Biblical Timeline Poster – Page 7 – Amazing Bible Timeline with World History

Posted on October 29, 2014October 4, 2017 by Amy — Leave a comment

Pantheistic Brahmanic religion 800 BC, Development of

Brahmanism refers to the religion that came about from the ancient Aryan’s polytheistic means of nature-worship. This group of people conquered northern India, and the ancient Aryans were also responsible for the spread of the religion to various parts of the country. It can be found on the Biblical Timeline Poster around 800 BC.

Brahmanism is said to have developed for a number of years, and its earlier stages were between the years 1500 to 400 BC. According to scholars, there were four Vedas that date from 1500 to 800 BC. These Vedas included the Rig-Veda or ancient hymns,
Sama-Veda or song-service, Yajur-Veda or liturgy, and the Atharva-Veda or magical incantations and popular exorcisms.

Brahmanic — ‘Rigveda (padapatha) manuscript in Devanagari, early 19th century’

‘Rigveda (padapatha) manuscript in Devanagari, early 19th century’

The Brahmanas, or series of explanations of the rites, customs, and texts in the four Vedas, were developed in 1000 to 600 BC. These were composed for the use of priests or the Brahmins. The Brahmanas were followed by the Upanishads, which was between 800 and 500 BC. These were mainly concerned with the pantheistic concepts on the end of man and the true nature of deity. In 600 to 400 BC, the Sutras were composed, and these included guides to the proper way of observing the different customs and rites. Among the Sutras, the most important ones are the Dharma-Sutras (law guides) and the Grhya-Sutras (house guides). The law guides referred to manuals of various social and religious customs while the house guides are involved with the different domestic rites. The practical aspect of Brahmanism is chiefly intended for priests, as well as the layman. However, the Upanishads and Brahmanas present the religion in its more speculative side.

The Manava-Dharma-Sastra or the Laws of Manu was developed in the 5th century BC. It has some relevance to the law guides and is a type of metrical treatise. Along with the Mahabharata and Ramayana, the Manava-Dharma-Sastra involves the important aspect of the Brahmin literature.

The Vedic religion came to a two-fold change during the time that the Upanishads and Brahmanas were developed. There were both the practical and theoretical aspect of the Vedic belief, and it was associated with the pantheistic means of salvation. Popular Brahmanism transformed to its more popular aspect mainly because of the influence of the priests or Brahmins. They details of several rituals practiced became more complex, and it came about because of the Brahmins’ fondness for the use of forms and symbols.

In the popular form of Brahmanism during this period, there was the concept of retribution for sin that was introduced. Based on this idea, good actions result to positive effects while evil acts produce more miseries in the future. This refers to the doctrine of action or karma, a concept in which the idea of rebirth had some connection.

Although the idea of experiencing joy in heaven was reserved to the just, there were different types of fates that people will face after they die. These fates vary in terms of the amount or nature of guilt a person has, and the long stages of torture in hell, as well as series of rebirths in various forms whether of men, animals or plants. An individual goes through slow transitions until rebirth as a man in a remarkable and noble state has been achieved.

References:
http://saints.sqpn.com/brahmanism/
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Historical_Vedic_religion
http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Category:Aryan#mediaviewer/File:Aryans_entering_India.jpg
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vedas#mediaviewer/File:Rigveda_MS2097.jpg
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ramayana#mediaviewer/File:Burmese_Ramayana_dance.jpg

Posted on September 18, 2014October 4, 2017 by Amy — 8 Comments

Benjamin, son of Jacob

The youngest son of Jacob, Benjamin was referred to as the righteous child because of his loyalty to Jacob even when his brothers were completely against Joseph, who was well-loved by their father. Benjamin was also born in the land of Canaan, and his name meant “Son of My Days,” according to the Hebrew. He can be found on the Biblical Timeline Poster around 1754 BC.

In the Scriptures

In the Book of Torah, it was narrated that there was a point when Joseph’s brothers headed off to Egypt, yet they were unable to recognize their brother. Thus, Joseph planned to test his brothers’ character and wanted to determine if they have already turned away from their evil way. So, he ordered his men to place secretly a silver cup inside the bag of his youngest brother, Benjamin.

