#CRITICAL RACE THEORY PRESENTS THE IDUMEAN COVENANT Part SIX

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#CRITICAL RACE THEORY PRESENTS

THE IDUMEAN COVENANT Part SIX

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THE IDUMEAN COVENANT

THE FALL OF JERUSALEM? A NOVEL BY ?Eugene Stovall

THE IDUMEAN COVENANT

By

Eugene Stovall

#CHOSEN PEOPLE #SOLOMON’S TEMPLE #FLAVIUS JOSEPHUS #JERUSALEM

EPISODE SEVENTEEN

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Thirty years after His death, many venerate Christ’s family, friends and disciples. because they received Jesus’ words directly from the Lord, Himself. Called the Desposyni, Christ’s family and friends, who carry His words in their hearts to hungry souls everywhere, are well cared for and treated like royalty and founders of a new world order. But when the Jewish insurrection explodes upon Palestine, it not only provokes a great loss of life, but initiates a total disrespect for life, itself. Their insurrection ruptures the mystical connection between the Desposyni and the Jewish people. Rome takes advantage of the revolt to blame their hated enemies, the Christians. for the insurrection. Rome puts a bounty on the heads of the Desposyni and plots to disrupt their plans for a new world order by displacing the Desposyni with gentiles. No longer are those carrying Christ’s words in their hearts venerated just as the words they carry will be twisted by gentiles to fulfill the purposes of Rome’s Pontifex Maximus. Spies, bounty hunters and traitors, like Saul of Tarsus, track down the reviled Desposyni once the insurrection commences. Now the Desposyni can trust only each other and their only safety is found in Alexandria where Mark the Evangelist establishes a Christian community as well as a church. Jesus’ family, his wife, Mary, their children, Jesus II, Damaris, Tama and Joseph, take temporary refuge in Alexandria with Mark before Joseph ab Arimathea and Jesus’ younger brother, John, settles them on Joseph’s extensive estates and tin mines in Scotland. Seeking to destroy the Desposyni, Paul murders Christ’s brother, James the Just in Jerusalem. The Romans facilitate Paul’s escape from those who would take vengeance by taking him to Rome. James’ death divides Christians into two factions, Jews who continue to venerate the Desposyni and gentiles who venerate Paul.

In Rome, Paul institutionalizes the Christian religion under the emperor of Rome, the Pontifex Maximus. In Rome, Antioch, Damascus, Corinth and Ephesus, Paul appoints bishops to rule over his gentile Christian communities.

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“As you say, my lord,” Myrrh responds to an elderly, yet surprisingly agile Jew entering the foyer. “Please let me introduce myself,” the elder announces to Robban and Lupo. “I am Simon Peter and we have been searching for you for some time.”

“Mi’lord, Simon Peter,” Robban says rising to his feet and giving a short bow. “Mi’lord,” Lupo says, making a half-hearted attempt to come to his feet, but failing.

Simon Peter nods at Myrrh. The redhead gets up and, taking Isha by the hand, leads her from the foyer, to a rear door, down a hall to the women’s quarters.

Simon Peter has a short black beard that curls upwards towards thin arching eyebrows and a perpetual look of surprise etched on his face ___ or is it disdain? It is the look of one who has conducted sacred ceremonies in front of thousands of believers. Simon’s black eyes and hooded lids makes him look malevolent. Lupo notices the dagger jutting out from Simon Peter’s waistband. This man has spilled blood, Lupo tells himself. He flashes a sign to Robban.

Simon Peter stares at his guests with interest. He is surprised that neither recognize him. So many others do. Mobs clamor for Simon’s intervention on their behalf.

In his life, Simon has been an entertainer and a master showman. At an early age, he learned the arts of magnetism, levitation and psycho-kinesis. Simon has performed all over Israel as Simon Magus, Simon the Magician. He has held the masses enthralled with his miraculous feats. During each of his performances, Simon would flip and shout, amazing his onlookers. Wherever Simon went, crowds would follow. And after entertaining the crowds, ?Simon would announce the new covenant and introduce the messiah, Jesus the Christ. Simon Peter would use his feats of magic and showmanship to legitimate the new king of the Jews. Simon Magus also known as Simon Peter became Christ’s first apostle, the rock upon which Christianity is based. With Simon Peter’s assistance, Christ ushered in a Jewish renaissance. ??

Simon Peter Zelotes’ father was the high priest of the Manasseh Magi, Samaria’s religious cult for thirty years. The Jews hate and fear the Magi who predicted the coming of the messiah before the Babylonian captivity. The priests of Solomon’s temple expelled the Samaritan priests and banned the ?Manasseh Magi cult as a heresy. Even so, the Magi held to their beliefs and were rewarded when three Manasseh Magi priests, one of whom was Simon Magus’s father, witness the messiah’s birth in the town of Bethlehem. From then, the duty of the high priest of Samaria’s Magi watch over and protect Jesus Christ throughout his lifetime and over his spiritual presence after his death.

Myrrh re-enters the foyer, whispers into Simon’s ear and then departs again. Did I see her give me a look? Lupo asks himself. Or was that just wishful thinking? Ever since he first laid eyes on Myrrh, no, even before then, even before they buried Nisa, Lupo could feel her presence and he has been unable to get her out of his mind. “Myrrh wants me to assure you that both the infant and Simon’s wife are doing well,” Simon says.

Seeing how it is with Lupo, Simon decides to distract Lupo with one of his illusions. From where he is standing, just behind the staircase, Simon floats over to a sofa located in the middle of the foyer. It’s Simon’s ‘magic carpet’ trick, without the magic carpet. The trick often amazed priests of many cults and many gods from all over Israel. Even priests from the Jewish Temple sought to learn Simon’s secrets, but he always left them confounded. Simon Magus Peter ha Zelotes is also called Lazarus, the one Christ raised from the dead.

In 32 AD, Pilate is fed up with the High Priest, Ananus, and the Sanhedrin. The Fountain of Siloam, located outside the wall through the Water Gate, is Jerusalem’s only source of water. Pilate intends to replace this inadequate water source for a city of over six hundred thousand people with an aqueduct.? “No wonder your people refuse to bathe,” Pilate tells Ananus, “they have no water.”

But the Jewish high priest remains obstinate to the idea of an aqueduct that will provide water for public baths as well as to Pilate’s demand that the aqueduct be financed using Temple funds.

“Why should we pay for the Romans to have their public baths?” the Sanhedrin complains. “If the Romans want to indulge in indecent behavior and public nudity, that’s their business. But for it we should not have to pay.” “My aqueduct will provide water for everyone in Jerusalem. There is no reason for a civilized people to live in squalor and filth,” Pilate declares. “I will tolerate no further obstruction.”

Pilate orders his engineers to build his aqueduct and orders his legionnaires to confiscate the equivalent of a million sesterces from the Temple treasury to pay the construction costs. All Israel condemns Pilate. Undeterred, Pilot builds his aqueduct ___ and it is welcomed by most of Jerusalem’s citizens. Even craftsmen, who hate everything Roman, give Pilate grudging respect for the sorely needed water. However, the priests are livid. The high priest, Ananus, sends a delegation of Essenes to file a complaint against Pilate in the Roman Court at Caesarea for his desecration of the Jewish Temple and theft of Temple funds. An enraged Pilate crucifies the Jews filing their complaint in the Roman court. Ananus declares an anathema against Pilate and orders the commander of zealots throughout Palestine, Simon Peter the Zealot, and the leader of the sicarii, Judas Iscariot, to lead a rebellion against the Romans. Pilate crushes the rebellion and hangs Judas on a cross. Demanding that King Herod Agrippa to support the Roman subjugation of the Jewish insurrection, Pilate sends Simon Peter the Zealot, to Herod for punishment. Herod orders Simon Peter’s execution by having him wrapped in a shroud and sealed in a tomb. Simon’s women, Mary and Martha, beseech Jesus to come to Simon’s aid. But only the high priest is authorized to commute Herod’s death sentence by raising Simon from the dead. Jesus petitions Antipas, King Herod’s uncle to save Simon Peter. Believing that it was unwise for his family to separate themselves too far from the Jewish people, Antipas had supported Judas and Simon’s insurrection. “You have my support,” Antipas replies to Jesus, “to raise Simon from the dead!”

Scheduled to conduct the ritual of Atonement ceremony for Yom Kippur, Jesus takes the opportunity to help his friend as well as to further his own ambitions. In front of masses of onlookers, Jesus replaces the ritual of Atonement ceremony with a Transfiguration ceremony declaring himself, the Christ, the ‘promised messiah’ and the high priest of the new covenant. Then, by the authority of his newly assumed priestly roles, Jesus releases Simon from his tomb greeting his friend and apostle with the words, “Rise, Lazarus! Rise from the dead!

