During Jesus' birth, Rome was at the height of its power and mighty empire. Emperor Augustus ruled over Rome, entering the beginning of the Pax Romana, a period of peace and stability. Rome had many structures, markets, and a diverse population worldwide. However, while Rome had all its glory, it had some down spirals, including the people in Judea, the birthplace of Jesus, experienced political conflict and heavy taxation by Roman authorities. Religion played a significant role in Rome, with tons of traditional Roman gods and the adoption of deities. Temples and sanctuaries were established throughout the city, reflecting the polytheistic beliefs of the time. When Jesus was born, he would bring hope and a message of love and salvation that would be everlasting.
Emperor Augustus had some strong characteristics, including strong leadership, political understanding, and the ability to stabilize Rome. Augustus is portrayed as patient, cunning, and strategic in consolidating his power and maintaining control over the Roman Empire. He tried restoring traditional Roman values, such as morality, family, and religion, and sought to present himself as a leader. These readings show that the Romans valued qualities such as strong leadership, politics, and the ability to bring stability and prosperity to the empire. They admired leaders who displayed moral behavior, kept traditional Roman values, and worked towards the collective benefit of the state.
Augustus, restoring moral and religious values, would have embodied these ideals. In contrast, Nero's behavior would have been seen as a betrayal of these values and a threat to the stability and prosperity of Rome. Overall, the comparison between Augustus and Nero highlights the stark differences in leadership style and character between the two rulers. While Augustus is remembered as a skilled and cunning leader who brought stability and prosperity to Rome, Nero is depicted as a tyrant whose reign was marked by chaos and cruelty. The contrast between these two figures is a powerful reminder of the importance of leadership qualities in shaping history.
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