to feel shame and disgust….The image of corpses and children crying because of their parents’ death remained in his mind.

Asoka and his army won the battle, but the effects of the war caused him to feel shame and disgust….The image of corpses and children crying because of their parents’ death remained in his mind.

About Asoka, the Emperor

Emperor Asoka ruled an empire that stretched throughout the subcontinent of India, including modern-day Afghanistan, Pakistan, and Bangladesh. The empire covered a large area, as well as the states of Assam, Andhra, and Kerala. Asoka was considered as one of India’s most powerful emperors, and he was able to facilitate a smooth and successful rule over the land. In Sanskrit, his name can be translated as “without any sorrow”. Hence, in everything he engaged in, he was able to excel well. Asoka was Chandragupta Maurya‘s grandson, who was the kingdom’s famous and respected ruler. His parents were Dharma and Bindusara, the Mauryan emperor. During his childhood, Asoka showed great skill in the academics, Holy Scriptures, and warfare. The bright child was well-loved and look up to by several people in the kingdom because of his unique gifts and intelligence. At the time of his father’s death, his older brother named Suman took his place as king. However, most of the ministers realized that Asoka was more capable of ruling. Thus, they helped him gain control of the kingdom, which he finally received after a war that lasted for three years. In 273 BC, Asoka was crowned as Magadha’s king.

Asoka_King_of_Magadha_buddha — ‘The Buddhist stupa at Sanchi, built during the Mauryan period.’

‘The Buddhist stupa at Sanchi, built during the Mauryan period.’

Asoka the King of Magadha

As a ruler of the land, he was able to ensure a smooth administration over his territories. He was a brave and responsible king who genuinely undertook all of his duties. Asoka served the land for eight years, and he eventually decided to conquer Kalinga. To achieve this goal, he led a powerful army, and this resulted in a harsh battle with Kalinga’s army. The war between two armies occurred on the hills of Dhauli.

Asoka and his army won the battle, but the effects of the war caused him to feel shame and disgust. After this painful experience, Asoka pledged never to take part in any battles again. The image of corpses and children crying because of their parents’ death remained in his mind. The negative feeling that the war brought lingered in his heart, and this caused him to turn to Buddhism for solace.

The king was inspired and overwhelmed by the Buddhist monks’ teachings, and this fueled his desire to spread the philosophies of Buddhism throughout the world. He was the first emperor who developed Buddhist policies in his kingdom.

References:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Magadha
http://www.iloveindia.com/history/ancient-india/maurya-dynasty/ashoka.html
http://www.palikanon.com/english/pali_names/ay/asoka.htm
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Magadha#mediaviewer/File:Magadha_Expansion_(6th-4th_centuries_BCE).png
http://pixabay.com/en/sculpture-child-fear-suffering-cry-616821/
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Magadha#mediaviewer/File:Sanchi2.jpg

Posted on February 9, 2015October 4, 2017 by Amy — 1 Comment

Apostles of Christ Spread the Church

According to historians, Christianity started in the Eastern Mediterranean, and this stretched towards the Roman Empire and up to India and is recorded to spread on the Bible Timeline starting around 500 AD. The rapid growth of the Church to these areas was related to the growing belief in Christianity that was evident in the Jewish diaspora, the Holy Land and in several Jewish centers. The Jewish Christians were considered as the very first believers and followers of early Christianity.

Spread of the Church through the Apostles of Christ

The Apostles of Jesus traveled from Jerusalem to other parts of the world after the crucifixion of Christ. Their main purpose was to spread the teachings of Jesus when he was still alive. Some of them also founded the Apostolic Sees, and they led early Christians in their religious gatherings in private homes referred to as house churches. The entire community of Christians was called a “church”, originating from a Greek word that means congregation, gathering or assembly.

A large population of Early Christians were travelers or merchants, and they went to various places including Asia Minor,

Africa, Greece, and Arabia. By the year 100 AD, there were more than 40 communities of Early Christians established, and most of these were in Anatolia. This place was also regarded as Asia Minor, and it was where the Seven Churches of Asia was found. Afterward, Christianity spread in other places including Syria, Greece, Armenia, India and Rome. These places served as the foundations for the spread of Christianity.