The next day, there was a great search that was conducted, with the intention of finding the “lost” silver cup. After a

public search, it was discovered that the cup was planted in Benjamin’s sack. As a punishment for the alleged theft, Joseph commanded that the young boy should be left in the palace and held as his slave because of what he had done.

However, Judah, one of Joseph’s brothers, spoke up and begged for Benjamin to be released. Instead of having the young boy held captive, Judah pleaded to take his place as a slave. He explained that his father Jacob would be left heartbroken if he learned that Benjamin was left in Egypt.

Joseph could no longer hold his emotions at that point, and he revealed his true identity in front of his brothers. Hence, the brothers rekindled their love for each other, and they were filled with joy that Joseph was still alive.

It is also worth noting that Benjamin was also Joseph’s favorite brother. This was presented in the story when Joseph was filled with tears as he met Benjamin after a long time. He even ordered that Benjamin should receive five times more food than what his other brothers were served.

Other Accounts on Benjamin

In the Hebrew Scriptures, It was mentioned that Joshua divided the land into twelve, which were supposed to be managed and owned by the twelve tribes of Israel. Benjamin was assigned to the land between Ephraim, and extending to Judah, Jordan River, and other cities including Gibeah and Bethel. There were also several towns in the Book of Joshua that were all the possession of Benjamin.

As for Jerusalem, it was under the control of the tribe Jebusites, despite the fact that it was a part of the territory that was given to the tribe of Benjamin. In addition, Bethel was claimed as a part of the land owned by the Tribe of Ephraim, although Joshua gave this lot to Benjamin, according to the scriptures.

Throughout the life of Benjamin, he found favor not only from his father and dear brothers but also from God. He was blessed with many gifts, and he continued to become a great leader of his tribe until his death.

References:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Benjamin
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tribe_of_Benjamin
http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Figures_041_Joseph%27s_Cup_Is_Found_in_Benjamin%27s_Sack.jpg
http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Benjamin_LACMA_M.88.91.296L.jpg

Posted on September 7, 2014October 4, 2017 by Amy — 5 Comments

Bilhah and Zilpah, women in the Bible

Zilpah, whose name is believed to mean “drooping”, was given to Leah as a handmaiden by Laban, Leah’s father, when Leah was given to Jacob as a bride. Zilpah is first introduced in the Bible in Genesis 29:24. She is on the Biblical Timeline Poster between 1754-1704 BC.

Bilhah, whose name is believed to mean “bashful or faltering”, was given to Rachel as her handmaiden by Laban, Rachel’s father, when Rachel was given to Jacob as a bride. Bilhah was first introduced in the Bible in Genesis 29:29.

Bilhah_and_Ziplah — Jacob had four wives

Who is Zilpah?

After Leah had already bore Jacob four sons and then stopped having babies, she presented Zilpah to Jacob to act as a type of surrogate mother and have more children for Jacob. This was done as part of an ongoing rivalry between Leah and her sister Rachel, Jacob’s second and favorite wife. Zilpah bore two sons to Jacob, which would have been Gad and Asher. These were Jacob’s sons number seven and eight respectively. The account of Zilpah’s role as Leah’s surrogate mother can be found in Genesis 30:9-13.

While Zilpah is a considered a minor Bible character, she was a vessel used to usher in two of the tribes of Israel. You can read about Jacob, also known as Israel, blessing Gad and Asher as tribes of Israel in Genesis 49:19-20.

Who is Bilhah?
When Rachel was barren for many years and became overwhelmed with jealousy of her sister Leah, Jacob’s first wife that had already bore four sons, she gave her servant Bilhah to Jacob to become her surrogate mother. As such, Bilhah gave birth to Dan and Naphtali as detailed in Genesis 30:1-8.

Bilhah was later briefly mentioned in Genesis 35:22 when Jacob’s firstborn son Rueben reportedly slept with her after Rachel had died. This act caused Reuben to lose his birthright inheritance as pointed out in Genesis 49:3-4.