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Simon turns a half-amused look at Robban. “You seem quite a resourceful young man.” Simon pauses before ?continuing. “We have been looking for you for several days.” “Why so mi’Lord?” Robban asks. “Half Jerusalem has been looking for you and Simon’s wives.” “You mean the half of Jerusalem that is not engaged in slaughtering the other half?” Lupo asks. “Yes, of course.” A smile sneaks across Simon’s face making him seem even more malevolent. “Yes, of course, the Romans enjoy watching Jews slaughter each other.” Simon’s face seems to slowly transform. The Samaritan high priest closes his eyes and a convulsive sob shakes his body. Yet as quickly as the emotion seizes him, it passes. Robban doesn’t know whether Simon is putting on an act or he is grieving over the disasters befalling the Jew people. “At least we have found you, the women and the child,” Simon reflects. “You found us, the child, but only one of the women,” Robban corrects Simon. “Yes, I heard about the young one.” Simon Peter says a silent prayer for Nisa’s soul, an innovation Christians make over the Hebrew religion. “So where were you, anyway?” Simon claps his hands. Instantly, servants bearing platters of food, pitchers of wine and water appear from everywhere. Some trays bear dates, figs and other fruits. Others are laden with steamed grains and sliced meats. Lupo immediately helps himself to the wine and then falls upon the feast.? Neither he nor Robban have eaten for some time. ?Once the two sicarii eat their fill, Simon resumes his discussion. “So how did you evade all those looking for you?” Simon asks once again. Robban recounts their story ___ how they rescued Nisa and Isha, the birth of the child and Nisa’s death. Every once in a while, Lupo makes a comment, but, mostly, ] he simply listens to his friend’s narrative and enjoys Simon’s excellent wine. “I remember, when you left the House of Matthias, there was talk about a slave girl, Ailijah, and your young master, Josephus ben Matthias.” Simon watches Robban for a reaction. “Some believe that the slave, her name was Alijah, wasn’t it?” “Yes, her name is Ailijah.” “Some say Ailijah was pregnant with either your’s or Josephus’ child.” “Hah!” Lupo snorts. “That’s one thing my friend, here, knows nothing about.” Under his deep tan, Robban’s face flushes red at Lupo’s remark. “Is that so?” Simon asks. He watches the pair for a while. He can see that the two are very close friends. “I recall thousands heeding Josephus ben-Matthias’ call to go to Tiberias and tear the graven images from Agrippa’s palace.” Simon frowns. “How did you two survive when so many others perished?” “We were lucky …” Robban snorts. “Very lucky,” Lupo reiterates. “So it would seem,” Simon observes. “____and, of course, your old friend, Squeaky, was there to intervene with the Romans on your behalf.” Simon’s wry smile makes Robban shudder. “Squeaky is your name for l Governor Josephus ben-Matthias, isn’t that right?” “Yes, I guess you could say that Squeaky help us out of Jotapata,” Robban says. “__ and we saved him in Magdala.” Lupo snickers. “So, I guess that makes us even.” “And where is Squeak___, huh, Governor Josephus, now?” “He’s with the Romans. ” “And is Ailijah still with the Governor?” “Yes no. I don’t really know,” Robban hesitates. He has been asking himself the same question. Who is Ailijah with now? Squeaky? Vespasian? Lupo butts in. “Governor Josephus is where Vespasian is, and Ailijah is in Alexandria.” “How do you know that?” Robban flashes a quizzical look at Lupo. The young sicarii is on over this Ailijah, Simon Peter observes. He and Ailijah are more than just friends. “Ailijah told me,” Lupo snaps back. “And she told me to tell you.” “Then when were you going to tell me?” “When it came up. I guess you’ve forgotten that we’ve been rather busy, lately.” “As surprising as your escape from the Vespasian’s deathtrap was,” Simon interrupts, “both of you emerge to lead Simon’s sicarii on raids all over Idumean __ conquering towns and establishing town councils loyal to Simon bar-Gorias.” Simon pauses to emphasize his next point. “But everyone knows that Idumea is ruled by Herod and is controlled by Rome.” “Your point is?” “How long has your master, Governor Josephus ben-Matthias, been working with the Romans to overthrow Jewish rule over Palestine?”

Prior to meeting them, Simon believed Lupo and Robban were traitors, like their master, Josephus. Now he is unsure. Simon knows for certain that Josephus serves the Romans and is plotting the destruction of Jerusalem. These two may be in on Josephus’ treason. But Josephus’ runaway slaves also represent one of the few remaining options to get Simon’s Desposyni out of Jerusalem. After all they saved Simon’s wives and unborn child when all of Jerusalem were looking for them. Simon wonders Can they be trusted or they serving Josephus and the Romans?

“When your master, Simon bar-Gorias, entered Jerusalem, he received the adulation of the masses and the support of the merchant’s protective association. Now he proclaims himself the messiah.” “We searched days for Simon,” Robban says. “Where did you find him?” “You didn’t know that the protective association secluded him away in lower Jerusalem all this time?” “No, Mi’Lord,” Robban replies. “We don’t even know where we are.” “Were you aware that Simon burned down the granary in upper Jerusalem and John burned down the granary in the lower city?” “Why would they do that?” “____ and the two have been battling each other ever since?” “Of course we were aware of the fighting and we assumed it involved Simon’s sicarii and John’s Galileans ...” “... as well as Eleazar’s Templars.” Lupo interjects. “But, if I might ask again, mi’Lord, where are we?” “Where are you?” Simon asks. “You are on the estate of the Joseph ab Arimathea, my son. Do you know of him?” “When I served in the House of Matthias,” Lupo say, “I heard of Joseph ab Arimathea. He operates a fleet of ships and owns olive gardens and vineyards.” “Yes, of course, you are correct, ” Simon Peter agrees. “He also owns tin mines on a faraway island.” “He often stocked his ships with meat from the House of Matthias,” Lupo says. “Ah. that may be how you know him.” “With the amount of livestock I delivered to Joseph ab-Arimathea’s ships, his voyages must be profitable.” “They were very profitable,” Simon confirms. “The metalworkers buy all the tin? his ships could carry. They needed tin to mix with copper to make bronze.” “Wasn’t Joseph ab-Arimathea a member of the Sanhedrin and the Council of Elders?” Robban asks. “Yes.” “Then he is one of the Sadducees who work with the Romans,” Lupo observes. “Yes, he is a priest of the Temple, but of the Davidic rather than Levitic order.” Simon senses hostility in Lupo’s question. “The Romans also use tin to coat their weapons and armor so they won’t rust,” Lupo observes.????????? “... as do we,” Robban reminds his friend. “We learned to make our own iron daggers in the forge at Masada.” Robban tries to restrain Lupo’s hostility. “We were taught to treat them with a solution of tin so the iron wouldn’t rust.” “The venerable Joseph still lives here? Lupo asks looking about the domed foyer with its intricately embroidered tapestries and beautifully woven Persian rugs. “No not at present.” “Your people live quite well,” Lupo observes, “more like Romans than like Palestinians.” Even the domed ceiling of this foyer is gilded gold, ?Lupo thinks. “Yes Joseph lives quite well, but he is equally generous with his possessions and gives freely to our community ___ as you can see.” They suspect us of working with the Romans, Simon observes. That’s a twist. “But to answer your question,” Simon says, “Joseph led most of the Desposyni out of Jerusalem several years ago.” “Desposyni?” “The family and disciples of our Lord Jesus the Christ,” Simon Peter replies. “His wife, children, brothers, sisters and many more have fled into Egypt, Libya and Carthage.” “All of the Christ’s family, have they left?” “Not all,” Simon says. “Our Lord’s disciples still gather in this place whenever they are in Jerusalem. This is house is reserved for the use of the followers of Jesus Christ. Myrrh, the young woman,? who brought you here, is the daughter of Joseph ab-Arimathea.” “Are all of those people in the courtyard Desposyni as well?” Robban asks. “As I said, this is the Lord’s house. Many of Christ’s disciples and followers, though not related by blood, gather here to watch and pray. Those in the courtyard came here when John’s sicarii attacked the Temple. They had nowhere else to go.”? Simon begins to realize the two sicarii hate the Romans as much as he and the Desposyni. “You know the Romans will be hear soon.” “Yes, Lupo and I are quite aware of their plans.” Robban glances at Lupo. “We were just reminding ourselves that it was time that we left Jerusalem, before the gates close, weren’t we Lup?” “Yes,” Lupo replies, though he is thinking of Myrrh. Possibly it’s the red hair. But I’m quite certain that I’ve been with a red-haired woman, before.

