Chang-An, which is presently known as Xi’an, refers to the capital of ten dynasties in Ancient China. It was during the Neolithic Era that some people dwelled in this ancient capital, which also resulted to the establishment of the Yangshao Culture in Banpo. Moreover, the great ruler of the Qin Dynasty named Qin Shi Huang decided to construct a grand mausoleum that was protected by the Terracotta Army, which could still be found at present.
Information about the Chang-An
It was about 3 kilometers of the present-day Xi’an where the Han capital was historically found. According to historians, the capital served as China’s seat of culture, economy, and politics. Aside from being the center of trade and manufacturing, Chang-An also had a large population that supported its political strength. In fact, there were about 246,000 individuals residing in this area in 2 AD where it is listed on the Biblical Timeline. Most of the people who lived in Chang-An were classified as scholars who were supported financially by aristocrats and wealthy families, so they could sustain their education. Civil servants also resided in this city to protect and serve its people.
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A gilt-silver jar with a pattern of dancing horses found from a 1970 excavation in Xi’an.
Improvements in Chang-An
The great Emperor Liu Bang aimed to build a strong capital that is directly at the sun’s center, which is the current location of Luoyang. The site that Liu Bang was pertaining to was also the location of Changzhou, which was pertained as a holy place. Because the site was believed to be a holy and magical place, many people believed that it will become a strong and powerful dynasty to last for years. Thus, it was the kind of image that Han tried to emulate and project to the people.
According to history, Liu Bang decided to relocate a number of military aristocracy clans to this city. He had two intentions for doing so, which was to maintain the closeness of all his rivals to the emperor and to encourage them to defend this capital from the neighboring cities including Xiongnu. He decided to actualize his decision largely due to the guidance from his political adviser, Liu Jing.
Thus, three prefectures were set up to divide the city prior to the construction of various structures in the capital. When Chang-An was first founded, there were only 146,000 inhabitants in the city, but it soon grew as the place progressed.
When Emperor Wu ruled the capital, Zhang Qian, a scholarly diplomat was relocated into Central Asia. Ever since that period, the city served as the people’s gateway to Europe from Asia. It also became the departure point of Silk Road. When the Western Han period ended, the government of Eastern Han remained in Luoyang to make it its new capital. However, the court was eventually relocated to Chang-An, back to its original location, in 190 AD. This event was due to the orders of the Prime Minister Dong Zhuo, yet the capital was placed back to Luoyang after his death. During this era, several dynasties in the world considered Chang-An as the site of strong governance and power that reigned supreme throughout China.
Lucius Aurelius Commodus was conceived August 31, 161 AD in Lanuvium (about 14 miles from Rome) where he is listed on the Biblical Timeline Poster with World History. His parents were Marcus Aurelius and Faustina the Younger. He was the tenth child with 13 other siblings. Commodus was born as a twin to his brother who died when he was just 4 years of age. Commodus’ name was bestowed upon him to honor Marcus Aurelius’ joint ruler and brother by adoption Lucius Verus. Unfortunately, no other son of Marcus besides Commodus lived past their youth. Commodus’ father was the last of the “5 good emperors,” however he didn’t follow in his footsteps.
When he became emperor it was the very first time a biological son had inherited his parent’s throne since Titus inherited the kingdom from his father Vespasian in 79 AD. The Emperors since then had only been able to succeed the throne through prestige and valor. Commodus was watched by his father’s doctor Galen to maintain his health and keep him alive. He also had a thorough education directed from his father. The focus appeared to be towards military skills and the knowledge he would need to govern the kingdom when his time came. At the early age of 5 years old in 166 AD, Commodus was proclaimed Caesar (‘junior emperor’).
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In 177 AD following Cassius’ rebellion, Emperor Aurelius announced Commodus as Augustus and co-emperor. Up until then he was the youngest consul in the history of Rome being around the age of 15. Afterward, he wed Bruttia Crispina; he then traveled with his father to the Danube to protect the country in 178 AD till 180 AD when Marcus passed away.
Unsatisfactory Rule
Even though Marcus Aurelius’ reign was filled with constant war and Commodus’ was relatively calm as far as battles go it was noted by political contention. His actions became increasingly illogical and unpredictable which was the cause for much strife and discontent. This was recorded by many as the start to the weakening of Rome. Commodus had a tendency for weakness and influenced by those around him. He was also known as brutal and extreme conduct. His actions were somewhat tempered when Marcus ruled but even during that time it was said he exhibited actions close to Nero even while he was young.