Bilhah is also considered a minor Bible character but was also used to bring two of the twelve leaders of the tribes of Israel onto the earth. The blessings of Dan and Naphtali as tribes of Israel can be found in Genesis 49:16-17, and 21.

Some Bible scholars believe that Zilpah was younger than Bilhah and was given as the maidservant of Leah to contribute to the deception that surrounded the two brides. Jacob had worked for seven years as part of an agreement to earn Rachel’s hand in marriage from her father, Laban. However, Laban gave Leah as the veiled bride to Jacob instead. Jacob did not become aware of the substitution until after the marriage acts had been committed. Laban excused his actions as part of his people’s tradition to always marry the oldest daughter first. This caused Jacob to commit to another seven years of labor to pay for Rachel’s hand in marriage though he took her as his wife only a week after he took Leah.

Elsewhere in the World
During this time on the Bible Timeline with World History, the following events at various locations around the world are recorded:

The Middle Kingdom of Egypt reestablished prosperity and stability. This brought about art, literature, and building projects reappearing on the Egyptian scene. Military and political security, agricultural and mineral wealth, and religion all flourished during this period.
Hittites take over the area now covered by Turkey. The Hittites were considered members of the Bronze Age, but forerunners of the Iron Age.
Bronze to Iron Age – During this period making items of bronze seemed to be migrating into the Iron Age. The manufacture of artifacts from iron was noted. Iron became a very valuable commodity and was used to produce goods.
In Greece – In Greece, the Middle Helladic Period was in full swing. During this time, settlements drew closer together and gravitated toward hilltops. During this period, rectilinear pottery was being influenced into curvilinear by the Minoans.
China – The first Chinese dynasty known as the Xia migrated into the Shang Dynasty around the 18^th century.

References:
http://www.ancient.eu/Bronze_Age/
http://jwa.org/encyclopedia/article/bilhah-bible
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zilpah
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Iron_Age
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Helladic_period
http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Georgian_brides_in_church.jpg

Posted on September 4, 2014October 16, 2018 by Amy — 6 Comments

Levi son of Jacob

The name Levi means ‘attached’ or ‘joined’. The Bible records him as the third son of Jacob coming after Reuben and Simeon. According to Jewish tradition, he was given this name because Leah wanted Jacob to be attached to her. Levi was born while his father was still working for Laban, his father-in-law as part of their 20-year agreement. According to the Biblical Timeline Poster, his dates are 1749 BC to 1612 BC.

The family was living at the time in Paddan Aram, but later Levi left with his family and with the blessing of his grandfather Laban, father of Rachel. He was one of 13 children, 12 boys and one daughter. Levi was one of those who plotted against Joseph and sold him into slavery and in Genesis 46 there is recorded how Levi and his family moved to Goshen in Egypt at the time of famine. His first born brother Reuben lost his rights as the eldest, and so the duty of priesthood passed on to Levi and his descendants. The family travelled as nomads through Mahanaim, Peniel, Succoth, and finally arrived in Shechem where, together with his older brother Simeon, deceived the local people. One of them had raped Levi’s sister Dinah, but still wanted to marry her.

http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Figures_Simeon_Levi_Slay_Sichemites.jpg — Levi takes revenge for his sister

The brothers claimed that they would become people with the Shecamites if they allowed themselves to be circumcised. Three days after the circumcision ceremonies, when the men concerned would have been at their most vulnerable, Simeon and Levi murdered them all. Genesis 34 v 31,32 records how, when Jacob was angry with this, Levi replied that they had treated his sister like a prostitute, and this could not be allowed.

Levi became the ancestor of the Jewish tribe of Levi, the Levites, the members of which were concerned with religious duties alongside the priests. Through the descendants of his son Kohath, the various levels of religious service were allocated. In the Jewish Apocryphal text the Levi Document; Levi is ordained to the priesthood by angelic beings. In another apocryphal document, The Book of Jubilees, Jacob, on his deathbed, passes on to Levi special secrets known to the ancients.