“Lupo and I are actually quite grateful that your community will look after Simon’s woman and the child, mi’Lord,” Robban remarks. “And if you could give us a few supplies we will be on our way.” “Excellent,” Simon says his black eyes dancing mischievously under his arched eyebrows. “But before I grant your request, I have a proposal for you.” “A proposal?” “How would you like to help me save the women and children in our community?” “We serve another Simon,” Robban explains, glancing over at Lupo. “Simon bar-Gorias. Possibly, you might tell us of his whereabouts and we will be on our way.” “Ah yes, the ‘other’ Simon,” Simon Peter answers. Then he arches his eyebrows and flashes the sicarii signal for brother. From habit, Robban and Lupo both respond with the appropriate response. But each wonders how this strange priest knows their signals. “When I was a far younger man,” Simon says, avoiding Robban’s questioning look, “I made a promise to someone like you.”? Once again he flashes a hand signal. This time it is the planning signal, the call to service ___ the signal that commands all sicarii to obey. Robban frowns at Lupo and flashes the danger signal.? Lupo puts down his wine and is on guard. Robban loosens his robe getting access to his dagger. “My friend and I recognize the planning signal,” Robban says. “But how do you know it and by what authority do you give it?” “Before you were,” Simon smiles, “I am.” The reaction of the two young sicarii convinces Simon they are innocent of Josephus treason. They understand nothing of what has transpired and what is about to transpire. “What does that mean?” “It means you have a duty to help me get this people to safety.” “Are you telling us that these people have been here for the past four years?” Lupo asks. “Oh, no,” Simon laughs. “We’ve been relocating the Desposyni, individuals and families, all over the empire, for some time, now. Alexandria, Antioch, Damascus, Athens, even Rome.” “They intermingle with the non-Jewish populations?” “Oh no they try to avoid contact with the gentile Christians as well as the general populations, whenever possible.” “Why is that?” “The Syrian, Greek and most importantly, Roman Christians are mostly agents and spies for the Praetorians who Nero tasked with eliminating Jewish Christians, especially the Desposyni,” Simon explains. “And that brings me to my proposal.” “Ah yes your proposal. What is it?” “Many of our people have taken refuge here. Many more, relatives and loved ones are in hiding or missing. We save as many as we can, but there are more than we can handle.” Simon pauses to weigh the impact of his words on his guests. “I propose that you assist us in getting some of these people out of Jerusalem ____ and out of Palestine.” Robban looks at Lupo. They both laugh. “You think because we saved Simon’s wives that we’re in the people-saving business?” Lupo asks. “What my friend means to say,” Robban interjects, “is that the only ‘people’ we’re in the business of saving is us.”

Myrrh reappears. She walks over to Simon with a regal air and, bending over, whispers in his ear while staring at Lupo.

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EPISODE EIGHTEEN

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To enter the Temple, a worshipper first visits the Mikveh and performs the purification ritual. Passing through one of the Huldah gates and ascending up through a tunnel, the worshipper enters the Royal Portico and the Temple’s outer court, filled with visitors, money changers and petitioners seeking purification from temple priests. Saul, the Roman agent showed himself to a priest in the outer court to be certified a purified Jew and gain entrance to the inner court. Non-Jews and Jews who are unpurified are denied entrance to the inner court. A sign, written in Greek and Latin as well as Aramaic, posted at various intervals on the wall, separating the outer and inner courts, reads: Let no foreigner enter within the enclosure surrounding the sanctuary. Any foreigner who enters is responsible for his own death.

Five gates, overlaid with silver and gold, allows passage through the wall into the inner court to a walkway which encircles the entire inner court. The walkway is lined with a double row of columns that support the roof above the inner Temple. Stairs lead from the walkway up to an open terrace with entrances leading into the women’s court, then into the men’s court and finally into the court of the priests and the sacrificial altar and the holy of holies. Entrance into the inner temple begins with the Beautiful Gate which opens into the women’s court. A curved marbled staircase leads up from the Women’s Court through the Nicanor Gate to the Court of the Israelites or the men’s court. The court of the Israelites is separated from the court of the Priests by a balustrade and several more steps. In the Court of the Priests, a ramp leads up to the altar where Yahweh receives his oceans of blood. Along the walls are placed the shambles, the laver and the many other devices required to slaughter animals. In the Chamber of Utensils, priests continually clean, sharpen and purify golden-handled knives. To the side of the altar is a cavity in the floor. This cavity empties into a drainage system where animal blood is poured and Temple priests flush the bloody sewage.

?Several chambers in the women’s court include the Chamber of the Hearth, the Chamber of the Lambs Offering and the Chamber of Shewbread. In the Chamber of Phineas, also located in the women’s court, a priest distributes Temple robes to the other priests once they have performed their purification rituals in the Chamber of Immersion.

The entrances into the Temple’s treasury are secreted inside the women’s court. Thirteen depositories accept thirteen different types of offerings including food, grain, perfumes, incense and medicinal herbs. Other storage facilities accept offerings of gold, silver and jewels. After inspecting the wood used for the sacred fire, priests deposit the wood that is without blemish in the Wood Chamber. In the women’s court is the chamber for Nazarene priests who do not kill animals, pour blood upon the sacred altar or eat the flesh of dead animals. Nazarenes store their cooking utensils \ in this chamber.

Two chambers stand in the women’s court next to the Beautiful Gate. One serves lepers who must cleanse themselves before showing themselves to a priest. The other serves women seeking purification after childbirth. Priests submit suspected adulteresses who wish to prove their innocence to an ordeal in the women’s purification chamber.

At the southern end of the Temple, an elevated gallery overlooking the women’s court, is filled with priests who oversee all activities in the women’s court and report irregularities, omissions and violations of the Law to priests in the men’s court for correction, punishment or dismissal.

Sitting opposite the chamber of Priests and the altar is the sanctuary consisting of the Holy Place and the Holy of Holies. In a completely separate building from the inner courts, the sanctuary is covered with a golden roof, covered with golden spikes to prevent the birds from nesting. Surrounding this sanctuary is a portico. Two sets of massive doors, sixty feet high and twenty feet wide, covered with gold, lead from the portico into the Holy Place.? Only priests of the first level may pass inside the Holy Place where stands the Menorah, the Incense Altar and the Table of Shewbread. Above the doors are placed a great cluster of golden grapes. Opposite the cluster of golden grapes, stand another set of massive double doors overlaid with gold. In front of these doors hang two tapestries; the outer is the covering and the inner is the veil. These separate the Holy Place from the Holy of Holies. Only the High Priest may enter the Holy of Holies and only on the Day of Atonement.

Additional chambers are located outside the court of the Israelites and the court of the Priests. On the northside is found the Salt Chamber where salt used in the sacrifices is stored. Near the Salt Chamber is found the Parvah Chamber where the hides from the dead animals are tanned. In the Rinsing Chamber, animal entrails are washed and processed into oil. On the southside is located the Wood Chamber as well the Diaspora Chamber where a priest regulates the Temple’s water supply. In the Hewn Stone chamber, the Sanhedrin meets in judgment. Across the portico from the sanctuary, two stories of apartments and rooms provide the priests who live in the Temple with sleeping quarters. From there, hidden staircases wind from the apartments through secret passageways in the inner courts all the way down to a labyrinth known as Solomon’s Stables.

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Eleazar’s Templars fought hard and bravely, but John’s Galileans overwhelmed them. Eleazar’s only advantage was his intimate knowledge of the Temple’s secret passages, chambers and vaults. He knew the location of every trap door, bottomless pit? and booby trap that could maim, wound or kill anyone unfamiliar with their locations. Eleazar knew how to disable each of the Temple’s secret devices and open every one of the secret chambers. Even so, less than a hundred of Eleazar’s Templars escaped John’s assault to the military camp in the Valley of Hinnom where an amused Roman officer admits Eleazar and his men. “You know, Jew,” the centurion laughs, “it’s a good thing I like you.” “Why is that, centurion?” Eleazar asks. His voice is calm, but the zealot bristles inside. “Otherwise, I would be forced to restrain you,” the centurion laughs. “which would not be pleasant for either of us.” “I agree,” Eleazar says. “I have always liked you, Jew, because you have always known how to stay in your place.” They lounge in the officers’ dining tent. The encampment is a cluster of tents situated on a knoll commanding a view Jerusalem upper city and barricaded by a thick wooden wall. Situated below the encampment is Jerusalem’s lower city. The centurion enjoys a view of Jerusalem’s northern wall rising majestically from out of the Hinnom valley up into the sky where the Temple shimmers high up in the clouds in its golden halo. Each day the centurion thinks of the riches deposited in the Temple, treasury and dreams of the day when the temple wall comes tumbling down and he and his men can help themselves to all the gold and silver inside. “Do you know why you threw Ananus out of the Temple instead of the situation being reversed?” “No,” Eleazar responds. “Why?” “I liked you and I didn’t like him.”

The military encampment in the Hinnom Valley is Vespasian’s eyes and ears. Vespasian uses the information gathered by his Idumean legion to prepare his assault on Jerusalem. From this site, Vespasian’s spices learn everything of importance taking place inside the doomed city. Jerusalem. From the camp, the Romans observe traffic in and out of the city, receive information from spies among John’s Galileans and the merchant’s protective association and sends out patrols along every road around the holy city. There is a continual flow of messengers between the military encampment in the Hinnom Valley and Rome’s Palestinian headquarters in Caesarea. “Our attack will come soon,” the centurion informs Eleazar. “How many legions?” “Six.” “Six legions,” Eleazar shakes his head. “That’s over a hundred thousand men.”| “A hundred thousand men!” the centurion shakes his head. “A hundred thousand men! By the time me and my men get up there, there won’t be any gold left!” the centurion moans to his Jewish prisoner. ?“A hundred thousand men!” “Do you know how much gold is in that Temple?” Eleazar asks the centurion. “How much?” “More than in your wildest dreams.” “That much?” “That much!” “And I suppose you know how to get your hands on that gold and silver?” “Yes and I know people, inside, who will help us get some of that Temple gold out before your six legions arrive here.” “You do?” “Yes. And if you help them escape Jerusalem before your six legions arrive.” Eleazar smiles, “they might be persuaded to share some of that gold and silver. Are you interested?” “What do you mean?” The centurion stiffens. A Roman officer of any rank, not to mention a camp commandant, could not even think treason, let alone discuss treason, with an enemy of Rome. If caught, the penalty was crucifixion. “I mean there are people willing to transport Temple gold out of Jerusalem.” ? “What would they want?” “They would want a covenant.” “What kind of a covenant?”