Commodus didn’t stay in the Danube for very long, just enough time to work out a treaty of peace in order to return to Rome for an easier life. Shortly after his ascension Commodus altered his name to Marcus Aurelius Commodus Antoninus. In 182 AD, his sibling Lucilla plotted along with a gathering of senators to kill him. When it failed the emperor responded in kind and all he found involved were eventually put to death. In 186 AD, he ordered his chief killed to please his army; three years following he let the minister’s heir get killed by a mob.
Uncommon to the past few rulers Commodus didn’t show very much concern in the management and care needed to govern a kingdom. He was content to let more important work go to his chosen associates. At the top of his list was his chamberlain Saoterus; a freedman originating in Nicomedia. He was eventually put to death as well along with many more people trying to scheme for power and attain the government. Discontent in the politics led to a sequence of plots and attempted rebellions that brought Commodus to return to his responsibilities. A task he handled with a growing tyrannical approach.
Despite the Senate’s fear and loathing of him, he looked to have been well liked among the army and the public for most of his rule. Most likely in the event of his extravagant demonstrations of generosity and his dramatic plays as a gladiator. For the people of Rome, it was surprising to see their Emperor appear as a gladiator for at that time only slaves and prostitutes were put in the stadium. They were considered one of the lowest people of the community.
Commodus clearly didn’t have a single thought to what others thought about him or his actions. He would show up to such events playing the part of Hercules the son of Jupiter and wearing a lion’s skin. It was clear that his reasoning was getting worse as he became increasingly narcissistic and acted outrageously. Nothing that faced Commodus in the ring hardly had a chance, all combatants were very poorly armed and the animals pathetically chained to a wall. Unlike the popular gladiator fights which portrayed experience and talent, many had a hard time not laughing as they watched the Emperor act so juvenile.
Selfish Acts
In the year 191 AD, a major part of Rome was destroyed by a devastating fire that lasted for many days. Public buildings were lost and even parts of the royal palace were burnt. While rebuilding in 192 AD, Commodus saw occasion to announce himself as Romulus and renamed the city after himself Colonia Lucia Annia Commodiana. Also altering the names of the month in honor of his rule, he even renamed the legions, the fleet that brought in grain form Africa, the Senate, his palace and the Roman public after him. In effect, he declared himself as the source of the Empire, Roman existence and religion. Quintus Aemilius Laetus was the one to finally initiate the termination of Commodus. The court chamberlain Eclectus and Commodus’ choice concubine Marcia joined this undertaking. After a failed attempt to poison and some careful planning, they had Narcissus his wrestling partner strangle him. He died December 31 192 AD. Septimus Severus and Clodius Albinus (African associates of Laetus) were made governors of Upper Pannonia and Britain. Pescennius Niger (also an ally to Laetus) was set over Syria. The next emperor was Publius Hevlius Pertinax, Rome’s city prefect. The Senate announced Commodus a ‘public enemy’ and righted the names the conceited emperor had altered after himself. His statues were also torn down.
Antonius (Titus Aurelius Fulvius Boionius Arrius Antoninus) was born as an only child from Titus Aurelius Fulvus in 89 AD where he is listed on the Biblical Timeline with World History. His family was originally from Nemausus (called today Nimes). His mother was Arria Fadilla, his father (also his paternal grandfather) passed away when he was little. In consequence, he was brought up by Gnaeus Arrius Antoninus, his maternal grandfather. He was known to be a man of honor, traditions and an associate with Pliny the Younger. His mother wed Publius Julius Lupus where she bore two daughters: Arria Lupula and Julia Fadilla.
Not very much is recorded concerning Antonius in his younger years. There is a small biography in ‘Scriptores Historiae Augustae’ to Julius Capitolinus that mentions his work as quaestor, praetor, and consul. P. von Rohden’s writing in Pauly-Wissowa marks Antonius’ work in these fields around 112 AD, 117 and 120. Sometime through 110 AD – 115 he wed Annia Galeria Faustina (daughter of M Annius Verus). She conceived four children namely: Marcus Aurelius Fulvius Antoninus (passed away previous to 138 AD), Marcus Galerius Aurelius Antoninus (also passed away previous to 138), Aurelia Fadilla (passed away 135 AD) and Anna Galeria Faustina Minor (Faustina the Younger), she lived around 125,130-175 AD (the upcoming Roman Empress married to her ‘maternal’ cousin, Emperor Marcus Aurelius).