In Caesarea, Peter, one of Jesus’ apostles, baptized Cornelius who was a centurion and a gentile. He soon converted to Christianity, with the help of Peter. Paul, another apostle of Jesus, also stayed in Caesarea for a while. It was also in that place where he was imprisoned.

Apostles_of_Christ_Spread_the_Church_Peter — Apostle Peter

Antioch, one of the Roman Empire’s most significant cities, became another place in the world where several people converted into Christianity. It was also the site where an early church was formed, and Peter was its founder and first bishop. The Apostolic Constitutions and the Gospel of Matthew were believed to have been written in Antioch.

Based on the Book of Acts, Jerusalem became known as the site of the very first church of the Christians. Here, the apostles of Jesus taught and remained after the Pentecost. James became the leader in this first church, and several other kinsmen also had leadership positions after the city of Jerusalem was destroyed and until the rebuilding.

In 50 AD, Paul and Barnabas traveled to Jerusalem to meet with John, Peter and James, who were considered as the pillars of the church. Eventually, this meeting was referred to as the Council of Jerusalem. During this meeting, various subjects were discussed including the mission of Paul and Barnabas to the gentiles, as well as the freedom of converts from Mosaic law.

Peter decided to leave Jerusalem as Herod Agrippa I made attempts to kill him. At this point, James became the new principal authority of the early Church in Jerusalem.

References:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Early_centers_of_Christianity
http://biblescripture.net/Acts.html
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Christianity_in_the_1st_century

Posted on February 6, 2015October 4, 2017 by Amy — Leave a comment

Pompeii, Destruction of

Pompeii was a city of ancient Rome, which is located in modern-day Naples. In 79 AD (where it is listed on the Biblical Timeline Poster with World History), Pompeii and several other cities and villas were destroyed when Mount Vesuvius erupted. Affected areas were buried under very thick pumice and ashes.

Background of the City of Pompeii

According to researchers, Pompeii was established by the Oscans in the 7th or 6th BC. Eventually, the city was conquered by Rome, and it became a colony of the Romans in 80 BC. About 160 years after becoming a Roman colony, Pompeii was destroyed. At this time, the city had about 11,000 residents including a gymnasium, port and water system in operation.

Destruction-of_Pompeii — ‘The Last Day of Pompeii. Painting by Karl Brullov, 1830–1833.’

‘The Last Day of Pompeii. Painting by Karl Brullov, 1830–1833.’

The eruption of Mount Vesuvius caused the total destruction of the city. This has led to the death of all its inhabitants including the loss of properties that were buried in ash. Pliny the Younger, a witness of the volcano’s eruption, wrote a letter that documented the events during that fateful day. He also wrote in the letter a narration of how Pliny the Elder, his uncle who was the Roman fleet’s admiral, was killed after attempting to rescue affected citizens.

The location greatly impacted by Mount Vesuvius’ eruption was lost for at least 1500 years. However, it was rediscovered in 1599, and there was an even broader rediscovery about 150 years after by Rocque Joaquin de Alcubierre, a Spanish engineer. When the site was discovered, there were several objects found throughout the place. It was also observed that these remnants appeared to be well-preserved due to lack of moisture and air.

Destruction of Pompeii

Pompeii was a prosperous town-city found near Mount Vesuvius. In fact, it had a thriving economy because of its agriculture. However, with the eruption of this volcano, several communities were devastated including Pompeii and Herculaneum.

According to studies, those who died from the volcanic eruptions suffered from intense heat and suffocation due to ash. Researchers have discovered that these people were exposed to as much as 250 degrees Celsius of heat, and the hot surges were at about 10 kilometers distance away from the event. This severe heat was enough to bring about death in spite of the fact that the people remained inside their houses.

After the eruption, several buildings including people and other properties at Pompeii were buried in tephra by about 12 different layers of this material. Historians have found evidence that the city of Pompeii was buried completely in November, contrary to what Pliny stated in his letter that the eruption occurred in August.

