Judea under Roman Rule (en Inglés) - Jordan Freeman

The history of Judea under Roman rule stands at the crossroads of some of the most consequential developments in the ancient world. It is a story of conquest and accommodation, resistance and adaptation, faith and power. Within the relatively small territory situated between the Mediterranean Sea and the Jordan River, struggles unfolded that would shape the future of Judaism, contribute decisively to the emergence of Christianity, and leave an enduring mark on the history of the Roman Empire itself. Few provinces of Rome generated such profound religious, political, and cultural consequences, and few have received as much attention from historians, theologians, archaeologists, and political thinkers.

When the Roman general Pompey entered Jerusalem in 63 BCE, he brought to an end nearly a century of Jewish independence under the Hasmonean dynasty. The event did not immediately transform Judea into a Roman province, nor did it eliminate local rulers and institutions. Nevertheless, it marked the beginning of a new political reality. Henceforth, Judea would exist within the expanding framework of Roman imperial power. Local kings, priests, aristocrats, and common people would be compelled to negotiate their place within a world increasingly shaped by decisions made in Rome.