Biblical Archaeology

Ancient Roman Legions

How Many Soldiers are in a Legion? Legionaries were infantry soldiers who were the major armed forces of the Roman army. They were recruited from Roman citizens, usually as young as 19 but many as early as 14 years old. 4 foot 11 inches was the minimum height. Augustus had 25 legions of approximately 6,000 soldiers each. A legion was formed of 10 C...

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Bust of Vespasian

Bust of Titus Flavius Vespasian. Was this Emperor who "Destroyed Jerusalem" famous for his kindness? The face of the Roman Emperor, Vespasian who began the construction of the Collosseum, the most famous of all Roman architecture. The bust of Vespasian is important in the study of Biblical Archaeology, it reveals the image of the Roman general who ...

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Ancient Roman Milestones

Did All Roads Lead to Rome in the Roman Empire? This painting of the ruins of a "milliarium" or Roman milestone attests to the fact that in the ancient world "all roads lead to Rome". The famous maxim was correct, and what was even more precise was that to a Roman all roads lead from Rome. According to the Roman system, a gilded pillar was placed b...

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Bust of Titus

Bust of Titus Flavius Sabinus Vespasianus. Was this the man who Destroyed Jerusalem in 70 AD? The face of the Roman Emperor, Titus. To Vespasian (a.d. 70) we are indebted for the foundation of the Coliseum, or the Flavian amphitheatre, the noblest ruin in existence. It was dedicated by Titus in 79 AD), 10 years after the taking of Jerusalem, but no...

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Bust of Nero

Bust of Nero Claudius Caesar Augustus Germanicus. The face of the Roman Emperor, Nero. During his reign were the great fire of Rome which he blamed the Christians for, Paul and Peter were martyred at this time. Nero initiated the attack on Jerusalem which ended in the destruction of the city and Temple under Vespasian and finally Titus in 70 AD. Ti...

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Legio X Fretensis Stamped Bricks

These bricks contain an inscribed stamp from the Roman legion which destroyed Jerusalem in 70 AD. They are stamped with the inscription "Legio X Fretensis." The legionary bricks is an important discovery in the study of Biblical Archaeology, it reveals the legion which destroyed Jerusalem in 70 AD. The destruction of Jerusalem was dreadfully forese...

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Roman Legionary Camp

Roman Legion Camp at Masada. How Long Until the Legion Captured Masada? The Jewish Zealots held out for three long years after the Temple was destroyed and Jerusalem was brought down to rubble and burned to ashes. Masada was the last fortress of the Jews and every other Jewish stronghold was captured. It was just a matter of time, so the Jewish Zea...

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Roman Eagle Standard

Did Eagles Carry Emperors Into Heaven? The eagle (aquila) was the bird of Jupiter. In ancient times the eagle was a symbol of strength and courage, and immortality. The eagle was believed to be the king of the birds that could ascend above the storm, and become the messenger of the gods. According to ancient mythology the eagle would carry the soul...

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Tiberius Caesar Bust

Did Tiberius Caesar know Jesus was being crucified? The face of the Roman Emperor, Tiberius from the statue now in the Museo Nazionale, Naples. Tiberius was the stepson of Augustus and the oldest son of Livia, wife of Augustus. Augustus adopted Tiberius in 4 A.D. because he lacked a male heir. He had first adopted his younger stepson Drusus, but he...

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Statue of Pharaoh Merneptah

Does the Bible mention Pharaoh Merneptah? This painting is of a granite statue of Pharaoh Merneptah with his royal head-dress now in the Egyptian Museum. Merneptah reigned in Egypt during the 19th dynasty (1213-1203 BC), and he was the son of the great Rameses II. His name is inscribed on the cartouche on his right shoulder. It is this Pharaoh who ...

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