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Antonius was then presently made one of Emperor Hadrian’s ‘consular administrators’ in Italy. Then from 130 AD – 135 became ‘proconsul’ of Asia. While serving Hadrian he became renowned for his work and had the opportunity to retire with immense honor but in 138 AD circumstances changed his prospects quickly. The start of that year Emperor Hadrian’s adopted son Aelius Verus died. Hadrian then went before the Senate and proclaimed Antoninus his son and successor as ‘proconsular’ and ‘tribunician’. Unfortunately at that time only one of Antonius’ children lived (Anna Galeria Faustina Minor). She married M. Antoninus (Marcus Aurelius) whom Antoninus had adopted with L. Verus (son of Aelius Verus). After Antoninus came to rule he demanded the unwilling Senate provide traditional religious respects towards Hadrian. Because of this and perhaps more similar deeds he was bestowed the last name of Pius.
Death of Faustina
When his wife passed away in 141 AD, Antoninus was immensely grieved. In tribute to her life, he requested the Senate to exalt her as a ‘goddess’ and built a temple in her name. Also adding to the memory of her an ‘alimentary program’ that joined loans to Italian farmers with money; producing interest that was sent for the help of orphaned girls. This program was called Puellae Faustinianae.
Actions as Emperor
Antoninus was careful with funds and did not toss it around in luxury. He uplifted public services that were practical for the people. His ‘procurators’ were informed to hold tribute sensible and kept them responsible for staying within set limits. For the most part, the country flourished with his rule and application of ‘informers’ came to a stop. Julius Capitolinus mentioned the greatness of Antoninus’ rule with this statement: “With such care did he govern all peoples under him that he looked after all things and all men as if they were his own.”
Despite his conservation in growing ‘imperial revenues’, Antoninus supplied timed grants of the fund to the civilians and soldiers; also giving community events and an immense diversity of animals for show. Along with that he gave his personal finances to allocate oil, grain, and wine with no charge at a period of famine. This helped lessen the destruction rooted in Rome from fires, floods, and earthquakes.
He had temples, theaters, and mausoleums built. He supported arts and sciences and gave honors with funds rewarded to the teachers of rhetoric and philosophy. Antoninus created some small alterations at first when he came to power, but kept as much as he could the standards left by Emperor Hadrian. The many years with Antoninus as Emperor were mostly acclaimed as peaceful; or as many would say “The quiet before the Storm” which came with the next ruler Marcus Aurelius.
There are however records from Capitolinus stating he was involved with wars, “through legates”, with Britain, Moor, Germany, Dacia, and Alan. He also had to stop a revolt in Achaea, Egypt, along with the Jewish people. War with the British was during 142 AD towards the Brigantes. This carved the way for the building of the Antonine Wall around the isle to serve as another line of defense following North from Hadrian’s Wall. With that in mind, communications towards surrounding countries had a great deal of respect for him. He was involved in approving the Kings over Armenia, Lazi, and the Quadi. He also victoriously stopped a Parthian battle against Armenia simply by messaging the King of Parthia a note of caution against such maneuvers. Antoninus was very different from other emperors with the surprising record that he managed such events while in Italy. He handled such things with letters; an example would be Ephesus where the notices were displayed for all to see. His manner of action was very complimented from those of his time and future ages.
Change in Laws
Emperor Antoninus had focused much of his time towards changing laws and their practices all over the country. He was not a trendsetter, but he did not keep to the ‘letter of the law’. Instead, his passions were for the people, fairness and bringing into the Roman laws several significant, innovative values with this idea. Many lawyers worked with Antoninus and most likely counseled the emperor on lawful agendas. This involved defending slaves, freedmen, and unclaimed children. In turn altering the family, such as inheritances, as well as contemplation for what the daughter’s desires were towards arranged marriages.
Death and Legacy
When Atnoninus became 70 in 156 AD he had a hard time sitting straight without ‘stays’. He began taking small bites of dry bread in order to have the endurance to stay alert during his early meetings. As Antoninus aged he gave Marcus Aurelius and L. Verus consulship to ready them for succession. He was very careful to have the country in order with strong finances set and his sons he had adopted acquired a large inheritance in the Treasury. He didn’t live much longer after that. 2 days prior to passing away it is said Antoninus visited his ancestral land in Lorium, Etruria. He clearly wasn’t feeling well and on March 7 161 he called for his royal council to hand the kingdom to Marcus and his daughter and died soon after.