Centurion Agricola thinks of the advancement that an \ officer who can distribute gold to his men can achieve. His men have fought Jewish bandits for four years. Many good legionnaires have been lost. It’s only fair that his soldiers be the first to share in the plunder of Jerusalem. Agricola supports any plan that puts his men first in line for the gold inside the Jewish temple. “We want a covenant that you will give our people safe conduct as far as Masada in return for, ah, shall we say, a toll fee.” “How much of a fee?” “Half…” “Half ?” “Half…” “Half sounds fair. I’m not a greedy man. Three or four hundred sesterces … even five hundred sesterces would be sufficient,” Agricola offers. “But would your people trust a Roman to keep a covenant?” “You will have so much gold that you will not have the option of breaking the covenant,” Eleazar laughs. “Just the same I want to write it down somewhere.” “I will bring you two golden cups,” Eleazar says. “Upon each you may write the words of the covenant. You shall keep one and I the other.” “I knew there was a reason for me to like you, Jew.” Centurion Agricola laughs. “Bring me your cups and we will have a covenant.”

Now all Eleazar needs is to convince the one person in Jerusalem capable of pulling off this plan to help him ?___ his uncle, Simon Peter. Ever since Eleazar can remember, Uncle Simon has always given him advice, encouragement and help whenever he needed it. Simon Peter fueled Eleazar’s hate for the Romans ___ ?as well as for the Sadducees. And though Simon Peter condemned the murder of Ananus and the other Sadducees, he supported Eleazar’s insurrection and the zealot takeover of the Temple. Though Simon does not expect his nephew’s visit, he is not surprised. Eleazar’s unexpected appearance reminds Simon Peter of his own responsibility for insurrection and the rivers of blood it has caused.

Nevertheless, Simon Peter is happy to see Eleazar.

?“Welcome, nephew!” Simon says, giving Eleazar a great hug and a sad look. “Come share some food and wine.” Simon brings Eleazar into the foyer where Simon sees that Eleazar eats and drinks his fill. “But tell me, nephew,” Simon says at last, “why are you here and what can I do for you?” “It’s not what you can do for me,” Eleazar smiles. “It’s what I can do for you.” “We need no more of your insurrection, my boy.” “You’re getting soft, old man.” “We’re all getting soft,” Simon frowns, “and before the Romans are finished, we, Jews, are liable to be a great deal softer.” “Uncle, it would be sinful for us to allow the Romans to take possession of the Temple’s gold.” “I don’t see that there is much we can do about it, once they’ve taken Jerusalem.” “I have a plan to deprive the Romans of some of the Temple’s gold and save your Desposyni at the same time.” “You want me to help the Romans rob the Temple?” Simon gives his nephew a quizzical look. “It’s the only way of getting your people out of Jerusalem, safely. You must trust me.” “... and trust the Romans.” “... one Roman.” “I’ve been responsible for so many deaths, possibly, the Lord is giving me an opportunity to make amends,” Simon says. “With your help, I know this plan will work and it’s the only way for you to get your Desposyni out of Jerusalem.” “If I help you and your Roman, you must get your Roman to guarantee my Desposyni’s safety.” “Don’t worry about the Roman; he’ll do anything for gold.”

Four figures scurry along an ancient passageway leading from the southwest section of Jerusalem’s second wall. Eleazar leads Simon, Robban and Lupo to a secret entrance into Solomon’s Stables. Eleazar has been exploring the Temple’s secret rooms and chambers, since he was a child. Eleazar knows everything about springing the temple’s trap doors, ?unfastening its intricate locks and deciphering its codes. Eleazar leads the way through the Temple passageway and the stone wall that divides the inner and outer courts. The wall with the thickness of two rooms, secrets corridors that few Temple priests even ?suspect. Passing through the wall’s cavity, Eleazar opens a doorway and, descending down a staircase, leads the party to the Temple’s depository, Solomon’s Stables.

“I can never figure it out,” Eleazar comments to Simon. “Figure what out?” Simon asks. “You haven’t ?brought us into a chamber that you? cannot exit have you nephew?” “Oh no, uncle.” “Then what is it that you don’t understand?” “Solomon’s Stables is an allegory.” “So?” “I just can’t understand what the allegory means.” “Well, nephew, you’ll never figure it out until you know what you’re looking for.” “Which is?” Robban butts in. “Which is where did Solomon keep his treasure,” Eleazar says. “I don’t think that’s what Simon means,” Robban observes. Eleazar stops in front of a colored stone, jutting curiously out from the wall, with cryptic markings etched into its center. Eleazar reads the markings like he reads a map. Moving several paces to the left of the protruding stone, Eleazar pulls a lever, hidden inside the wall, and releases a lock that opens a panel. Turning a key inside the panel, a solid slab of rock swivels, opening an entrance in the wall allowing the party to enter into a chamber with several vaults each containing metal chests. “Look here,” Eleazar exults. “see what Solomon’s Stables contain.” “Well done, nephew!”

They attempt to open the nearest chest, but the lid is stuck. “Is there some secret lock to open this chest?” Lupo asks. “These chests don’t have locks,” Eleazar replies. “Then why can’t we remove the lid?” “Look outside. Maybe there’s something we can use to pry the lid open.” Lupo finds a bar and they pry open the chest, revealing a hoard of golden shekels. In this one vault there are fifty chests and this one chamber contains three vaults. “Now my friends come with me,” Eleazar says, beckoning them with his finger. Returning to the passageway, Eleazar shines his candle upwards. The candle’s indirect light illuminates the wall of the passageway. Eleazar points to a line of the strangely protruding stones which continue down the passageway for some distance.

?

“Well, general,” Eleazar says addressing neither Robban or Lupo, in particular, “I have gotten you into a treasury that holds more gold than you could ever imagine. How do you propose we get that gold out of the Temple and outside the walls of Jerusalem, without John’s Galileans or Simon’s sicarii discovering what we’re doing?” ? Robban looks over at Lupo. “As we see it,” Robban begins ... . “... and it must be done,” Simon adds, “before Vespasian’s legions arrive.” “As I was going to say,”? Robban says, “you can send as many people down there as possible and have them carry back as much gold as possible, as quickly as possible.” Robban and Lupo look at each other before breaking into a good laugh. “Of course, we don’t recommend this option,” Robban adds.

Simon and Myrrh look at each other, indicating their failure to see the humor in Robban’s remarks. “Is there another less risky method?” Simon asks. “One that’s more likely to succeed?” “As a matter of fact, there is,” Lupo replies. “You could pick a route and have your people line up and pass the gold from one to another.” “Uncle,” Eleazar huffs, “why are we wasting time with these yokels? The Romans will be here before they have anything useful to contribute.” Myrrh shares Eleazar’s impatience. “Rabbi, you must know someone who can assist us!” Myrrh shoots a hateful look in Lupo’s direction.

Lupo sees the look. She’s beginning to notice me, he thinks. At least that’s something. “As a matter of fact, we have another suggestion that might work,” Lupo says directly to Myrrh. “But first I have a question for Lord Eleazar.”

Simon Peter’s nephew stares into space and does not respond. “What do you want to know, my son?” Simon asks. “How large is the Temple’s drainage system?”

“The Temple’s drainage system!” Eleazar sits upright. “Uncle how long must we endure these nitwits?”

“What about the drainage system?” Simon asks.

“If it is large enough, there might be a way to transport coins through the drainage system outside the wall,” Lupo suggests.

“Ah,” Simons says out loud. “Of course, our friend Lupo is correct, why didn’t I think of that?” The old conjurer shakes his head in amazement. “The drainage system!”

?

Eleazar returns to the in Valley of Hinnom to inform Agricola of the plan to retrieve the Temple gold. “I have arranged for Joseph ab-Arimathea’s community \ bring gold out of Jerusalem in return for their safe passage,” Eleazar confides.

“Where will you deliver it?” the centurion asks.

“Here?”

“Here!” Agricola screams out. “You want to bring the gold here? Do you know what will happen to me if my superiors find that gold here?”

“Okay, where then?”

“Far away from here!”

“How far away?”

“As far away as possible.” “As far away as Masada?”

Agricole considers the risks in taking the gold to Masada.? “Fine!” he finally agrees. “Masada it is!”

“You will provide transportation for the gold, including your share, and my people to Masada?” Eleazar asks. “Yes, take it to Masada. I will collect my share there ___ when it is safe. And I will provide you with camels, mules, carriages and drivers to deliver the gold and your people as you say.” Eleazar does not believe Agricola intends to keep his covenant. His distrust must have been apparent, because the Roman comments, “I trust you, Jew, don’t you trust me?” He flashes a toothy grin meant to put Eleazar at ease, but all it does is confirm the Templar’s suspicions.

“It’s in everyone’s interest to trust each other,” Eleazar agrees.

During the next several days, Agricola assembles the transportation Eleazar requires. In the meantime, Simon Peter holes up in his apartment in Joseph ab-Arimathea’s palace. He creates wondrous devices with pulleys, levers. cables and ropes that will be used to transport golden coins through the drainage system from the Temple to Jerusalem’s outer wall. The device astounds everyone who sees it operate. Often while working on his amazing device. Simon Peter pauses and murmurs, “… the drainage system.” Then he continues his work.