When the group reached Canaan, the country was divided among the twelve tribes, but the Levites received cities rather than land according to Joshua 13 v 33 ‘Because the Lord God of Israel is their inheritance.’ The other tribes paid them tithes of their own crops and herds. Included in this tribe are Moses, Aaron and Miriam through Levi’s grandson Amram. In the book of Numbers, (chapter 18) the Levites are given responsibility for serving the priests. All priests are Levites as Aaron was, but not all Levites were priests. Before the Exodus the eldest son of each family would play the priestly role, but after the Exodus priests were only made from the descendants of Aaron. The duties of the Levites included singing during Temple services, carrying out any construction and maintenance needed for the Temple. They also served as guards around the tabernacle and Levites also worked as both teachers and judges. The prophet Ezra reported that the Levites were in charge of building work on the Second Temple. They also would both translate and explain the Torah when it was read in public.

Both Jeremiah and Malachi speak of a special covenant God had with the Levites.

Bible and World History
At the time of Levi Thebes in Egypt was the world’s largest city and the fabulous Lion Gate of Hattushash, in what is now Turkey, was constructed. Nearer to Levi, the Canaanite city of Ugarit was at its greatest size.

References:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Levi
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Paddan_Aram
http://www.turkey03.8m.net/catalog.html
http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Levi_LACMA_M.88.91.296b.jpg

Posted on June 6, 2014October 4, 2017 by Amy — Leave a comment

Saxons

The Saxons were a Germanic tribe that was situated on the North German Plain. A large percentage of these people settled in major areas of Great Britain during the early middle ages. Eventually, they formed a part of the Anglo-Saxons group that made up the United Kingdom. Meanwhile, some Saxons opted to remain in Germany, which gave them a chance to fight against the expanding Frankish Empire.

‘Three modern states in Germany are called Saxony: Lower Saxony, Saxony-Anhalt and the Free State of Saxony (from north to south)’

Origins of the Saxons

Initially, the Saxons settled in Northern Albingia, which was an area near modern-day Holstein. This same place was also believed to serve as the homeland of the Angles. Moreover, the Angles and Saxons, as well as a few continental Germanic tribes, were a part of the Anglo-Saxon settlement in Britain. By the 5th century where it is located on the Biblical Timeline Poster with World History. Several inhabitants of these isles referred to Anglo-Saxons collectively. Still, it remained unknown how numerous people left the continent to live in Britain, although there were estimates as for the actual number of settlers who were Anglo-Saxons, which reached 200,000. In the middle ages, the Saxons were observed to have solid influences to the cultures and languages of people from various parts of Europe. Such as the Baltic, Pomeranian West Slavic, Polabian Slavs, North Germanic and the Finnic.

Historical Background

During the prehistoric era, Saxony served as the primary site of numerous ancient monumental temples in Central Europe. These structures dated as far back as the 5th century BC. There were also significant archaeological sites that were found in villages near Leipzig, as well as in Dresden. Based on researchers, the presence of Germanic and Slavic people in modern-day Saxony began as far back as the first century BC. In Ptolemy’s text entitled Geographia, the Saxons were mentioned.

There were also accounts of this writer that called the tribe as Saxons, which remained in the lower part of the River Elbe. However, one of the first accounts of the Saxon name was from Julian, when he mentioned a tribe of Saxons, the Kouadoi. This tribe was referred to as the Chauci, which arrived at the Rhine and caused another group of people called the Salian Franks to relocate into Toxandria, a Belgian territory. By the 5th century AD, the Saxons started to move rapidly throughout areas that are modern-day Germany, Britain and France.

Most Saxon migrants settled in England, where they established power bases and settlements that used to be under the Roman rule. Saxons and some Germans were responsible for the displacement of numerous Celtic and British people, particularly the ones that moved back to Brittany, in France, as well as those who remained in Wales.

However, some Saxons explored other parts of Europe aside from Britain and moved to Germany, specifically in a region considered today as Saxony. Their expansion soon caused some conflicts with the Frankish tribe, which eventually turned into massively destructive battles. Also, the Saxons were firm about retaining their pagan beliefs, although Charlemagne was resolute about converting them to Christianity by all means possible.

References:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Saxons
http://www.bbc.co.uk/history/ancient/anglo_saxons/ http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Three_states_called_Saxony.png

Posted on June 2, 2014October 4, 2017 by Amy — Leave a comment

Chalons Won by Allied Armies of Europe against the Huns in 45, Great Battle of

The Battle of Chalons took place in 451 AD where it is located on the Biblical Timeline Poster with World History, as a result of the Huns‘ conquest of Gaul. According to historians, this battle was fought in June 451, but there are some sources that consider September 451 as the date of the battle. The Hun army was led by Attila, where he was supported by about 30,000 to 50,000 soldiers. On the other hand, Flavius Aetius and Theodoric led the Roman army, which was made up of roughly the same number of men as with the Huns.

Cause of the Battle

Prior to 450 AD, the Romans’ control over Gaul (including its surrounding province) had weakened due to invasions from numerous powerful opponents. In that same year, the sister of Emperor Valentinian III agreed to marry Attila, as she believed it would enable her to obtain at least half of the Roman Empire in the West as her dowry.

Great_Battle_of_Chalons_Won_by_Allied_Armies_of_Europe_against_the_Huns_in_451 — “The Huns at the Battle of Chalons”

Attila accepted that offer made by Honoria. However, Valentinian was against their marriage and stood in between Attila and Honoria’s decision. With such refusal by Valentinian, Attila was deeply angered and began to prepare for a battle against the Romans.

King Gaiseric, a Vandal, encouraged Attila’s decision to wage a war against the Roman Empire. In the early months of 451, a group of men joined Attila as they headed across the Rhine. His first attempts to conquer several nearby towns were successful as he sacked various areas including Reims, Cologne, Strasbourg and Amiens. Then, they proceeded to Aurelianum, but Attila was not able to enter as the inhabitants of the city closed the gate.

Meanwhile, Flavius Aetius was gathering his forces in Northern Italy to prevent Attila from advancing to the city. He further moved into southern Gaul, where he was accompanied by a small military force made up of auxiliaries.

Thus, he asked for help from the king of Visigoths named Theodoric I, yet without much support at all. This prompted Aetius to turn to Avitus, who agreed to help him. The two collaborated and convinced Theodoric to take part in their plan including several local tribes.

Accounts of the Battle

Aetius moved towards the north, where he planned to stop Attila while the latter was situated near Aurelianum. Attila’s men learned about Aetius’ plan, and they immediately reported this to their leader. This left Attila without any choice but to head northeast to find a suitable terrain for his army. Eventually, they arrived at the Catalaunian Fields, where they prepared for the battle.

While Romans headed towards the battle ground, Attila ordered his men to assemble for battle the following day. The Huns left their camp and moved to a ridge, which crossed the fields.

Attila ordered his men to advance to their opponents later during the day, as he believed this could give his men a chance to retreat easily after nightfall in case they were defeated. The Huns approached the right portion of the ridge, along with the Gepids and Ostrogoths. Aetius’s army, on the other hand, went to the left side of the ridge, including the Romans, Alans, and Visigoths. As the Huns headed to the peak of the ridge, Aetius successfully arrived first at the crest.

During the battle, Theodoric’s son was killed, while Attila’s army was attacked as they were retreating from the fight. By nightfall, the fight came to an end, and the two parties prepared for another battle the next day.

Attila was still expecting the Romans to attack his army. After waiting awhile, he finally decided to head back with his men across the Rhine. The fight stopped as Aetius contradicted Thorismund’s decision to assault the Huns once more.

Although the actual casualties remained unclear, historians are only certain that the battle damaged Attila’s reputation as a powerful conqueror. However, the Romans’ successful performance at that battle was also one of the few victories gained by the Roman Empire in the West.

References:
http://militaryhistory.about.com/od/battleswarsto1000/p/chalons.htm
http://history.eserver.org/attila-at-chalons.txt
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:De_Neuville_-_The_Huns_at_the_Battle_of_Chalons.jpg

Posted on May 26, 2014November 11, 2018 by Amy — Leave a comment

Laodicea Council 360 AD

Arranged the Canon of Old and New Testament

In about 360 AD where it is marked in the Biblical Timeline Poster, the Laodicea Ad Lycum, or simply the Laodicea, is where the Synod convened in Phrygia Pacatiana. This place is quite different from Syria’s Laodicea, much to the confusion of some people. While the actual year of the council remains to be unclear, some reports state that the event was held in 365 AD. On the other hand, there are others who agree that it was probably in 363 AD when the council convened.