Antoninus Pius and Marcus Aurelius were listed as part of the five Good Emperors. Antoninus cared about his responsibilities and had a great concern for the well being of his people.
Arminius was a chieftain of an ancient Germanic tribe known as the Cherusci. This particular tribe of Germania was one of many that were defeated by the Romans. As a result of the Cherusci defeat, Arminius and his brother Flavus were forced as children to become hostages in Rome.
When Rome was ruling the world they made the monarchs of the territories that they conquered to give them their oldest child (usually their sons) as prisoners to the empire. They would then educate and train the captive children in the ways of Rome. This was done to keep the subjected people under control and to keep Roman puppets on the thrones of their conquered enemies. For many years, Arminius was raised in Roman custom and since he became a soldier he had an intimate knowledge of Roman military tactics and strategies.
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Arminius was the son of a Cherusci chief named Segimerus and after his father was defeated in battle he was forced to go into Rome as a hostage while he was still a young child. While he was there he was educated and given military training. In time, he grew in size and joined the Roman army. He was put in charge of a Roman detachment that was made up of German troops. He had fought against his fellow countrymen and eventually gained the trust and loyalty of the Romans. Even though he fought against his own countrymen he was also secretly plotting against the Romans with Germanic allies.
Eventually, Arminius convinced the powerful Roman General Varus that the conquered German tribes were plotting a large revolt. He managed to annihilate three Roman legions was considered one of the greatest (though not largely known) military commanders in the history of warfare because of this battle. After Arminius wiped out the Romans and drove their remaining forces out of Germany he then consolidated his power.
Meanwhile, Emperor Augustus had heard about General Varus’ humiliating defeat and when he lost all of his soldiers at the battle of Teutoburg he beat his head against his palace walls exclaiming “Varus, give me back my legions”. He then sent another able general named Tiberius into the region to exact revenge on the Germans and between 14 and 16 A.D. General Tiberius defeated many German forces.
Arminius had regained control of the Germans after he defeated Varus. He was now considered a highly regarded chieftain but when they started to lose the skill of Tiberius, some of the German leaders turned on him. By 20 A.D., treacherous German chieftains had Arminius assassinated because they felt he was becoming too powerful over the other tribes regardless of his defeats. He is listed on the Biblical Timeline during 1 A.D. through 50 A.D.
An ancient Roman historian named Strabo also states that Arminius had a wife named Thusnelda who was captured by the Romans while she was pregnant. She had a son named Thumelicus who also grew up as a hostage in Rome, the same as the father. Strabo claims that Thumelicus had an interesting story about his life that he was going to record but for some reason he never told his tale. Arminius was 40 years old when he died.
Julius Caesar was one of the greatest rulers of ancient Rome. He was born around 100 B.C. and he was assassinated in 44 B.C. during the Ides of March. Caesar lived a busy life when he was the consul of Rome and through his efforts he had had helped to shape Rome into an empire. After Caesar had passed away he did not have a legitimate heir to take his place. He adopted his sister’s grandson named Gaius Octavius who rose to the position of consul after he had died.
Gaius Octavius was given the name Emperor Augustus and he was the first of the Julian Emperors. Julian Emperors are the historical name of five Roman rulers who were the direct descendants of Julius Caesar. They included Augustus, Tiberius, Caligula, Claudius and Nero. They appear on the Biblical Timeline with world history between 44 BC and AD 68.
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When Caesar was alive he was a womanizer and he had many children. All of Caesar’s children were born through his many extramarital affairs and for this reason they were illegitimate. He had a daughter named Julia with his first wife Cornelia Cinnilla. Since she was a female she was not able to claim the throne. She had a grandchild that was born from his daughter Julia, but that child died shortly after being born.
Caesar had also married two other women named Pompeia and Calpurnia Pisonis, but they did not bear him any children. Caesar had an affair with the famous Cleopatra VII of Egypt and the child’s name was Caesarion (or little Caesar), but he would not allow this particular child to become a legitimate ruler of Rome. Octavius (later emperor Augustus) had Caesarion assassinated in his teenage years to keep him from trying to become the next ruler.