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EPISODE NINETEEN

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After Rome, Alexandria is the greatest city in the empire. Sensuous, industrious, glamorous, Alexandria is considered the cradle of civilization. The Lighthouse at Pharos, one of the world’s great wonders, guides merchant ships from all over the empire to partake in Africa’s wealth. Alexandria’s docks are piled high with ivory, iron, spices and bushels of grain, wheat and rice. The empire’s wealthiest patrons keep Alexandria’s factories, busy fulfilling orders for fine linen, luxurious carpets. exquisite clothing, military uniforms, armor. glass, perfume, paper and every other product, imaginable.

Near the harbor, sits the mausoleum where the body of Alexander the Great is encased in a crystal coffin, a museum of Alexander’s war trophies and Alexandria’s fabled library. The palace of the Ptolemies, once the residence of Queen Cleopatra, rises majestically in the center of Alexandria. Now Vespasian, emperor of Rome occupies Cleopatra’s palace. The Egyptian winter, with its torrential rains, is over. Spring has come and the Nile recedes. With the arrival of his legions from Nicopolis, Vespasian orders his army to march through Gaza to Judea and on to Jerusalem.

With a show of authority, Vespasian has his Praetorian guard assemble governors and senior administrators from every Roman province, his army’s general staff and the procurators for Syria, Antioch, Judea and Alexandria. The Roman glitterati parades to the Temple of Serapis where the priests sacrifice five hundred bulls to the stolen god.

“My son!” Vespasian announces as he grasps Titus’ broad shoulders and hugs him closely in front of the assembly of Rome’s elite. “I raise you to the rank of consul and extend your power over the entire Orient. This day I give to you the honor and duty of crushing Rome’s enemies.”

Stepping backwards out of his father’s embrace and giving his emperor a stiff salute and bow, Titus shouts out, “I live to serve you, my emperor and Rome.” “You will have four legions,” Vespasian announces, passing Titus a golden baton with ivory handles as a symbol of his office. Titus does an obeisance to his father, then turns and, holding the baton aloft, shouts out, “Hierosolyma est perdita! Hail Caesar!”

The thousands of Romans assembled in the square in front of the palace roar back, “HEP! HEP! Hail Caesar! HEP! HEP! Hail Caesar! HEP! HEP! Hail Caesar!”

Later that evening, Vespasian hosts a state banquet in honor of Titus. Vespasian praises his son, for his steadfastness and intelligence and calls upon the gods to safeguard Titus and support him in his final battle.

Titus rises, resplendent in the dress uniform of his newly confirmed consular rank, and offers a goblet of wine in salute to his father. Titus’ eyes are cold, hard and relentless. Many of the banqueters remark how much Titus looks like his father. I pity those Jews, Vespasian thinks. Titus rises to speak and the banquet hall hushes.

“The Roman legionnaire is the most disciplined soldier in the world,” Titus’ voice rings out loud and clear. “He is merciless and pitiless. He knows only his traditions, his comrades and his emperor.” Titus looks about at the guests. They give their approval. “The Greeks have their monuments,” he continues, “and the Jews have their law, but we Romans have our camp which is our city and our home. The Roman soldier strikes fear into the hearts of the insolent and strikes down those who defy Rome’s might. The Roman soldier strikes such terror into the hearts of Rome’s enemies that his wits desert him and he buckles down before Rome’s awesome majesty!” Titus looks around and then raises his goblet high. “I pledge to you, my father and master and I pledge to Rome that the stern, harsh discipline of the Roman soldier will admonish and chastise Jerusalem so that never again will it dare challenge Rome’s mastery of the world! Hail Caesar!”

?

“That was quite a show, don’t you think?” Josephus asks Ailijah on their way back to her villa near the Canopus, Alexandria’s luxurious baths. “Some show?” Ailijah responds. “Yes, I suppose so.” Her villa is a gift from Vespasian; it allows him to enjoy her company away from Caenus’ spies. If Caenus discovers their affair, a quick death, perhaps poison or maybe the opening her own veins,? is the best Ailijah could get. But, in reality, the least Vespasian’s mistress would accept would be Ailijah’s crucifixion. Even that might be too mild. Ailijah remembers how animated Caenus became when she had several of her servants torn apart by lions. Ailijah tries to maintain a friendly relationship with Caenus, but no one is more fickle than the woman who holds absolute power over Vespasian’s household.

But Vespasian enjoys the intrigue. He no longer enjoys sex; he hasn’t the physical endurance nor the interest. But outsmarting Caenus, with her constant nagging and unbearable scheming, delights Vespasian. He also enjoys listening to Ailijah tell stories about the Jewish people ___ especially about how they betray and cheat each other.

“I am the ruler over an empire yet I remain a slave in my own house,” Vespasian often remarks to Titus. Titus doesn’t understand why his father doesn’t just rid himself of the old hag. “It’s not as if she is your wife.” “When you get older, son, you will understand,” Vespasian laughs. “It’s my affair and I’ll handle it in my own way.” “But if she makes you unhappy ______.” “You’re still a ?young man, unmarried and free to enjoy whoever you choose, whenever and wherever you choose,” Vespasian admonishes.. “Soon you will learn that dealing with women requires patience and skill.”

As Josephus babbles on about the banquet, Ailijah’s mind wanders. She tires of listening to his squeaking. Even though safety requires her continuing ?the charade, Squeaky bores her. As the expensive harlot for a gouty, disgusting old man, Ailijah has begun to despise Squeaky and ??seldom pays any attention to what he says. Right now, she is thinking up an excuse to get away from him. But in the middle of her scheming , she catches his last remark. “.. and Titus has asked me to join his expedition against Jerusalem.” “What?” Ailijah says. “You’re going back to Jerusalem with the Romans?” “Yes, I think I had better go, don’t you?” “How would I know?” Ailijah snaps. “They’re your masters.” “And yours as well,” Josephus replies. “And, for the time being, wherever I go, you go!” “You mean you want me to go back there, too!” A shiver of fear runs down Ailijah’s spine as she recalls Jotapata. “Why can’t I wait here, in my home, for you to return?” “You mean our home, don’t you?” Josephus smirks. “At least that’s what Caenus believes. You wouldn’t want her to believe otherwise, would you?” Ailijah fixes him with a look of contempt. “How could I have ever loved someone like you?” “My dear,” Josephus says blandly, “you never loved me. You were just my slave. I could have you whenever I wanted.” And with that he lets out a sardonic laugh. “Your house will be here when you return, that is, if you return. But for now, I am going to Rome, you are my slave and will accompany me.” Ailijah lowers her eyes and bites her lip. “No smart remark?” Josephus laughs, his face twisting into an evil grin. “Possibly, I might just remain in our villa tonight and enjoy some of what you’ve been giving that gouty old lecher with the smelly breath.”?

?

Titus proudly marches his legions ___ Alexandria’s Third and Twenty-Second ___ to Jerusalem. The Fifth, Tenth and Fifteenth from Galilee and the Twelfth from Syria are already on their way. King Herod Agrippa is providing Titus’ army with twenty cohorts of foot soldiers and eight squadrons of cavalry. Altogether one hundred thousand soldiers are converging on the doomed city. Tiberius Julius Alexander, an apostate Jew and the former procurator of Alexandria, accompanies Titus, as his second in command. Tiberias resents Titus’ special advisor on Jewish affairs, Josephus ben Matthias. He plans to take the first available opportunity during the battle to rid himself of this treacherous and deceitful Jewish priest who has ingratiated himself with the emperor of Rome.

Marching six abreast, in row after row, Titus’ legions form ?a solid? ribbon of glittering brass, clanging swords and bobbing helmets, accompanied by beating drums, banging cymbals, blaring horns ?extending for miles and miles. As they march, the grim-faced soldiers have but one thought, Jerusalem must perish!

In the vanguard, Titus’ light cavalry pushes hapless Jews, unaware of the disaster about to befall their sacred temple off of the road. The Romans leave most unmolested. However, any Jew possessing weapons, wearing a zealot insignia or a MAKKABI armband are unceremoniously crucified. Some of the pilgrims, overtaken by the Romans, wisely decide to postpone their pilgrimage to the Temple of Jerusalem until next year. However, incomprehensibly, others hasten their journey in order to arrive at Jerusalem’s gates ahead of the Romans ____ foolishly fearing the wrath of the Temple priests.

?

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A messenger hands Simon bar-Gorias a note. The sicarii leader breaks into a smile. Simon’s overture to John has succeeded. John sends a note that reads, I agree that we should not be contesting against each other. Meet me for Paschal supper ... John of Gischala

The leaders meet for Paschal supper in a palace located on Mount Ophel near the Temple Mount. John is waiting in the palace vestibule when Simon’s party ascends the stairs up to the palace entrance. John’s guards salute, but Simon pauses before the double doors open wide for entrance. However, instead of entering, Simon nods and his armed ?bodyguard enters to inspect the palace. John is not only insulted but visibly alarmed by the entrance of armed sicarii. None of John’s own guard is not armed ___ at least not those ones who are visible. While awaiting his sicarii’s inspection, Simon scrutinizes the smaller man. “So, this is John who sends men armed with concealed swords to violate the Holy of Holies and brave Yahweh’s wrath,” Simon whispers to a subordinate. “I hear his reputation for fierceness is well deserved,” the subordinate replies. “He’s certainly bold for a little fellow,” Simon grunts, “I’ll give him that. Maybe I’ll not raise the subject of my wives’ kidnapping. Simon’s bodyguards return and flash the ‘all clear’ signal. Simon crosses over the palace’s threshold. John then takes three steps back and, bowing obsequiously, says, in a surprisingly high-pitched voice, “I thank Jerusalem’s great sicarii fighter for honoring my home.”