Archaeologists have discovered that the people who were buried in ash were wearing heavier and thicker clothing, which meant it was impossible for the eruptions to have taken place in August. Moreover, there were sealed wine fermenting jars, as well as coins that feature the 15th imperatorial acclamations of the emperor’s titles. Hence, it was impossible for these coins to have been minted prior to the middle of September. Thus, the accounts by Pliny that the volcanic eruption was in August may be proven to be inaccurate based on research and studies by scientists.

References:
http://www.eyewitnesstohistory.com/pompeii.htm
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pompeii
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eruption_of_Mount_Vesuvius_in_79

Posted on February 5, 2015June 28, 2021 by Amy — 1 Comment

Laodicea Forbids Use of Epistles of Barnabas, Council of

In 363 AD where it can be found on the Biblical Timeline Chart, the Council of Laodicea officially forbade individuals from reading uncanonized books. Moreover, only canonical books of the Old and New Testament were supposed to be read in Church. This declaration was given out during the 59th canon, and it was followed by the 60th canon that included a list of the books that are not to be read.

There were Old Testament books that were found in the list, although the order in which they are listed was somewhat peculiar. The list involved the minor and major prophets, as well as Daniel. As for the New Testament, this included the seven recognized Catholic epistles, with 14 epistles by Paul, and letters to Hebrews.

Council_of_Laodicea_Forbids_Use_ofEpistles

In the 59th canon of Laodicea, several books were mentioned to have been included. These included the books of Kings, Chronicles, Joshua, Judges, Moses, Solomon, Job, Psalms of David and the 16 prophets. In the New Testament, the list included the Acts, 4 Gospels, and the letters of Paul. However, the Catholic epistles were not stated. During the time of the Antiochian Church, letters from Cosmas, Theodore, and a few others were denied of their apostolicity.

Council-of-Laodicea-Forbids-Use-of-Epistles-of-Barnabus-key

In the Council of Laodicea, Cyril of Jerusalem provided a list of scriptures that were considered to be divine. In the list, the Old Testament contained 22 books, and these books were arranged in a manner that is similar to what can be found in the present English Bible. Furthermore, Jeremiah was considered to be associated with the terms “Baruch and the Epistle”. As for the New Testament, all the books were indicated, with the exception of the Apocalypse.

In 365 AD, Archbishop Athanasius required the list to be written in order and must indicate canonical books that are considered as divine. He came up with list of the books of the Old Testament that was nearly similar with what Cyril has made. Although Esther was not a part of it and the Book of Ruth was included separately to form all the 22 books in the list.

Athanasius also mentioned that there were other non-canonical books, which were written by the prophets and not to be read in the church. These books included the Wisdom of Sirach, Wisdom of Solomon, Judith, Tobit, Esther, and the Apostles’ Doctrines. His list of the New Testament books included the Apocalypse, which was not on the list provided by Cyril. He also noted that there were numerous apocryphal books that were also considered as canonical such as Sirach, Baruch, Tobit and Daniel.

Council-of-Laodicea-Forbids-Use-of-Epistles-of-Barnabus-book

Basil of Caesarea formed a canon that agreed with the one prepared by Athanasius. There were some books that he believed belonged to a canon. These books included Baruch, Sirach, Wisdom, Daniel, Judith and Jeremiah.

As for the list by Gregory of Nazianzus, it was presented in a poetical structure. His list of the Old Testament books was similar with Athanasius, although he only mentioned all the canonical books. He also did not include the book of Esther. The New Testament list was also different since he failed to include Apocalypse, unlike what Athanasius did.

Overall, the Council of Laodicea banned several books including Barnabas, Nicodemus, Paul and Thecla, Paul and Seneca, Christ and Abgarus, 1 Clement, II Clement, The Apostles Creed, Mary, Magnesians, and Polycarp, to name a few.