Julian Emperors
Emperor Augustus was the first ruler of the Julian Emperors and he governed Rome from 27 B.C. until his death in 14 A.D. Julius Caesar was his maternal great uncle and had named him his adopted son and heir. His reign contained the relative era of peace known as the Pax Romana. Both his adoptive surname, Caesar, and his title Augustus became the permanent titles of the rulers of the Roman Empire for fourteen centuries after his death.
Emperor Tiberius
Tiberius became emperor of Rome in 14 A.D. and he ruled the empire until the time of his death in 37 A.D. When Emperor Augustus had passed away he left a will with specific instructions about keeping the descendants of Julius Caesar on the throne as emperor. Many of the senators and other ruling governors agreed to this demand. Many of Caesar’s descendants died before Tiberius’ reign had ended. Shortly before it was over Caesar’s descendant Caligula was designated the next ruler.
Emperor Caligula
Emperor Caligula’s birth name was Gaius Julius Caesar Augustus Germanicus. Caligula was a childhood nickname that was used by Germanicus once he became emperor. When he was chosen to become the ruler of Rome he was to share this power with his cousin Tiberus Gemellus. Caligula ended up assassinating him so he could become the sole ruler of Rome. Emperor Caligula and his family were assassinated in 41 B.C. He died after ruling the empire for only three years.
Emperor Claudius
Emperor Claudius became the next ruler and he was the uncle of Claudius. He was supported by the Praetorian Guard. He ended up marrying four women, but none of his children with these women succeeded him as emperor. During his marriage to Aggripina the Younger, he had adopted his nephew Nero so that he would become the next emperor.
Emperor Nero
Emperor Nero ruled Rome from 54 A.D. to 68 A.D. and he was not a well liked or respected ruler. He had committed suicide in 68 A.D. and he was the last Julian emperor.
The Han Dynasty ruled China between the years 220 B.C. to A.D 220. The Han rulers had transformed Chinese culture and these changes still impact China and the rest of the world in modern times. Throughout the four hundred year time period that the Han ruled China, they had to constantly fight many wars. Around 50 B.C., the Han Emperor Xuan ruled China and during his reign he had to deal with the warring tribes which resided north of the Chinese Empire and the Xiongnu. It was a time of incessant war in China and is referred to as such on the Bible Timeline with World History during this time period.
Securing the Silk Road
The Silk Road was a series of overland and seaside trade routes that stretched from China to the Roman Empire. The Silk Road was an important part of the Chinese economy and various tribes such as the Hsiung Nu had made it a point to take control of this important route. Even though former Han rulers had managed to keep this tribe from overrunning the Silk Road, Emperor Xuan had to constantly make sure that the Silk Road was secure from outside forces.
Han Wars with Vietnam and Korea around 50 A.D.
The Han rulers had conquered the former Qin Dynasty, but some rebellious elements still remained in China. The rebellious Qin never regained power and many were eliminated or assimilated into China’s culture under the leadership of the Han. The Han also attacked Vietnam and Korea. During the reign of the Han, Dynasty armies were sent to annex Vietnam and make it a vassal state to the Chinese. The Vietnamese fought back against the Han, but they were not successful expect for a short time period when the Han leaders were driven out by a determined warrior. The Vietnamese remained under the control of China up until 938 A.D. The Koreans suffered the same fate as the Vietnamese and they too were kept under the authority of the Chinese for hundreds of years starting with the Han. Rebels and freedom fighters constantly fought for freedom from their Chinese rulers. Emperor Xuan had to contend with both of these regions.
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There was a group of people who lived north of China known as the Xiongnu and they constantly harassed the Han rulers in China. They were a tribal group that also caused the Chinese problems along the Silk Road. Emperor Xuan had to contend with them during his reign. Eventually the Xiongnu fought a series of civil wars during the rule of Emperor Xuan. Many of his generals wanted to eliminate Xiongnu, but the Emperor had prevented them from acting. He encouraged peace and most of the Xiongnu had weakened their kingdom. The Xiongnu ended up paying tribute to Emperor Xuan.
Emperor Xuan Keeps China in Power
Even though the rulers of the Han Dynasty had ended up bringing many great changes to China, there were still many enemies who wanted to make sure that China would not remain in power forever. The Chinese constantly had to keep the outer fringes of their empire under control because so many invaders were trying to overrun their territory. The northern border was especially vulnerable to this type of activity and Han rulers had to constantly monitor the borders to ensure that their enemies would not disrupt their way of life. Emperor Xuan had to continue this effort during his time in power over the Haun Dynasty and he was successful of maintaining and exerting China’s power during his time in power.