Laodicia_Council_360_AD — ‘Colonnaded Street in Laodicea’

There were those who hoped that the 7th canon would provide a hint to settle the accurate date of the Council once and for all. For instance, it was during the 4th century that the great Bishop Photinus rose into prominence. There were more Eusebians during the synod held at Antioch (about 344 AD), as well as the Orthodox situated at Milan that condemned him. In 366, this bishop died out of banishment and condemnations.

To put it safely, it may be best to consider that the Synod of Laodicea met at about 343 to 381 years. It also took place over the years that the Sardican and Second Ecumenical Council were held. Moreover, people have come to terms with the minimal importance of knowing the accurate date of the council.

Key Facts about the Council of Laodicea

The Laodicea Council was referred to as a regional synod that was composed of 30 clerics all coming from Asia Minor. They all gathered in Laodicea, specifically in Phrygia Pacatiana from the year 363 to 364 AD. Moreover, the council commenced after the Roman and Persian War, which was waged by the last of the Constantinian emperor named Julian. He aimed to revive the practice of paganism in the empire while discriminating and punishing Christians.

According to researchers, the 59th canon put restrictions on the canonical books included in the Old and the New Testament. Then, the 60th cannon provided a list of all the books, where the New Testament consisted of 26 books, not including the Apocalypse or Book of Revelation. On the other hand, there were 22 books in the Old Testament, which was also made up of the 22 scriptures of the Hebrew version of the Bible. Also included in the Old Testament were the Epistle of Jeremy, as well as the Book of the prophet Baruch.

However, there were some doubts that circulated in terms of the 60th canon’s authenticity. The reason for this was the missing manuscripts that were added eventually to present the content of the books included in the 59th canon. Thus, Cyril provided a list that matched the one presented in the Laodicea Council, in 350 AD.

In the said council (which Cyril was a part of), a list was given to show all the books included in the Holy Scriptures. This list was not contradictory to the one provided by Eusebius. In fact, Eusebius suggested that there should be unity in terms of the accepted writings recognized by the Church. Thus, he was against the reading of scriptures that were not generally received to avoid confusion among the Christians who are exposed to these writings in the Bible.

References:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Council_of_Laodicea
http://biblehub.com/library/davidson/the_canon_of_the_bible/chapter_vii_the_bible_canon.htm
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Laodicea_(2).JPG

Posted on May 12, 2014October 4, 2017 by Amy — Leave a comment

Alexander Servius 222 AD

Alexander Severus was emperor from 222 to 235 A.D. (where he is listed on the Biblical Timeline Poster with World History) and last of the Severan dynasty. His father was Marcus Julius Gessius Marcianus and his mother was Julia Mamaea. His father was a judge and his mother was a noblewoman. He was also the great-nephew of Julia Domna and her husband Lucius Septimius Severus. Alexander became eligible for being emperor after he was adopted by Septimius Severus. Alexander Severus was a young adult in his early 20s when he became emperor. Once he started to rule his mother had a lot of influence over his decisions. She surrounded the boy with wise people, made sure that he had sound character and changed how Severus’ administration would operate.

The Emperor, his Mother and their Soldiers

His mother had arranged for Severus to be married to Sallustia Orbiana but later had her banished because of her influence over Severus. Alexander or his mother couldn’t control the army and ended up alienating themselves from the military. Mutinies were common in Rome at the time. The Praetorian Guard and a riot happened in Rome when the people rose up against them. The Praetorian Guard killed a prefect named Ulpian at the feet of Severus. The soldiers would not obey Emperor Alexander and they rebelled against him all over the empire.

Even though Alexander had some success in battle and as commander and chief of his army, he just was never able to receive the full respect of his soldiers. Around 234 A.D., the Germans were pushing across the Rhine once again and they needed to be punished. Alexander’s mother tried to get him to bribe the Germans instead. Once the soldiers found out what he did they decided to choose a very popular and well-respected soldier named Gaius Maximinus to become the next emperor. After making this decision, they assassinated Alexander in 235 A.D.

