LEGIO X FRETENSIS   January 2001 Newsletter - Page 4
- Text by Douglas A. Unsworth, Image by Robert Garbisch

I am afraid that Darrath Lugh attempted to stir the masses against Rome, even telling some not to pay their taxes! Even Publius. a Celt himself, wondered at the patience of our commander in tolerating this "thom in his side." However, Centurio Marcus soon quelled any rebellious mob and maintained order by the display of Roman drill tactics as he periodically marched our formation of well armed and disciplined troops around the village.

Altogether, the spirit of Bethlehem was strangely peaceful despite the civil unrest. While on guard before tile Village gate I met a Jew called Zechariah. Although quite a zealot and certainly an Essene, he was really a rather kindly man who reminded me some of my own father. He was telling the crowds coming into the town that this was what we would call a "dies faustus" (auspicious day). He spoke of a Deus salus (salvation from God) and of some "Beata Virgo Maria" (Blessed Virgin Mary) and her child who would be the "Iux mundi" (light of the world). Apparently, a child of some importance to the people was born in Bethlehem during our stay that that they call by the name, which I translate into our Latin tongue as Jesus Nazarenus (Jesus of Nazareth) From the reaction this news seemed to have had on the people. I expect that this child may become a person of particular importance to human history in the future.

Zechariah is obviously some sort of Jewish nationalist but he did not appear to be one of the radicals calling for rebellion against Rome. Whenever the population would become threatening about the census or taxation. he calmed them saying. "Veddite quae sunt Caesaris Ceasari, et quae sunt Del Deo " (Render unto Caesar what is Caesar's. and unto God what is God's). Nevertheless, the religious ferment of this land could easily lead the passions of the people against Rome. It is fortunate for these people that Rome is so tolerant of the many different faiths of its citizens, provided of course that their first allegiance is to the Empire.

I must report an amusing incident that took place during one of our patrols around the village. A rather attractive young woman asked us to pose so that she might preserve an image of our unit. We thought she would draw a picture of us. To our surprise, she pointed a small box?like object at us from which a bright light hurst fbrth upon us. Although startled. we did not break ranks. However, Calventius said to the lady, "You must be some goddess who has fire that comes from your box!" For a moment, we thought that the woman's consort, and the crowd behind him might take offense to this exclamation, but the matter passed with the laughter of Calventius' fellow Legionary This incident was only a herald to the wonders we were later to behold.

I now relate to you some of the wonderful things observed by Jew and pagan alike during our tour of duty. A number of shepherds visited the village and were later heard to say that the "Rex Iudaeorum" (King of the Jews) had been born in a stable at the edge of town. The fact that some people were spending the night in a manger was not in itself strange, considering the crowds that had come for the census and that there was not a single room to be had at iny of the inns in the village. What was strange is that everyone knows that Herod is King of Judaea.

To determine what was causing such a disturbance, Centuro Marcus led a contingent of troops through the village to investigate the story. As the shepherds had told us, we did find a newborn child living in a manger, together with his fainily and some domestic animals, all seemly of low estate. However, the family had a certain dignity, which I have seen in no others that I have met in my travels through numerous foreign countries during my many years of service to Rome. Stranger yet, there were three kings from the East paying hoinage to the child and presenting expensive gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh. Even stranger. on the hills surrounding the dwelling where what appeared to be beautiful maidens, clothed in light and singing, But when we tried to approach them, they vanished! This Iesus Nazarenus must be a wonderful child indeed!

With our mission accomplished, our unit packed its baggage and marched off to our next duty station. So I end this report, leaving our readers and supporters of the LXF with a translation of a salutation often used by those in Judaea: "Dorninus vobiscum" (God be with you), "vade in pace" (go in peace).

AVE ROMA IMMORTALIS!

Centurio Marcus is seen here discussing the census and the tax collecting procedures with King Herod and his wife.

Centurio Marcus encounters three kings and a priest seaching for this Christ Child reported to have been born here in Bethlehem.

Lady Lydia is seen here doing a little shopping at the market stalls in Bethlehem with Centurio Marcus' and her adopted daughter Camilla (Cindy Philippi).

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