Stepping up, and with a great show of affection, Simon embraces John, kissing him on both cheeks as a sign of peace. Even though seething at Simon’s insulting entrance, John composes himself and, displaying his rustic charm, welcomes as his distinguished guest and erstwhile enemy. The palace, formerly furnished in oriental splendor, has long since fallen into a ramshackle and unkempt state. Trash is strewn about the floors, the rooms have been looted of their furnishings and the entire palace has been stripped of its tapestries, carpeting and valuables. Side by side, John and Simon stride through several barren rooms before arriving in the banquet hall. Someone has tried to make suitable preparations for the solemn occasion. He serves the Passover feast in? accordance with the law. The lamb is roasted whole excepting the legs and entrails. Unleavened bread is served with the bitter herbs in memory of the bitter servitude the Jews experienced in Egypt. And, as required, four beakers of wine accompany the meal. “Would Simon do me the honor of conducting the service?” John asks.

Agreeing, Simon intones the questions which Jews have asked on this night for centuries. “Why is tonight ….?”?? The holy meal passes without incident. Afterwards, Jerusalem’s strong men send the women and attendants away and, sitting close together, they drink as though they were lifelong friends. “Will you give my men artillery to defend the walls?” Simon asks. “You may have all my artillery,” John responds. “Artillery on the Temple mount can’t stop the Roman assault on the first wall.” Simon reaches for a wine beaker and fills both their cups. “With two of us united, we will drive the Romans from Jerusalem and out of our land.” He raises his cup in a toast. John looks at his guest and says, “I think the Romans will not be driven out, my friend. But I thank you for allowing us to fight with dignity.” John raises his cup to Simon and takes a long drink of wine. “You should know that we are brothers,” Simon says. ?“In what way?” John asks “Your Gischala is in the same province and not so far from my Gerasa,” Simon says. “Come, brother, let us drink and plan how we will defeat the Romans, together.”

?

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EPISODE TWENTY

Agricola intends to take all of the gold Eleazar brings out of the Temple. If he shares it with anyone other than his men, it will be with his superiors in Caesarea. Agricola’s only concern is whether they will believe his story about capturing the gold from a caravan leaving Masada. However, Agricola’s veracity will be judged by the amount of gold he gives his superiors. And Agricola is willing to share; he is not a greedy man.

“Follow them, but not too close,” Agricola instructs his decurion, a most promising officers, young, smart, loyal and able to keep his mouth shut. Agricola’s advancement will depend on the gold he ac?????? quires, but his life will depend upon secrecy. “Yes, sir!” the officer replies. “Follow them to Masada. A second cohort will join you before they get to the fortress.” “Yessir.” “As soon as the second cohort is in position, kill the Jews, seize the caravan and return to Caesarea. There you will be given further instructions.”

?

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?

?“The Consul Titus is leading the emperor’s legions. They are on their way and should soon be here,” Agricola informs Eleazar. “Before your master appears before Jerusalem’s walls, chests filled with Temple will be on the way to Masada with me,” Eleazar smiles. But he also has a plan ___ Simon’s plan.

“My plan is simple,” Simon explains to Eleazar, Myrrh, Lupo and Robban. “Of course, the Romans intend to take all the gold for themselves. It is not a question of whether, but where ___ and how they intend to do it.” Simon looks about to see if he has their attention. Myrrh hangs on his every word but Eleazar seems bored. “So, let’s go over the plan, shall we?” Simon says giving Eleazar a hard look. “The one thing the Romans don’t know is just how much gold we have.” “Why does that matter?” Robban asks. “Whatever amount of? gold we remove, be it one chest, ten chests, or a hundred chests,” Simon says, “the Romans won’t know how much it is and they’ll be happy with whatever they get, so long as they believe that they have it all.” “And they will take whatever they can lay their hands on, before Titus arrives,” Eleazar adds, “___ which will be less than a month.” “I guess we can trust your Roman friends for that information,” Robban smirks. Neither he nor Lupo are concerned with Eleazar’s animosity; both trust Simon Peter. “Whatever time we have remaining,” Simon says, cutting off Eleazar’s retort, “we must use it wisely. My plan is to send a tenth of whatever we’re able to recover in the caravan that the Roman’s provide through Hebron and down through the mountain passes to Masada.” “And what of the remainder?” Robban asks. “We will transport it to the River Jordan using Joseph ab-Arimathea’s tin wagons that make regular deliveries to Jerusalem. From there the gold will be shipped to the Dead Sea, unloaded and transported to Masada.” “Won’t the Romans be suspicious?” “My father’s caravans provide the Romans a steady supply of tin and other materials,” Myrrh explains. “Soldiers do not interfere with my father’s caravans that regularly travel the Jordan River where fishing boats and river barges sail down to the Dead Sea.” Simon turns to Robban.? “I want you to meet our people transporting the gold sail at the port of Ashdod on the Dead Sea. Use as many of Joseph’s people as you can without raising suspicion, transfer the gold from Joseph’s boats to a caravan that will be waiting and transport it to Masada.” “Who is he going to find at Masada?” Eleazar asks. “I heard that the place was deserted.” “There are still quite a number of fighters, there,” Simon says. “They hardly measure up to the sicarii of old, but they will serve our needs ___ ?for a price. At Ashdod you should have no problem hiring camels, pack mules and wagons for transport.” “What about your guards, your Templars,” Robban asks. “Our Templars and other fighters will accompany the decoy caravan and most of those Desposyni escaping Jerusalem,” Simon explains. “Eleazar’s centurion will never believe he has all the gold unless the Templars are guarding it. The caravan must look like we have every single able-bodied Jew available to guard the Temple gold. That’s why I want Lupo to remain with the caravan. Besides the Templar’s duty is to defend the Desposyni.” “Am I to join the caravan as well, Rabbi!” Myrrh asks. “No, my child,” Simon Peter says, “you will accompany Robban and meet the sailing vessels.” “But Rabbi,” Myrrh argues, “you, yourself said the Romans shouldn’t suspect that the caravan doesn’t hold all of the gold. It would look suspicious if the leader, me, is not commanding those protecting the gold.” “I will not risk your life,” Simon replies. “We know that, despite his promises, the Roman has no intention of keeping them. That caravan and all who accompany it will be in grave danger.” “If what you say is true,” Myrrh says, “then all the Desposyni are in danger as well. I am the only one who can protect them. You must send me as well.”

Simon had to admit that the Joseph ab-Arimathea’s daughter is right. Myrrh has led every sally from the palace and it has certainly been reported back to Agricola. If Joseph ab-Arimathea’s daughter isn’t protecting the treasure, the Roman will suspect a trick ___ which is the last thing Simon wants. But how can Simon allow Myrrh join the caravan, Joseph ab-Arimathea’s daughter, Christ’s own niece. Myrrh’s children are expected to become royalty, future members of the Merovingian Dynasty. Christ’s heavenly kingdom is a myth for the masses. But Christ’s earthly kingdom will rule his bloodline of Desposyni, Europe’s white supremacist elite that emerge from the royal and priestly houses and supported by military orders and secret societies that, even now, the Romans are determined to eradicate. Simon cannot imagine anything more disastrous than the loss of ?a princess of Christ’s bloodline. Neither could he face his dear friend, if something should happen to her. “Don’t worry, rabbi,” Lupo assures Simon Peter, “as long as I am by her side. I will not allow anything to happen to her.” Simon thinks he sees a twinkle in Myrrh’s eye. However, as quickly as her smile appears, it disappears and she flashes Lupo a hostile grimace. “I can take care of myself,” she says. “Oh, all right,” Simon capitulates. “But I’m only agreeing because I know if anything should happen, you’ll do the courageous thing and save yourself.” “How could you ask that of me?” Myrrh stares at Simon. “You can trust me,” Lupo vows. “I promise, on my life, to protect her.” “Okay,” Simon says. “As I said, the plan is simple.” “Where do you think they’re going to hit us?” Myrrh whispers to Lupo when they are alone. “Hebron!”

?

In the early dawn, Robban slips out of the Roman encampment to meet up with Joseph ab-Arimathea’s tin caravan proceeding from Jerusalem’s gates as Eleazar assembles his caravan under the watchful Roman eyes. Robban gives Lupo a great hug and then a kiss on each cheek. “You protect Myrrh,” Robban says through unbidden tears, “but protect yourself, as well.”

Lupo throws his head back and gives a great laugh. “You make certain to protect the gold. When I get to Masada, I expect to be a wealthy man when this is over.” Robban leaps into the saddle of an Arabian horse from the Joseph ab-Arimathea’s stables and looks down once more at his friend. “At least we got out of the city before they closed the gates,” he shouts. Then Robban heads south towards the Dead Sea.