The Republic of Rome might not have been fully aware of the fact that it was slowly becoming a powerful force in the world. Rome had been expanding all over the known world and even into the outer fringes of distant lands. Their power was growing immensely, and they had the tendency to involve themselves in foreign affairs. King Philip V of Macedonia knew about the Romans from his confrontation with them in Illyria, which took place during the 1st Macedonian War. The second Macedonian war takes place at the very end of the second century BC that is where it appears on the Biblical Timeline with World History. It ended in 196 BC.
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Rome got involved in Greek and Macedonian affairs during the 1st Macedonian War, and it set the stage for their invasion of Mesopotamia, Asia Minor and the Middle East. In the 1st Macedonian War, King Philip V of Macedonia aligned himself with Hannibal in 215-205 B.C. against Rome, who was encroaching on the region.
King Philip V sided with another Greek kingdom known as the Illyrians against the Romans in two wars that occurred between 230 and 219 B.C. These conflicts were known as the Illyrian wars. King Demetrius, the leader of Illyria, had fled to King Philip’s court after his defeat to the Romans in 219 and became an adviser against the Romans. Rome had decided to push into Greece for some reasons and some them was to keep Illyrians under control and to keep King Philip V power in check. They knew about Alexander‘s conquest and how the Greeks were able to dominate the world through them and did not want King Philip V making Macedonia repeat his success.
King Philip V got tired of Rome measuring in his affairs. During the 1st Macedonian War, Philip and Hannibal became allies. The Romans did not like this situation because Hannibal had been such a problem for them for many years. Even though this was the case, Rome ultimately decided to make a peace treaty with Macedonia. The Treaty of Phoenice was signed in 205 B.C., and five years later the 2nd Macedonian War had begun.
Second Macedonian War with Rome
nd Macedonian War,200 BC
The conflict started when the Egyptian Pharaoh Ptolemy Philopator had died around 204 B.C. When he passed away his son Ptolemy was just a young six-year-old boy when he became the king. The child did not have the ability to rule his empire, and it was controlled by incompetent or incapable ministers who could not effectively govern Egypt. As a result, King Antiochus III of the Seleucid Empire decided to take some of Egypt’s possessions in the Middle East. And the Mediterranean and King Philip wanted to gain some territories in Greece and Asia Minor that were allied with or under the control of Egypt.
King Philip V’s actions caused so much turmoil in the Greek world that Rome was called in to aid various Greek and Asia Minor city states against him. Rome feared King Philip V gaining power and they also feared Antiochius III becoming too strong. So they decided to go to war and with Philip once again. Also, they had not forgotten the past feelings that resulted from the first Macedonian conflict. Rome wanted the captured Greek states to see them as liberators and to defeat Macedonia once and for all.
A series of battles occurred between Rome and the Macedonia until 197 B.C. when Roman legions defeated the Macedonian phalanx at the Battle of Cynoscephalae. Peace was finally declared in 196 BC. Rome gained a strong holding in the Greece with this defeat and Macedonia never again rose to power. Macedonia had lost all of its former possessions and had to accept Roman dominance.
Around 50 B.C., the Roman Republic was expanding its power all throughout the world. The Romans were already pushing their influence into Asia Minor, Africa, the Middle East and deep into Europe. They had managed to capture the ancient land of Gaul in 58 B.C., and they also conquered various areas near Iberia (Spain) and regions around Italy. When the Romans arrived in Gaul, they encountered various tribal groups that were based on ancient German. Ancient Germany was formally known as Germania and the various tribal groups that resided there threatened the stability of the Roman Republic while they occupied Gaul. All of this is on the Biblical Timeline in the first century BC.
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Important German Rivers.
The German tribes were a nomadic people, and they had been moving around for hundreds of years. The Rhine River runs through western Germany near the border of Gaul (modern day France). This river system was used for transportation and as a source of food for the ancient Germans. When Rome fought against the tribes from this region, they positioned their armies along the Rhine.
The Elbe is another major river system in Germany that is positioned in the northeastern part of the territory. The Elbe River is located about 350 miles from the Rhine, and the Weser River was about half that distance. The Elbe and Weser rivers were important to the ancient Germans because many tribes had settled there before moving westward to the Rhine and into other parts of Europe.
