Maybe the Nativity doesn't look quite like we think it does
German-American sinologist (expert in Chinese studies) Friedrich Hirth (b.1845-d.1927), wrote China and the Roman Orient: Researches into Their Ancient and Medieval Relations as Represented in Old Chinese Records in 1885. In his book, he cites The Records of the Grand Read More …
The Parthian legislature was a bicameral institution. “Camera” is Latin for “chamber” hence, bi-cameral = two chambers. (Not to be confused with “two camels”.) The “upper house” was essentially the royals, or royal family—the Arsacid dynasty. The “lower house” consisted Read More …
Immediately upon ascending the throne of the Roman client kingdom of Judaea, Herod the Great took it upon himself to appoint whomever he chose to the office of High Priest. His fifth appointment, in roughly 21 BCE, was one Simon, Read More …
(1) And it came to pass in those days {that} a decree went out from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be registered. (2) This census first took place while Quirinius was governing Syria. (3) So, all went to Read More …
“…and went beyond the river Jordan, and bathed himself in the warm baths that were at Callirrhoe…” Josephus, Antiquities of the Jews, 17.6.5 “Callirrhoe” (pronounced kal-eer-ho-ee) in Greek means, “beautiful stream”. The phrase therma kallirhoes means, “warm beautiful stream”. In Read More …
Although Herod the Great lacked a classical Greek or Roman education, he was as cultivated as any in his rank. He was also an accomplished athlete. He was a patron of the Games and built and gifted gymnasiums, stadia, and Read More …
It never ceases to amaze me how seemingly odd but interesting facts come across my desk as part of God Save the King. Nikolaos of Damascus was a Hellenized Jew, born in Damascus in 64 BCE. In 39 BCE he Read More …