References:
http://biblehub.com/library/davidson/the_canon_of_the_bible/chapter_vii_the_bible_canon.htm
http://reluctant-messenger.com/council-of-laodicea.htm
http://www.bible-researcher.com/canon5.html

Posted on February 4, 2015October 4, 2017 by Amy — Leave a comment

Nicaea, Council of

The Council of Nicaea was held in Bithynia, where Christian bishops met to reach a consensus about their stand on the Trinity. It was convened by Constantine I, a Roman Emperor, in the year 325 AD and is listed on the Biblical Timeline Poster with World History during that period. The council was led by Bishop Hosius of Corduba and believed to be a Papal delegate. The Council was able to form an agreement as to the Christological issue involved in the relationship of the son to God-the-father, as well as the creation of the first part of the Nicene Creed. Also, the council also aimed to settle a definite time of observing Easter, as well as the spread of the early canon laws.

About the Council of Nicaea

Prior to the Council, there were disagreements in terms of the nature of the God-the-son, as well as its relationship to God-the-father. This issue existed within the religious in the Church of Alexandria. Furthermore, there were arguments as to the nature of the son whether he was indeed begotten by God-the-father, or he was merely created and existed out of nothing. Athanasius and Alexander of Alexandria held the first position while Arius had the second position. After much deliberation, the Arians lost to about 250 to 318 attendees in the council decided against the presbyters. The Council also resulted in an agreement based on the definite time to celebrate Easter. This occasion was considered as the most significant feasts in the church calendar. Primarily, the Council discussed various areas of Christology, and it was the first of several other councils that were held.

‘Bronze statue of Constantine I in York, England, near the spot where he was proclaimed Augustus in 306.’

Purpose of the Council of Nicaea

Emperor Constantine asked all the Christian Church bishops to convene and come to Nicaea, and the main purpose was to resolve any disagreements that caused divisions and issues in the Church. Primarily, the Council was based on the recommendations of the group under the leadership of Hosius of Cordoba. There were controversies by the Arians, and most bishops agreed that Arius’ teachings were conflicting to the Christian faith, as well as heretical.

Hence, in 325 AD, bishops from various provinces came to Nicaea. This place was set as the location of the first Council because of its accessibility to all delegates coming from various parts of the world. Including Armenia, Egypt, Georgia, Thrace, Greece, Syria, Asia Minor, and Palestine.

The Council of Nicaea was the very first important council in the church’s history ever since the Council of Jerusalem was held. The Apostolic Council was created to provide certain conditions that the Gentiles should follow to be able to become a part of the Church. The Council aimed to make an organized step to define the doctrines and prevent heretical teachings and theologies.

About 1800 bishops coming from the east and west attended the Council, although only a smaller number of these religious leaders attended. These delegates were from all the regions of the Roman Empire, with the exception of Britain. Bishops from the east made up most of the attendees, and these included Alexander of Alexandria, Macarius of Jerusalem and Eustathius of Antioch.

References:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/First_Council_of_Nicaea
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Council_of_Nicaea
http://www.newadvent.org/cathen/11044a.htm
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hosius_of_Corduba#mediaviewer/File:THE_FIRST_COUNCIL_OF_NICEA.jpg
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Constantine_the_Great#mediaviewer/File:Constantine,_York_Minster.jpg

Posted on February 3, 2015October 4, 2017 by Amy — 1 Comment

Nicene Creed

The Nicene Creed that listed is on the Biblical Timeline Chart with World History during 378 AD refers to the Christians’ profession of faith, which is recited in liturgical celebrations. The term was adopted in the Nicaea, a city where the Council of Nicaea was held in 325 AD. However, it is in a different form than the ones used at present in the Eastern Orthodox Church, Catholic Church, Anglican Communion, Oriental Orthodox Churches, Protestant denominations or the Church of the East. In the West, the Apostles’ Creed is recited, although this is not found in Eastern liturgies. As for the Catholic Church, the profession of faith includes the Nicene Creed. Byzantine Rites include the recitation or singing of the Nicene Creed at Divine Liturgies. This Creed precedes the Eucharistic Prayer, which is recited daily.