?

Once Robban departs, Lupo and Myrrh prepare the Desposyni for their march to Masada. For over a week, Jerusalem’s followers of the risen Christ sneak out of Jerusalem through the secret Gate of the Essenes in small groups. Each group, in addition to their own personal belongings, carry a portion of the Temple gold that accumulates in the drainage system because of Simon Peter’s ingenious device that secrets sacks of gold coins from the Temple’s vaults. The sacks of gold are deposited in a location outside the Roman camp, under a Roman accountant’s watchful eyes. The accountant keeps an accurate record of the gold before loading it onto Roman wagons and carriages. Once the caravan is on its way, Agricola sends a coded message to his superior in Caesarea that the Temple treasure is on the way. Agricola orders Jews wearing a distinctive fish symbol to proceed, unmolested with the Temple coins loaded upon their carriages moving through the mountain recesses towards Hebron and from there onto the fortress stronghold of Masada. Simon Peter’s? Desposyni are joined by fighting men, Eleazar’s Temple guards, the survivors of Gischala John’s attack temple attack.

Noting the heavily armed guards, Simon laughs at his nephew. “I see that you are not only alerting your Roman ally but telling him that you are prepared for any contingency.” “It is good to be prepared for treachery,” Eleazar replies. “That way there will be none.” “See that diver over there?” Simon points a camel herder with a red patch over his eye. The man’s wizened face has the look of one who would betray his own mother. “Yes,” Eleazar replies. “And that other one there ____ the one wearing a red kerchief around his head?” “Yes uncle,” Eleazar says, “I see them”.

“I’m certain those two spy for the Romans, and not just for your friend the centurion, but for the Roman’s in Ceasarea.” “I am certain you are right,” Eleazar agrees, “but these are the Romans’ mules and carriages, after all. It doesn’t seem strange to me that the camel drivers should? belong to the Romans as well.” “Nonetheless, these are certainly the ones to watch.” “Do you think we can prevent Agricola from taking all the gold he wants?” Eleazar laughs. “No I don’t,” Simon responds. “But Lupo will take care of the Roman’s spies and our people will take charge of the caravan before it reaches Masada.” “And if fighting breaks out?” Eleazar asks. “What do you want to do?” “Let the Romans have the gold and protection the Desposyni.” “Let’s hope that will not be necessary.

?

****

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Lupo and Myrrh’s caravan of Desposyni stretches out over a mile, snaking its way up towards the Judean heights. Relieved to be delivered from the Roman holocaust, the Desposyni begin to sing, giving thanks for their deliverance. The caravan includes some of the wealthiest Jews in Palestine. Some ride in carriages and wagons, others are born in litters and some even ride mules and horses. However, most are walking the long distance up into the Idumean hills to Hebron where they hope to obtain some type of transportation ?to Masada.

“Order everyone to discard their armor, insignias and anything else that will disturb the Romans,” Lupo advises Myrrh when the make camp after the first day’s march. “Why?” “Because the armor can be spotted for miles away and the Romans will show no mercy to anyone wearing it or carrying weapons.” “Distribute cloaks and peasant garb. They can keep daggers, but no swords, spears or shields.” “What about the Roman spies?” Myrrh asks. “We need to dispose of them, unless you want them to tell any passing Roman patrol about the gold.” Myrrh has many Arab camel drivers, muleteers and porters working for the Romans dispatched in their sleep and? replaced by Templars and Desposyni. But Myrrh awakens others, who have shown respect or kindness to the Jews. “Rise and leave as quickly as possible,” she warns them. This turns out not to have been such a good idea. Some of those she spares flee directly to Titus’ line of march and tells what they know.

Lupo organizes the Templars and the few sicarii into a dispersal formation. In case of attack, they will disperse individually and reform into small fighting units. This tactic is effective against Roman patrols. Unfortunately, the caravan runs into Titus’ army as it approaches Jerusalem, sweeping everything from its path.

“Myrrh! Myrrh!” a Templar races up to where she and Lupo lead the caravan towards Hebron’s flat plain. “What is it?” Myrrh shouts back, slowing her horse to allow the messenger to catch up. “Romans are approaching.”. “How many?” Lupo asks. “At least a cohort.” “A detached Roman cohort could number over five hundred men,” Lupo tells Myrrh as he raises the Shofar to his lips and blasts out a signal. “What was that for?” Myrrh asks. “I sounded the dispersal signal.” “How dare you disperse the caravan without my permission,” Myrrh shouts. “There are women and children to protect.” “When those Romans catch up to us,” Lupo says, “those women and children will be far safer than you or I.”

Lupo watches to see how quickly the fighters disperse before he grabs for the bridal of Myrrh’s mount. But she is too quick. Wielding about, Myrrh races back towards the caravan with her guard and Lupo in pursuit. “Stop,” Lupo shouts. “The caravan will be safe, as long as the Romans don’t see your fighters.”

Myrrh pulls up. She realizes Lupo is right and she’s jeopardizing the entire caravan. “What should we do?” “Have the fighters, without horses, disperse south into the hills.” Myrrh gives the orders. Lupo sees her men leaving the caravan and dispersing. “Allow the caravan to continue towards Hebron.” “What will happen when the Romans realize that these are not the usual Arab caravan drivers?” Myrrh asks. Lupo has a grim look on his face. “The Romans are accustomed to seeing men race away from caravans, leaving the women and children behind,” Lupo says. But, looking around, he sees that there is no hiding from the oncoming Roman army.

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The Roman army surges towards Jerusalem, but Ailijah loiters far behind Josephus who travels with Titus and the army general staff. Ailijah is thankful that Josephus hasn’t needn’t to prove his manhood since they left Alexandria. To separate he carriage even further from her lord and master, Ailijah orders her driver to avoid the main road used by army. All along the roads, Romans have crucified Jews for being bandits, insurrectionists or for just being in the way. Titus believes it’s good for morale that his troops see the road to Jerusalem lined with dead and dying Jews. Ailijah cannot bare seeing the agony of wretches tied to their cross, birds pecking at their eyes and tongues ___ and the awful stench of rotting flesh and discharged feces fouling the air. To avoid the crucifixions, she takes a side road. But even on the side road, Ailijah’s carriage pass crucified Jews and she closes her carriage’s shutters to avoid the hideous sights. Nevertheless, her eyes are drawn to an especially curious crucifixion. One cross has two bodies hanging from it ___ a man and a woman ___ both still alive. The victims, in extreme agony, seem unusually tall, and though they are covered with blood, dirt and filth, Ailijah can see that both have red hair!

“Stop!” Ailijah screams.

Leaping from her carriage, Ailijah races to the cross where its two victims hang. She wants not to believe her eyes but she knows it is true and? her heart is about to explode. The man hanging from that cross is Lupo.

Ailijah orders her servants to cut down the cross and remove Lupo and his companion. “But Mistress,” her Arab driver protests, “the penalty for interfering with a crucifixion is death.” “If you do not do as I tell you,” Ailijah screams, “you will surely die as painfully as I can arrange it. That I promise you!”

After consulting g with each other and many protestations, her drivers and escort decide to obey her wishes.? “Kill me!” Lupo moans inaudibly. “Please!” Myrrh says nothing.

Once they are removed from the cross, Ailijah orders her servants to put both Myrrh and Lupo in one of the supply carriages. “Take them to Hebron!” she orders. Alijah then continues towards Jerusalem. For the rest of her journey, each time she sees a cross, Ailijah’s throat gets parched and her insides cringe with fear ___ afraid that Robban will be hanging on a cross.

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When Titus and his staff arrive at Jerusalem, he is pleased to find his legions arranged in their assigned locations. Titus encamps on a hillock prepared by Agricola’s Idumean legion that overlooks the doomed city where watches the great serpentine columns of armor and brass,? enveloping? the Jewish capital in their deadly coils. Titus notes with satisfaction his army’s efficient deployment as each legion, following the instructions of Roman engineers, immediately begin? building their fortified walls and gated encampments. Once the fortifications are complete, the legionnaires, laying aside the weapons and armor, pick up heavy mallets and shovels to clear their assigned areas and erect their tents in precise military order. Once the encampments are erected and fortified, Titus’ engineers begin the construction of siege towers, catapults, ballistas and the huge battering rams, the soldiers call Big Julius.

From his vantage point, Titus can see over Jerusalem’s wall, directly across to upper Jerusalem’s marketplace. The plain in front of Jerusalem’s first wall lays far below Titus’ encampment. And from Titus’ view, the Temple mount looms quite a distance up in the air, the Temple’s dome shimmering in the clouds.

