snnsastark:BADASS WOMEN OF THE ANCIENT WORLD: BERENICE (28 - AFTER 81 AD)A great-granddaughter of He
snnsastark:BADASS WOMEN OF THE ANCIENT WORLD: BERENICE (28 - AFTER 81 AD)A great-granddaughter of Herod the Great, the Jewish princess Berenice appeared on the Bible, was the target of numerous rumors and became mistress of a Roman emperor. She was also an important figure in politics in Judea during the first century and played a role in the First Jewish-Roman War.Berenice was part of the Herodian Dynasty, who ruled Judaea between 39 BC and 92. Her father was Herod Agrippa I, a personal friend of both Caligula and Claudius, and thus her family enjoyed great privilege. She was married twice, but both marriages were short-lived and Berenice spent most of her time in her brother’s, Agrippa II, court, giving rise to many rumors about an incestuous relationship between them. In her brothers court, Berenice enjoyed almost equal power to the king. When the apostle Paul appeared at Agrippa’s court, he was heard by both Agrippa and his sister.In 64, during the reign of emperor Nero, tensions began to rise in Judea, as jews started to be systematically discriminated by Rome. After a series of riots, that led to arrests and cruxifications, Berenice was nearly killed while trying to petition the Roman procurator to spare her countrymen. And although her brother tried to stop the rise of violence among the Jewish population, the tensions grew into a full rebellion.Nero appointed Vespasian to put an end to the rebellion. It was during this time that Berenice met his son, Titus, and began an affair with him. He was many years her junior. The lovers were separated when, after Nero’s death, Vespasian became involved in the civil war that decided the future emperor: Vespasian himself, with Titus as his successor.During Vespasian’s reign Berenice moved to Rome and started to live with Titius, being treated by him as his wife. As Titius’ mistress Berenice was the height of her power, but it didn’t last long: the romans were weary of an Eastern princess being so close to the imperial family and Titius was forced to send her away. Upon his accession as emperor, she briefly returned to Rome, but, fearing for his reputation, Titus sent her away again. It was because of her romance with a famous roman that Berenice earned her nickname: the little Cleopatra. -- source link
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