Forms of Nicene Creed The Nicene Creed has two forms, and these have several designations with distinct meanings. For instance, the Nicene Creed is about the original version of the creed that was created in the Council of Nicaea. However, it was eventually used to refer to the revised version, and into the Latin version of additional phrases such as the Filioque and Deum de Deo. As for the Armenian Version, this included the phrase God from God, among a few others. As for the Nicene-Constantinopolitan Creed, it refers to Constantinople’s revised version of the creed, as well as a few other versions. When the Creed is sung in Latin, this profession of faith is usually called Credo.

Nicene_Creed_papyrus — ‘Oldest extant manuscript of the Nicene Creed, dated to the 5th Century.’

‘Oldest extant manuscript of the Nicene Creed, dated to the 5th Century.’

Significance of the Creed

The creed was created to establish a definite doctrinal statement of the Church’s belief. Furthermore, the Nicene Creed was made during the time of the controversy among the Arians. In Alexandria, a Libyan presbyter named Arius stated that while God-the-Son was divine, he was not co-essential with God-the-father because he was born as a being. Hence, Jesus was less than God-the-father, and this stirred up some conflicts in terms of the doctrine about the Holy Trinity. In the Nicene Creed, it provides an affirmation of the Son’s co-essential divinity, which means he was primarily consubstantial. In the 381 version of the Creed, the Holy Spirit was referred to as glorified and worshipped along with the Son and Father. As for the Athanasian Creed, it offered more details about the relationship of the Trinity. The Apostles’ Creed, on the other hand, lacked any statements about the Holy Spirit and the Son’s divine nature.

Nicene_Creed_Trinity — ‘Holy Trinity, fresco by Luca Rossetti da Orta, 1738–9 (St. Gaudenzio Church at Ivrea)’

‘Holy Trinity, fresco by Luca Rossetti da Orta, 1738–9 (St. Gaudenzio Church at Ivrea)’

Further Details about the Nicene Creed

In 325 AD, the Nicene Creed was adopted by the Council of Nicaea. After the council, there was a new formula of the profession of faith that existed, and these are merely intended to counter the different phases of Arianism.

The Nicene-Constantinopolitan Creed was adopted during the 381 AD in the Second Ecumenical Council, and this intended to modify the Nicene Creed created in 325 AD. It is also an ecumenical profession of the Christian faith, which was accepted by the Eastern Orthodox, Anglican, most Protestant denominations and the Roman Catholic. On the other hand, the Athanasian and Apostles’ Creeds were not accepted widely by most Christians.

References:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nicene_Creed
http://www.crcna.org/welcome/beliefs/creeds/nicene-creed
http://www.usccb.org/beliefs-and-teachings/what-we-believe/
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nicene_Creed#mediaviewer/File:Nicaea_icon.jpg
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Trinity#mediaviewer/File:Luca_Rossetti_Trinit%C3%A0_Chiesa_San_Gaudenzio_Ivrea.jpg
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nicene_Creed#mediaviewer/File:Rylands_Nicene_Creed_papyrus.jpg

Posted on February 2, 2015October 4, 2017 by Amy — 1 Comment

Adrianople, Battle of

The Battle of Adrianople (otherwise referred to as the Battle of Hadrianopolis)occurred in 378 AD where it is recorded on the Biblical Timeline With World History. It was the battle between the Gothic rebels and the Roman army. This gruesome battle took place in the northern part of Adrianople, which is in modern-day European Turkey. The battle was a victorious one for the Goths, and Emperor Valens of the Roman army died.

Based on historians, this battle signalled the start of the fall of the Roman Empire in the West. It was also noted as a part of the Gothic War that was fought between 376 to 382 AD. The Battle of Adrianople included an army coming from the eastern portion of the Roman Empire, and it outlasted the empire’s west by about 1000 years.

Background of the Battlefield

After the defeat of the Goths in 376 AD, they were allowed to enter and remain in the Roman Empire. At that time, Emperor Valens was the ruler of the empire, and he hoped the Goths, under the leadership of Fritigern and Alavivus, would become soldiers and farmers. Hence, Valens gave the Goths a chance to become the Empire’s allies or a ‘foederati’.

Battle_of_Adrianople_Goths_vs_Romans — ‘The 3rd-century Great Ludovisi sarcophagus depicts a battle between Goths and Romans.’

