|
|
 |
|
O Divine Titus! A Roman Triumph |
|
written
by zihengxu / 09.05.2004 |
|
|
| |
Introduction |
| |
| |
|
| http://members.tripod.com/romeartlover/Arco.html |
| Menorah |
| The holy candle stick, as appeared on the Arch of titus |
| |
|
| |
|
| http://www.templemount.org/solomon.html |
| Temple of Solomon |
| Artist's sketch of Solomon's Temple looking Northwest |
| |
|
| |
|
|
| Temple of Jupiter |
| Today's Remains of the magnificent temple dedicated to Jupiter |
| |
|
The year 70 A.D.
Jerusalem fell. No matter how zealous they were, or how determined they were, those barbaric Jews should never even dreamed of challenging the absolute right of Roman rule.
"Debellare Superbos!"
The great poet Virgil had made this point clear in his Aeneid nearly a century ago. Those who question the rule of the Empire will vanquish! Fools! How dare they shame our Gods! We privileged them to be a self-governed section, and this is how these arrogant fools repay the favor? Our Gods will not allow such disgrace! If their temples do not honour our Gods, then let them burn! Let this be an example for all!
--------------------------------
In 66 the Jews declared independence from the Roman Empire. This action infuriated the emperor; Roman legions led by Titus Flavius were sent to punish the Jews. After four years Titus's army sacked the city of Jerusalem, putting an end to the bitter rebellion. Titus burned the Jewish Holy Temple of Solomon and brought back to Rome the most sacred relics in Jewish faith: the Menorah, the seven-branched golden candelabrum that represented the nation of Israel. It demonstrated the idea that the nation of Israel would accomplish its goals by setting an example for other nations, not by force, hence the term "a light unto the nations".
Now, ironically, the Menorah lay in the hands of the Romans, taken by force.
--------------------------------
This war deserved a celebration. Romans loved seeing the Triumph, where the victorious Roman army marched in the city to show off the loot and captives.
Now Titus could parade the city with his soldiers and his spoils of war, to show the fellow Romans how valiant he had been, and how successful this war was. To have a triumph granted by the Roman Senate, all he needed was to face 5,000 enemies of a foreign nation; he captured 50,000. Even more importantly, this war protected the honor of the Empire; this war ensured the supremecy of Roman power. If this would not get him a Triumph, nothing would.
Of course, the Triumph of Titus was one of the greatest triumphs ever held.
--------------------------------
Roman Senators, spoils of war (including the Menorah) and captured Jewish generals lead the parade; but that was but a minor part of what the citizens of Rome came for. They came out to cheer for their valiant sons and brothers, the shining future of the empire. "Here comes Titus the Imperator!" Citizens cried out as the great man's chariot finally appeared from Campus Martius. Clothed in toga made of purple silk, crowned with wreath embroidered in laurel, proudly, there rode Titus, the pride of Rome! The smile! The gestures! Citizens cried to cheer for him!
"io triumph", "Io Triumph"! Welcome back! Valiant sons of Rome!
The appearance of Titus and his soldiers marked the peak of the parade. Musicians blew their horns, dancers showed their moves, commoners cheered and yelled, and children chased after the chariots: this procession absorbed everyone; everyone loved this celebration.
The Temple of Jupiter lay in front of the procession. Here the procession marched into a complete stop, and Titus offered two giant white bulls to Jupiter, thanking the God for watching over Rome. In addition to the appeasement and the show of gratitude, Titus also asked for a favor from Jupiter: the soldiers justly and honorably protected the Empire by plunging into the river of blood and guilt; only Jupiter could cleanse them and purify them.
After the purification and sacrifice, the last of the rituals began. For the Roman citizens it was merely a performance, yet for the captured generals it marked the end of their lives.
O great Jupiter, here we present you the leaders of the enemies of state! Those who dare to offend you must not live. Off, off with their heads!
"Celebrate! Citizens! This, is the Triumph of Titus!"
|
| |
|
| |
|
|
|
|
