66 AD
“About this very time king Agrippa was going to Alexandria, to congratulate Alexander upon his having obtained the government of Egypt from Nero; but as his sister Bernice was come to Jerusalem, and saw the wicked practices of the soldiers, she was sorely affected at it, and frequently sent the masters of her horse and her guards to Florus, and begged of him to leave off these slaughters; but he would not comply with her request, nor have any regard either to the multitude of those already slain, or to the nobility of her that interceded, but only to the advantage he should make by this plundering.”
Flavius Josephus, The Jewish Wars, Book II, Chapter 15, Section 1
Florus informs Gallus, the Roman legate to Syria, of the revolt that has arisen. At the same time, Berenice sends notice of the atrocities committed by Florus. In response, Gallus sends Napolitanus to examine the situation in Judea. Agrippa II returns from Alexandria to meet Gallus’ delegate. The two then travel to Jerusalem to meet the priests and leaders of the city, who immediately disavow both the actions of the rebels and Florus’ crimes.
Agrippa II and Berenice, his sister, deliver an impassioned speech at the Hall of Hewn Stones on Temple Mount. They hope to appease the people and warn them against starting an insurrection. Agrippa also emphasizes that Rome is the most powerful entity in the world and that all who have challenged it have failed. Lastly, he explains that it is Florus, and not all Romans, who is to blame for the recent horrible incidents – and that the empire’s overall success can be attributed to God’s grace. It can therefore be followed that a rebellion against Rome would be an act against God’s will – and could lead to the deaths of many and the destruction of the country. The people cheer for their king and reiterate that they didn’t intend to escalate the situation. However, Agrippa then reprimands them that they have not yet paid their taxes or repaired the chambers they destroyed – acts that he considers to be rebellious by their very nature. The people agree to fulfill this requirement, but also ask that a delegation be sent to Emperor Neron to express their grievances about the governor’s conduct.
The people seek justice from their leaders, whereas Agrippa wants to maintain the status quo. The will of those wishing to be free will ultimately supersede the will of those looking to preserve the current state of affairs.
“About this very time king Agrippa was going to Alexandria, to congratulate Alexander upon his having obtained the government of Egypt from Nero; but as his sister Bernice was come to Jerusalem, and saw the wicked practices of the soldiers, she was sorely affected at it, and frequently sent the masters of her horse and her guards to Florus, and begged of him to leave off these slaughters” (Josephus Flavius, The Jewish Wars, Book 2, Chapter 15, paragraph 1)
Nobility is adopting and practicing good traits, enabling us to rise to the highest levels of humanity.
