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Many happy returns on the occasion of Christmas which Eastern Christians will celebrate within a few days! We do beseech God to grant Egypt, the Middle East and the whole world joy and peace which song the angels chanted upon Christ’s birth, “on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.”
The Romans had both political and military power, for the Empire had extended throughout the world. Romans conquered all the Macedonian lands in the East as well as the entirety of Greece. Hence, the borders of the Empire extended from Spain westward to the western coasts of Asia Minor eastward. It also included the territories of Carthage in North Africa. Its extension reached the peak during the tenure of Trajan, whereby it constituted 3.64% of the earth’s area! This was in 117 A.D.
Caesar Augustus (29 B.C. – 14 A.D.)
The Roman Empire did make its debut in 44 B.C.: as the Imperial regime was established in Rome and Julius Caesar declared himself Emperor. At that time, Egypt was one of the most powerful and important countries, but it became a Roman province after Octavius’ triumph over Antony and the latter’s suicide, followed by Cleopatra’s suicide in 31 B.C. Thus, Octavius became Caesar. His great victories amazed the Romans, which made the Senate give up its authorities to him. In effect, legislative, executive, military, juridical authorities were handed over to him. In 27 B.C., the Senate granted Octavius the title “Augustus” which is dedicated to the gods. Emperors already bore the title “Caesar”. So he became Caesar Augustus. Then the Senate considered him a god, and added his name to the official list of Roman deities. His birth day became holy: whereby religious rituals, prayers and hymns were addressed to him in worship. Likewise, the people used to give him presents and offerings in New Year celebrations. The worship of Augustus spread throughout Roman provinces. So much so that it became an official religion, and special priests called “Augustus’ Priests”.
Some historians maintain that Augustus was skinny, with uneven features. He suffered from several ailments. He used to stumble for he had ailing legs. Yet, he was profane and profligate. He used to commit crimes mercilessly, which made him emblematic of the Roman sovereign.
The Roman Empire was capitalist: wealthy senators and knights controlled it. Yet, the Emperor was the major capitalist. The rich increased in Rome during Augustus’ tenure. Likewise, corruption, immorality, and illegitimate relations increased. So much so that Caesar Augustus issued a series of legislations to forbid adultery. He made marriage obligatory for all his good kin, otherwise they would be severely punished by deprivation from inheritance and from attending public occasions and celebrations. Augustus had one daughter, Julia, whose bad reputation spread through Rome. She was a drunkard and an adulteress who betrayed all the men she married. Also, she was several men’s woman. This made Augustus banish her and her daughter, who did the same, from Rome. During Augustus’ reign, Christ was born in Bethlehem.
Caesar Tiberius I (14-37 A.D.)
Caesar Tiberius I took over after the death of Augustus in 14 A.D. He was cruel and arrogant. So much so that the people hated him and wished they had got rid of him, which is why he secluded himself in island near Rome. This island he made a cemetery: for whoever he wished to get rid of, he would summon there, then order he be killed. He remained secluded until one prince rebelled and killed him. This took place in 37 A.D. Christ’s crucifixion and resurrection are of the most important incidents that took place during his reign.
Palestine under the Romans (63 B.C.-638 A.D.)
The Roman commander Pompeii invaded Jerusalem in 63 A.D., which made the Jews succumb to the Roman rule. The cruelty of the Roman proconsul made the Jews suffer, which is why they awaited the Messiah.
King Herod
Herod the Great was appointed proconsul of Judea by Caesar. He was ruthless. He married ten women, and had fourteen children. He killed many people, as he suspected that someone would conspire to kill him. So he killed his wife Miriam, her two sons, brother, mother and grandfather, his eldest son Antipar, as well as many of his relatives and friends. Shortly before his death, Herod got to know of Christ’s birth from the Magi who came from the East to Jerusalem after seeing the star. We read, “When Herod the king had heard these things, he was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him. And when he had gathered all the chief priests and scribes of the people together, he demanded of them where Christ should be born. And they said unto him, In Bethlehem of Judaea: for thus it is written by the prophet, And thou Bethlehem, in the land of Juda, art not the least among the princes of Juda: for out of thee shall come a Governor, that shall rule my people Israel. Then Herod… sent them to Bethlehem, and said, Go and search diligently for the young child; and when ye have found him, bring me word again… [But], they departed into their own country another way. Then Herod… sent forth, and slew all the children that were in Bethlehem, and in all the coasts thereof, from two years old and under.” Thus, the Roman era was hard for all peoples, despite their power and bravery.
According to George Sarton, “Christ was not born at a golden age; rather, it was one of tears and blood, of wrath and cruelty.” Additionally, it was full of corruption and immorality. The Jews… were part of the story.
Many happy returns! May we always gather in the love of Egypt. Stories never end in Beautiful Egypt.
General Bishop
Head of the Coptic Orthodox Cultural Center
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