Historians claim that the death of Alexander Severus brought an end to the Principate of Rome. The Principate of Rome is considered the first period of the Roman Empire from the Rule of Augustus Caesar to the death of Alexander Severus which brought about the Crisis of the Third Century.

Policies of Emperor Severus

Alexander_Servius_222_AD — Alexander Servius

Though Alexander Severus wasn’t considered a good soldier most people thought of him as a good ruler. He had improved the mood of the Roman people and uplifted the dignity of the Roman state. He also diminished his desire for extravagant living while in power. He eased the tax burden, promoted science, literature and art. Even though the soldiers didn’t really care for him, he also improved their lives. He even had loan offices established for the people so that they could receive loans at moderate interest. He was also opened minded about religion. He even wanted to erect a temple for Christ but was dissuaded by Roman priests not to take this action. He allowed the Jews to build a synagogue in Rome and gave them the Severus Scroll which was a copy of the Torah.

Severus was married at least three times before he died. One of his wives was named Sallustia Orbiana had a father named Seius Sallustius who tried to assassinate him. The emperor had no choice but to divorce her and banish her from the kingdom. He assassinated her father for trying to get away with this deed.

References:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alexander_Severus
http://www.roman-emperors.org/alexsev.htm
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Alexander_Severus_Musei_Capitolini_MC471.jpg

Posted on May 1, 2014October 4, 2017 by Amy — Leave a comment

Transubstantiation During Mass

(History of the term and early beliefs)

Based on the doctrines of the Catholic, transubstantiation refers to the transformation of the bread and wine present in the Eucharist into Christ’s body and blood. This is listed on the Biblical Timeline starting 250 AD. Thus, bread and wine no longer serve as a figure used in this sacrament as these have already obtained a different form. It is what the Catholic Church claims – that the bread becomes the body of Christ and wine is turned into his blood. While all of these changes happen, the external appearances of these figures remain the same. Moreover, the transformation is beyond anyone’s understanding, which maintains its mystery and sanctity.

Transubstantiation_During_Mass — Christ with the Eucharist, Vicente Juan Masip, 16th century.

Christ with the Eucharist, Vicente Juan Masip, 16th century.

History of Transubstantiation

Archbishop Hildebert de Lavardin of Tours first used the word, “transubstantiation”, in the 11th century. He pertained to it as the best description and explanation of the transformation that occurred during the Eucharist, when the bread and wine are changed into Christ’s very own body and blood. However, it was not until the 12th century that this term was used extensively. It was on November 11, 1215, during the 4th Council of the Lateran, that the formal explanation of this mystery in the sacrament of the Eucharist was made. According to the Council, these changes are made possible because of God’s power.

However, this doctrine of the transubstantiation was criticized and viewed as pseudophilosophy during the rise of Protestant Reformation. Those who doubted this doctrine claimed that it was merely adopted into the Christian teaching to show support of Martin Luther’s philosophy of the sacramental union.

13th Session of the Council of Trent

In 1551, the Council of Trent pertained to transubstantiation as the conversion of the entire components of the bread into Christ’s body and the wine into his blood. As the conversion occurs, the physical characteristics of the wine and bread stay the same. Also, the Council gave its approval to use the term as the official means of expressing the teaching of the Catholic Church regarding this transformation that exist during the sacrament of the Eucharist.

Based on history, it was in the West where the Aristotelian philosophy remained quite strong. In fact, the reality and truth behind this change during the Eucharist also prevailed in various Churches of the East, as well as the Eastern Orthodox Church. With that in mind, this belief has spread wide in other ancient Churches and eliminated people’s doubts about this mystery.

The Catholic Church states that transubstantiation focuses more on the truth that something is changed, instead of the explanation about how that change takes place. This doctrine promotes the truth that the species or appearances are real, and that the Eucharist celebrates the actual presence of Christ.

The act of touching every portion of the bread and the a single drop of the wine allows one to have a close encounter with Jesus Christ. Furthermore, Christ’s presence in these figures is whole, and the breaking of the bread performed during the sacrament does not literally divide every aspect that makes up Christ.