“I must say, Josephus, ” Titus remarks.? “your city is quite impressive ___ but what is that stench?” “Stench?” Josephus replies. “ You must be referring to the bodies that Simon bar-Gorias left unburied during his unpleasant encounter with John of Gischala, mi’Lord.” In reality, Josephus doesn’t smell anything. Like most of Jerusalem’s residents, he has long since become acclimated to the smell of cloying blood and rotting flesh from the daily sacrifices demanded of the Jews by their God, Yahweh.? Josephus moves closer to the side of the Roman commander. “Your Temple seems to float on air,” Titus remarks. “It’s very beautiful.” “Yes it is,” Josephus agrees. “If the Consul Titus will please observe, that strong point on the city’s second wall___.” Josephus points out a fort connected to the Temple ___ “ that is the fortress of Antonia. It commands Jerusalem’s upper level and access to the Temple mount, itself.” Tiberias Alexander fixes Josephus with a cold look. Alexandria’s former governor has served two emperors prior to Vespasian and is hailed as the first soldier of the army by Titus’ general staff and by the army’s officer corps. Tiberias dislikes this bootlicking priest who is attempting to undercut his authority. the first opportunity he has to serve Rome’s newest emperor. Titus senses that Tiberias is displeased with Josephus. He doesn’t want Tiberias giving Vespasian a negative report about his performance during this campaign. “What is your opinion, General Tiberias?” Titus asks, turning his back to Josephus. “You may observe, Consul,” Tiberias replies pointing ?down to the valleys, “because of those steep ravines, Jerusalem is impregnable to attack on three sides. The upper city has its own wall and, ?unlike what this priest says, it has two fortresses defending the other side.” Tiberias smirks at Josephus. “Yes, Antonia and Hippicus,” Josephus blurts out. ?“Ah, priest, I am certain the Consul may benefit from your vast military experience,” Tiberias snarls. “As I recall, you led the insurrectionists’ military efforts in Galilee. It was such a brief effort I had quite forgotten it.” Then addressing Titus, Tiberias says, “As I recall Consul, you sent most of this priest’s insurrectionists ___ that is those you did not annihilate outright ___ to labor in our mines and row in our galleys.” Titus flashes Josephus an angry look and snaps, “Slave, keep your comments to yourself until I ask for them!” “Yes, Lord,” Josephus replies. He now realizes that he could not have made no worse an enemy than Tiberias Julius Alexander. “As I was saying,” Tiberias continues, “there are two fortresses, Antonia and Hippicus ___”, the general glares at Josephus, “___at the second wall, additional fortresses, Phasel and Mariamne, defend upper Jerusalem against attacks from the north, where the slope upward is gentle.” Tiberias’ eyes turn dark and his jaw sets itself into a determined position. “That is where I suggest we launch our attack.” “How long should \our campaign take, General?” Titus asks? nodding his agreement. “With our Big Julius those outer walls will crumble like papyrus, Consul,” Tiberias replies. “After that, I estimate that, if everything goes well, your campaign should take no longer than three weeks.” Titus breaks into a broad smile. “… however,’ Tiberias continues, “it could take as much as two months.” “Well, I expect that with your experience, you will conduct this campaign effectively,” Titus says. “But do wrap up this campaign quickly. I want to be in Rome for the Equestrian Games in October.”

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Josephus enters his tent to find Ailijah plunged into the deepest state of depression and anxiety. “Still angry that I did not allow you to remain in Alexandria, my dear?” But Ailijah does not answer him. “Bring wine,” she orders a servant. “I know you can’t be that concerned for what must be done here,” Josephus says, noticing her drawn look and distracted attitude. “After all, you have had a hand in bringing about Jerusalem’s fate.” “They’ve crucified Lupo,” Ailijah blurts out. Suddenly tears that she didn’t even know existed race down her cheeks. “They crucified Lupo,” Josephus repeats. “You mean the Roman …” “Yes, they hung him on a cross,” Ailijah says. “Where?” “Three or four miles outside of Hebron.” Josephus reflects for a while and then says, “What about Robban?” “I don’t know. I didn’t see him.” “That’s really too bad,” the aristocratic priest remarks, giving Ailijah an evil glare. “It seems that they’ve hung the wrong bandit.”

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Titus gives the Xth Fretensis, the Syrian legion the zealots routed four years earlier, the honor of initiating the attack on Jerusalem and avenging their shame with Jewish blood. The XIIth Fulminata, the Vth Macedonia and the XVth Apollinaris support the Syrian Legion’s attack. Caenus Julius Agricola’s Idumean legion, Titus’ \ light cavalry and Herod’s auxiliaries protect the Roman siege towers, catapults, ballistas and battering rams begin the attack against Jerusalem’s lower wall. Simon’s 20,000 sicarii, John’s? 9,000 Galileans, volunteers recruited by the merchants protective association and a hodge-podge of Jews face on Jerusalem’s walls face the Roman onslaught.

With his siege weapons in place, Titus commences an artillery barrage of heavy stones and pots of Greek fire hurled from hundreds of catapults and ballistas against Jerusalem’s wall. The bombardment lasts a week before sections of the wall begin to crumble. Then Titus directs his great battering rams, his Big Juliuses, to bash down the section of the wall, the northern section, where the walls is weakest. But the outer wall withstands the fury of the Roman attack for fifteen days, longer before a section finally collapses. ?

Legionnaires pour into the lower city. Fighting near lower Jerusalem’s burned out granaries and the market place is furious. The Jewish defenders inflict a heavy toll on the Romans before the legionnaires overwhelm the defenders and force the defenders to withdraw to Bezetha, behind Jerusalem’s second wall. Once the Jewish defenders take to the heights, Titus takes control of all lower Jerusalem. For five days the legionnaires massacre all Jews remaining in the lower city. Then Titus rests his legionnaires, calling in his XIIth Fulminata to comb through the lower city, shipping everything of value back to Caesarea. Then, staging a parade that last four days, Titus sends Josephus up to the second wall. “Surrender and save your city and your people!” Josephus appeals to Simon and John. “Never!” comes the response. Titus renews his attack.

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Titus wields his siege towers in place against upper Jerusalem’s second wall. John and Simon counterattack the towers with Greek fire. After a week, the Jews repulse Titus’ legionnaires and destroy his siege towers and artillery. “You promised a victory in three weeks,” Titus screams at Tiberias. “This is no easy task,” Tiberias confesses. “These Jews are fighting like demons.” “Since you are one yourself, my father believed that you understood how to defeat these Jews.” “Then I suggest we use the tactics that the wise Vespasian provided us.” Tiberias replies ignoring Titus’ insult. “Which is?” “Starve them into submission.” “How much more time will that take?” “It will take as long as it takes, Consul.”

Reluctantly, Titus agrees to the change in strategy. He orders all exits from upper Jerusalem sealed off. Within a week, desperate for food, Jews begin trying to sneak down from upper Jerusalem. The try to climb over the wall, use secret passageways around the gates and slip through centuries-old tunnels, but the Romans allow few to escape upper Jerusalem and none to return. Titus cuts down every tree for miles of Jerusalem and builds a wall which seals off upper Jerusalem. Every day, Titus crucifies hundreds of Jews attempting to forage for food beyond the wall while thousands more die of starvation. John and Simon order all the food available be given to the men fighting the Roman and execute anyone caught with food not actively engaged in the fight. ? Daily Josephus climbs to the wall and announces, ?“Anyone who surrenders will be fed.” Simon and John respond, “Anyone attempting to surrender to the Romans will be executed.” The battle for Jerusalem turns into a killing spree with Roman legionnaires and Jewish fighters turning their bloody activities upon the Jewish population.

In the meantime, Titus builds new siege towers. When they are ready,? he renews his uses them to protect the? catapults, ballistas and battering rams which, once again attack the upper wall. The Jewish defenders, exhausted from fighting, weakened from a lack of food and limited by the loss of men,? can no longer attack Titus’ assault weapons. The Jews erect a wall behind Fort Antonia so that, when the Roman battering rams break through the second wall and demolish Fort Antonia, ?the legionnaires, storming over the ramparts find their path to upper Jerusalem still obstructed. “I tire of your failures and excuses,” Titus berates Tiberias. “It’s been four months and we still haven’t gotten past lower Jerusalem. “In the background, Josephus gloats over his adversary’s failure, but decides to say nothing. Titus calls a meeting of his general staff to develop another attack strategy. Tiberias is not invited to participate; neither is Josephus.

On a dark night, after the fighting has subsided for several days, twenty-four Roman legionnaires, without armor or shields, bearing only a dagger and gladius, silently climb up and over the rubble of Fort Antonia and, forcing their way into a breach in the makeshift wall, attack. After ten hours of fighting, the Romans open a wedge wide enough for legionnaires to plunge into upper Jerusalem. Overwhelmed by the Roman’s onslaught, the Jewish defenders abandon upper Jerusalem and flee up to the Temple Mount to make their final stand. Once again, there is an interlude in the fighting giving both sides an opportunity to recuperate from their exertions.

In preparation for the final assault on the Temple Mount and upon the Temple, itself, Titus orders his engineers to clear rubble from upper Jerusalem, salvage stones and timbers and build more towers, catapults, ballistae and battering rams. However, after several failed attempts, ?Titus’ engineers inform the consul that, no matter how high they build his siege towers, an assault on the Temple Mount is impossible. Frustrated with the delay and desiring a final victory, Titus orders his engineers to burn down the Temple of Jerusalem.. Four two weeks, Titus’ engineers bombard the Temple Mount with thousands of gallons of Greek Fire. Titus burns down the Temple of Jerusalem and roasts everyone inside. It takes weeks for the blazing inferno to consume everything on the Temple Mount. Afterward inspecting the annihilation, he sends a message to his father, Hieronymus Est Perdida!

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To Be Continued ...

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Copyright ? Eugene Stovall (2019)

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