Political career Publius Quinctilius Varus

as lugdunum (ric 230), countermarked var (varus).

in 8-7 bc, varus governed province of africa. later went govern syria 7/6 bc until 4 bc 4 legions under command, known harsh rule , high taxes. jewish historian josephus mentions swift action of varus against messianic revolt in judaea after death of roman client king herod great in 4 bc. after occupying jerusalem, crucified 2000 jewish rebels , may have been 1 of prime objects of popular anti-roman sentiment in judaea. (josephus, made every effort reconcile jewish people roman rule, felt necessary point out how lenient judicial massacre had been.) indeed, @ precisely moment jews, en masse, began full-scale boycott of roman pottery (red slip ware). thus, archaeological record seems verify mass popular protest against rome because of varus cruelty.

it possible long running dispute on historicity of narrative in luke s gospel chapter 2 birth of christ @ same time census held whilst quirinius governor of syria explained mistaken spelling gospel author.the problem quirinius became governor when archelaus, son , part-heir of herod, deposed romans in ad 6 both luke , matthew indicate jesus born before death of herod 10 years earlier. however, if luke had intended write quinctilius - easy mistake make - problem goes away altogether indeed governor @ right time.

following governorship of syria, varus returned rome , remained there next few years. between 10 bc , 6 ad tiberius, brother drusus, lucius domitius ahenobarbus, , germanicus conducted long campaigns in germania, area north of upper danube , east of rhine, in attempt @ achieving further major expansion of roman empire shortening of frontier line. subdued several germanic tribes, such cherusci. in 6 ad, tiberius declared germany pacified, , varus appointed govern germania. tiberius, later rule emperor, left region suppress great illyrian revolt.

augustus made publius quinctilius varus first officially appointed governor of newly created roman province of germania in 7 ad.