Faculty Publications
Document Type
Article
Publication Version
Published Version
Keywords
Roman History; Ancient Judaism
Journal/Book/Conference Title
Polish Journal of Biblical Research
Volume
23
Issue
1-2
First Page
83
Last Page
119
Abstract
Sibylline Oracle 13 is a remarkable historical document that contains a unique perspective on the poorly documented period of Roman history known as the “Crisis of the Third Century (235-284 CE), which began with the assassination of the Roman emperor Severus Alexander (222-235 CE), the last ruler of the Severan dynasty. This turbulent era was marked by nearly fifty years of civil wars, barbarian invasions, rebellions, and approximately twenty-six claimants to the throne. Although the end of this turmoil under Diocletian (284-305 CE) is well known, we have little information about much of this century, particularly its first decades. The beginning of this age caused many dangers for those living in the Roman Empire as its Eastern portions witnessed frequent depredations by Franks, Alamanni, Goths, and particularly the Persians.
The Thirteenth Sibylline Oracle reveals how those living in the Middle East, who increasingly felt trapped and helpless during this chaotic period, abandoned their loyalty to the Roman Empire and came to believe that only local figures, whose arrival the Sibyl had foreseen, could save them.
Department
Department of History
Original Publication Date
12-2024
Object Description
1 PDF File
Repository
UNI ScholarWorks, Rod Library, University of Northern Iowa
Copyright
©2024 Enigma Press. Permission to post the article to the institutional repository granted by the publisher.
Language
en
File Format
application/pdf
Recommended Citation
Atkinson, Kenneth, "Roman History in Sibylline Oracle 13: A Palestinian Jewish Perspective on Emperors, Usurpers, and Saviors During the Third Century CE (Part Two: From Decius to Odenath of Palmyra)" (2024). Faculty Publications. 6724.
https://scholarworks.uni.edu/facpub/6724
Included in
Ancient History, Greek and Roman through Late Antiquity Commons, Biblical Studies Commons, History of Religion Commons, History of Religions of Western Origin Commons, Jewish Studies Commons