‘The 3rd-century Great Ludovisi sarcophagus depicts a battle between Goths and Romans.’

Unfortunately, Maximus and Lupinicus, provincial commanders of the Roman Empire, convinced the Goths to revolt against Valens. This occurred once the newcomers crossed the Danube. As a result, Valens asked Gratian, his nephew and Emperor from the West for help to fight these rebel Goths. So he gave Valens reinforcements, including Richomeres the head of Gratian’s guards. For two years, there were battles that had started even before the Battle of Adrianople. In 378, Emperor Valens decided to leave Antioch and headed towards Constantinople. He ordered his general Sebastianus to reorganize the army of the Roman Empire that was situated in Thrace. With 2000 soldiers, Sebastianus went to Adrianople and ambushed a small group of Goths. Meanwhile, Fritigern formed the Gothic army at Beroe and Nicropolis, so they can fight the Romans. On August 8, 378 AD, Fritigern wanted to propose peace and to form an alliance in exchange for some territories of the Roman Empire. Valens did not agree with his proposals, although he was unaware that there was a group of Goths foraging further away, which meant he did not have any numerical superiority against their opponents.

The next day, Valens left his administration and imperial treasury at Adrianople under the care of his guard of legions. He received a warning that the Gothic camp was located in the northern part of the city. Hence, he arrived at the said location after bearing the difficulty of marching over the rough terrain for 7 hours.

When the Roman troops came at the site where the Goth had built their camp, they were left exhausted and in disorder. The Goths held the stronger position throughout the battle and this led to the defeat of the Romans. The Emperor was believed to have died during this battle, although there was still some uncertainty as to the cause of his death.

References:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Battle_of_Adrianople
http://www.roman-empire.net/army/adrianople.html
http://www.thenagain.info/WebChron/Mediterranean/Adrianople.html

Posted on January 31, 2015August 19, 2016 by Amy — Leave a comment

Marcus Aurelius Probus

Marcus Aurelius Probus served as the emperor of Rome from 276 to 282 AD where he is located on the Bible Timeline Poster with World History. He handled strengthening the Danube and Rhine frontiers, and he won wars against various tribes including the Franks, Vandals, Goths, Longiones and Burgundians. Thus, he was known as one of Rome’s greatest rulers because of his commitment, dedication, excellent leadership and vision in making the Empire a powerful one.

‘Probus
47th Emperor of the Roman Empire.’

Career

In 250 AD, Probus joined the army, where Emperor Valerian appointed him as a military tribune. Eventually, he was assigned to govern the East, which was the order by Tacitus. However, when Tacitus died, Probus became the new emperor. During his reign as emperor, Probus travelled to various parts of the empire, particularly the west, where he defeated the Goths. Probus was victorious during his campaigns against the Longiones and Alamanni, which were tribes that entered the Roman territory through the Neckar Valley. As for Probus’ generals, they were able to defeat the Franks, and this allowed the Romans to eliminate Burgundians and Franks in Gaul. This gave Probus the right to obtain new titles during his time as emperor, which were Germanicus Maximus and Gothicus Maximus.

Marcus_Vineyard — ‘As a ruler, one of his goals was to keep his soldiers preoccupied in performing useful and worthwhile tasks. For instance, he assigned them to plant vineyards.’

As a ruler, one of his goals was to keep his soldiers preoccupied in performing useful and worthwhile tasks. For instance, he assigned them to plant vineyards in Pannonia and Gaul, among a few other districts. By doing so, the empire was able to enhance the economy in these areas that were devastated by wars. Also, Probus allowed the Germanic tribes to remain in the empire’s devastated areas.

Another important contribution of Probus was his battle against the Vandals. He fought against this tribe in the years 279 to 280. During these years, his generals were also quite successful in defeating a group of people called Blemmyes in Egypt. Then, he initiated a project that was intended to reconstruct the canals and bridges found along the Nile. This project provided the empire with a greater area where grain can be produced.