This truth was best explained by Thomas Aquinas in his written work called Summa Theologica. According to him, Christ’s body is ever-present in the sacrament of the Eucharist. However, this presence is not similar as in its literal meaning since it cannot be perceived by the senses or one’s imagination. On the other hand, Christ’s presence is only perceptible to a person’s intellect and faith.

References:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Transubstantiation
http://www.webtruth.org/articles/theological-issues-23/transubstantiation-49.html
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Juan_de_Juanes_002.jpg

Posted on April 7, 2014October 4, 2017 by Amy — Leave a comment

Claudius 41 AD

Emperor Claudius had a nephew named Caligula who was considered one of Rome’s worst rulers. Once Emperor Caligula was murdered in 41 A.D. Claudius took his place. That is where he is listed on the Biblical Timeline Poster. Most sources claim that Emperor Claudius was probably not the most likely candidate that should have been allowed a consulship in Rome. He was a sickly child and his illness had caused him to form some disabilities. He walked with a limp for most of his life and he was considered slightly deaf as well.

When former emperors Tiberius and Caligula had ruled Rome they both got rid of any potential rivals to their power. They didn’t care who the rivals were and they executed or banished many of their kinsmen or close friends. Since Claudius wasn’t well liked because of his illness Tiberius and Caligula both had overlooked him as a threat and they left him alone.

Claudius’ Early Years

Claudius came from a wealthy and respected family within Rome who had connections with Emperor Tiberius. His father Drusus was a military commander and politician who spent a great deal of time fighting in Germania. His mother was Antonia Minor the daughter of Mark Antony and Octavia Minor. He was born in 10 B.C. and apparently his father Drusus had died shortly before or after his birth.

Once Claudius began to grow his mother didn’t want to have anything to do with him. She referred to him as a monster because of his apparent disability. He also had some unusual illnesses during his childhood years that help to make his handicap more profound. He was then sent to live with grandmother Livia who eventually pushed him off to a former mule driver for training. As he grew into young a young adult his handicap seemed as if it went away and his family became somewhat interested in him again. He became educated but still wasn’t fully accepted by his relatives or Roman society. A well-known scholar of the time named Livy was hired to tutor Claudius and this gave him some hope of becoming a respected leader within Roman society.

The Reluctant Politician

Claudius didn’t understand how to maneuver through politics and this dashed his hopes of becoming a leader in public office. Even though his uncle Emperor Tiberius allowed him a position he didn’t want him to advance any further. Claudius decided to retire to a scholarly life instead of trying to pursue a political career. After Emperor Tiberius had died Emperor Caligula took over and when he was in charge he eventually made Claudius his co-consul. The only reason why Caligula did this was for sentimental reasons and to publicly humiliate his uncle Claudius. Sources claim that Claudius was probably so stressed out that he lost a lot of weight during the four years that Emperor Caligula ruled Rome.

Claudius becomes Emperor

Emperor Caligula was assassinated in 41 A.D. and Claudius had to go into hiding before he could become the leader of Rome. Soon the senate realized that he should become the rightful emperor and allowed him to govern Rome. Once Claudius became ruler he pardoned many of the conspirators who killed his nephew but he did kill the main instigators of this event.

Emperor Claudius expanded the Empire’s borders during his rule gaining the territories of Judea, Lycia, Thrace, Noricum, Mauretania and Pamphylia. He conducted censuses throughout the empire, personally judge legal cases and built many public works. The people loved Claudius despite his disabilities. They considered him the same type of person as they were. However, he didn’t get along with the senate and tried to make many reforms to this governing body. Emperor Claudius also built temples to honor the Roman gods and he endorsed the spectacle of Roman games. Eventually, Claudius had died in 54 A.D. either by poisoning or from natural causes. He had four wives during his lifetime and his last wife was Agrippina the Younger. He had five children and his adopted son Nero (born by Agrippina) became the next ruler of Rome after his demise.

References:
http://www.roman-emperors.org/claudius.htm
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Claudius
http://library.thinkquest.org/26907/emperors/claudius.htm
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Claudius_crop.jpg