Roman Efforts to Stop Germanic Advances
As the German tribes were pushing west and southward from their territories, they began to conflict with the Romans who were spreading north and east. At first the Romans were able to keep them under control but in time they quickly became a problem. Julius Caesar had encountered the Romans in 60 B.C. and launched a series of campaigns against them that officially started Rome’s struggle with the Germans. Caesar was successful in his efforts at containing the Germans and the next Emperor. Augustus had managed to settle the Germans in a town named Ubian so that they could be used to control the inflow of Germanic tribes into different parts of Europe.
About 16 B.C. this situation changed as German leaders became bolder in their efforts to enter into foreign lands. The Germans had pushed hard into Gaul and defeated a Roman governor named Lollius. Augustus amassed a huge army with about 50,000 soldiers along the Rhine so that he could stop the Germans once and for all. Emperor Augustus put his adopted son Nero Claudius Drusus in charge of his forces along the Rhine. With the leadership of Drusus, the Romans would fight an ongoing campaign against the Germans for almost 10 years.
Drusus Defeats the Germanic Tribes along Elbe and Weser Rivers
General Drusus could not just wipe out the Germans, and he had to carry out a series of campaigns against them for many years. He had lost many soldiers during the process, but he was winning great victories that were weakening the tribes resolve to continue to keep fighting. Even though this was the case, the Germans kept pushing back hard against the Romans. Ultimately Drusus was able to fight his way through the German forces, and he conquered them starting along the Rhine and then all the way back to the Elbe. Drusus’ efforts managed to keep the Germans contained but after his untimely death, the Romans were defeated at the Battle of Teutoburg Forest. Once this major defeat had taken place, the Romans seemed to have lost the desire to continue with the conquest of Germania. Even though the Germans did not make any more major advances into Roman territories, they still continued to migrate to Europe.
The Wisdom of Sirach is a Jewish scriptural book that was never accepted into the Talmud though it was written by a credible Jewish scholar named Joshua Ben Sirach. In the 50 chapter of the book of Sirach, it tells the story of Simon the High Priest of Judah. Simon is also known as Simeon the Just or Simon the Righteous. According to the verses that are contained in Sirach 50, Simon was an outstanding High Priest in Judah. He performed his priestly duties with excellence, and he was greatly revered by the people. He made it a point to care for the citizens of Jerusalem. He appears on the Biblical Timeline during the third century BC.
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Historians aren’t sure about the exact period that Simon was high priest. He could have held this office in 310 to 291 B.C. or 300 to 273 B.C. Onias I was also a high priest of Judah and this man was the father of Simon, or his son Onias II could have been his father as well. Once again, records were obscured, and historians just can’t pinpoint the exact dates that he held the office of high priest or his parentage.
What historians remember the most about Simon, was the excellent life that he lived during his time in service. His service to the Jewish people is revered. Simon was interested in the material and spiritual development of his people. He knew that they needed both aspects to survive and thrive in the world. He made it a point to get the best things for his people and to make sure they had plenty to eat and economic prosperity. He also faithfully kept the people’s hearts and minds focused on God. Simon made sure to maintain the city of Jerusalem and the Temple.
According to historians, Simon was the high priest of Judah when Alexander the Great passed through the city. He greeted the Conqueror and showed him the wonders of Judah. More importantly he introduced Alexander the Great to their god Jehovah. Alexander the Great was able to take a tour of the Temple and learn about God. Alexander wasn’t exactly thrilled by the Jews belief system, but he respected them. Simon even revealed to Alexander the prophecies of Daniel and how some of them pertained to his conquest.
The story of Simon and Alexander the Great adds to the confusion about Simon. It seems as if Simon was around 100 years before the arrival of the Hamsorean Dynasty. According to history, he was also living during this period as well. The reality is that there might have been two priests given the same name and had the same personalities but who lived at different time periods. The contradictions and confusion is probably one of the major reasons as to why the Wisdom of Sirach was never canonized in the Talmud.
The Wisdom of Sirach and history also claims that Simon performed various questionable miracles. These miracles might be true, but they seemed to be highly unlikely and they seemed more focused on bringing glory to Simon rather than to God. Simon, the high priest, was a historical figure, but the events of his life might have been exaggerated.