During the years 280 to 280, there were three usurpers that threatened the empire, who were Proculus, Bonosus, and Julius Saturninus. Probus was successful in defeating these people, although there were insufficient details regarding the extent of the revolts that they led. Just before Probus could begin his campaigns in the eastern part of the empire, his plans were delayed due to rebellions events at the West.

Death

While Probus was away, his Praetorian Prefect named Carus gained support from the soldiers to obtain power. When Probus learned about this, he sent his troops to suppress the rebels, but they decided to side with Carus. Meanwhile, the remaining troops who were with Probus switched sides and killed him in a place near Sirmium in the year 282. When Probus died, Carus became the emperor. There is more than one story of his death written in History, but this one seems to be the most accepted.

References:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Marcus_Aurelius_Probus
http://www.newadvent.org/cathen/12446a.htm
http://finds.org.uk/romancoins/emperors/emperor/id/60
http://pixabay.com/en/vineyards-wine-wine-harvest-259860/
http://pixabay.com/en/death-graveyard-cemetery-creepy-557025/

Posted on January 30, 2015August 19, 2016 by Amy — Leave a comment

Tacitus (Historian)

Tacitus was one of Rome‘s historians and senators; he is located on the Bible Timeline Chart with History starting around 275 AD. Tacitus was known for his significant works called the Histories and the Annals. These works by Tacitus were written to provide information about the reigns of some of Rome’s emperors including Nero, Claudius, Tiberius, as well as other rulers who led the empire in 69 AD. His works presented the Roman Empire’s rich history beginning with Augustus‘ death in 14 AD up to 70 AD where the Jewish-Roman war was held. Tacitus also wrote about other subjects including the life of Agricola, who was his father-in-law, Roman general and was a primary figure in conquering Britain. Indeed, Tacitus was noted as one of the greatest historians in the world. His Latin was noted for its compactness, accuracy and brevity. He also had impressive concepts of the psychology behind politics.

Background

Tacitus _Historian_Italy — The exact place of his origins is not set, but it is speculated he is from Italy.

The exact place of his origins is not set, but it is speculated he is from Italy.

There were some assumptions that his father was Cornelius Tacitus, a man who was a procurator of Germania and Belgica. Moreover, there were some uncertainties as to his birthplace, although some scholars claim that he might have been born in northern Italy, Gallia Belgica or Gallia Narbonensis. An assumption that he was from Gallia Narbonensis was due to the fact that he was married to Gnaeus Julius Agricola’s daughter, who was a Narbonensian. As for the theory that Tacitus came from northern Italy, another story leads to that claim by some historians. According to studies, Tacitus showed dedication to a man named Fabius Lustus, which may show possible connections with Spain. Tacitus was said to have been friends with Pliny, who lived in northern Italy. However, there was no valid evidence supporting claims that Pliny and Tacitus came from a similar background. Other scholars suggest that Tacitus may be a Celt. This was brought about by his oratories that showed a sense of sympathy to the barbarians who, at that time, resisted the rule of Romans. In historical accounts, the Celts that were occupying Gaul before the Romans came were regarded for their oratory and skill.

Tacitus _Historian_law — ‘Tacitus was well-trained in politics and law.’

Career

Tacitus was well-trained in politics and law, and he was assumed to have studied under the guidance of Quintilian. As for his family life, he was married to Julia Agricola, although there were minimal accounts about his domestic life.

He gained the latus clavus or title of senator while under Vespasian. However, it was not until the year 81 or 82 that Tacitus formally began his political life where he served as a quaestor (public official). Soon, he became a praetor (commander or elect magistrate) and a quindecimvir (one of the fifteen members in a college with ‘priestly duties’), where he was a member of a group that was in charge of secular games and Sibylline Books. Afterwards, he became an orator and lawyer famous for his public speaking skills, which was ironic considering his name means “silent”.

From 89 to 93 AD, Tacitus served in several provinces, and he was either in a civilian post or a commander of a legium. He had excellent military skills, and this enabled him to save him and his property during the reign of terror under the rule of Domitian in 81 to 96 AD.

References:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tacitus
http://www.livius.org/person/tacitus/
http://ancienthistory.about.com/od/historianstacitus/a/Tacitus.htm
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Quaestor
http://pixabay.com/en/pisa-dom-leaning-tower-italy-171312/
http://pixabay.com/en/courthouse-building-school-law-303370/

Posted on January 29, 2015August 19, 2016 by Amy — Leave a comment

Diocletian

During the years 284 to 305 AD where he can be found listed on the Bible Timeline with World History, Diocletian served as the emperor of Rome. While his family was not of great nobility, he was able to rise and gain success when he pursued a career in the military. Under the reign of Emperor Carus, Diocletian served as a cavalry commander. When Carus died, Diocletian started his rule as the new emperor. Although Carinus, the son of Carus, tried to claim this position, he died from his defeat during the Battle of the Margus. Hence, Diocletian decided to strengthen his empire, and this ended the “Crisis of the Third Century“.

In 293 AD, Diocletian decided to appoint some people to be his co-emperors including Constantius and Galerius. He wanted each of his co-emperors to rule over the empire’s four divisions. Emperor Diocletian decided to secure the borders of the Roman Empire further and prevent rebels from penetrating it. He was successful in defeating the Carpi and Sarmatians, which occurred in his campaigns during 285 or 299 AD. Other victorious fights were against Egypt and Alamanni.

Diocletian_Palace — ‘Reconstruction of the Palace of the Roman Emperor Diocletian in its original appearance upon completion in 305, by Ernest Hébrard’

‘Reconstruction of the Palace of the Roman Emperor Diocletian in its original appearance upon completion in 305, by Ernest Hébrard’

With the help of Galerius, Diocletian was able to succeed in fighting against Sassanid, Persia. Ctesiphon, its capital, was also conquered by the empire through the initiatives of Diocletian. In fact, he was able to make certain negotiations with his opponents, and this allowed him to gain long-term peace in his empire. Eventually, Diocletian decided to separate the military and civil services of the empire, and this helped strengthen while improving the different aspects of the Roman Empire’s bureaucratic government. Various places also had their own administrative centers including Trier, Antioch, Mediolanum and Nicomedia, these centers were now much closer to the frontiers of the empire. Thus, the emperor became more focused on becoming an autocrat. He did everything he could to promote the success of the empire through more construction projects, engaging in more campaigns, and promoting military and bureaucratic growth. Imperial taxation during his reign also became standardized beginning about 297 AD.

Diocletian_Christians_last_prayers — ‘The Christian Martyrs’ Last Prayer, by Jean-Léon Gérôme (1883)’

‘The Christian Martyrs’ Last Prayer, by Jean-Léon Gérôme (1883)’

Challenges

There were some challenges that made it difficult for Diocletian to undertake all of his plans. For instance, his Edict on Maximum Prices ended up being counterproductive which failed to achieve positive results that he expected. Furthermore, the tetrarchic system that Diocletian established soon collapsed. Lastly, the Diocletianic Persecution that took place in 303 to 311 AD was not able to gain any success in destroying the Christian community of the empire. This was the largest and most gruesome persecution directed to Christians. In fact, the empire took Christianity as its preferred religion under the rule of Constantine.

Although there were failures along the way, Diocletian had several reforms that delivered massive changes on the imperial government of Rome. These changes also made the empire’s economy and military become more stable and stronger.

In 305, Diocletian decided to leave the imperial office due to a severe illness. He was the very first Roman emperor in history who left the position voluntarily.

References:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Diocletian
http://www.roman-empire.net/decline/diocletian.html
http://ancienthistory.about.com/od/emperors/ig/Roman-Emperors/Diocletian.htm
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Diocletianic_Persecution#mediaviewer/File:Jean-L%C3%A9on_G%C3%A9r%C3%B4me_-_The_Christian_Martyrs%27_Last_Prayer_-_Walters_37113.jpg
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Diocletian#mediaviewer/File:Diocletian%27s_Palace_(original_appearance).jpg
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Diocletian#mediaviewer/File:Istanbul_-_Museo_archeol._-_Diocleziano_(284-305_d.C.)_-_Foto_G._Dall%27Orto_28-5-2006.jpg