Question

Why was Rome invited to intervene in Palestine in 63BC?

A) To restore stability and order in the region.
B) To spread Roman culture and influence in the Middle East.
C) To assist in a local power struggle.
D) To establish a Jewish state in the area.

Answer 1

Rome was invited to intervene in Palestine in 63 BC to assist in a local power struggle during the Hellenistic period. Rome aimed to establish order and expand its influence, resulting in the region eventually becoming a Roman protectorate and province.

Step-by-step explanation:

In 63 BC, Rome was invited to intervene in Palestine primarily to assist in a local power struggle within the region. Rome was expanding its influence and aiming to establish order amid the conflicts and political instability of the Hellenistic kingdoms at the time. The local Hasmonean rulers in Judea, Hyrcanus II and Aristobulus II, were embroiled in a bitter civil war for the Jewish throne. The Roman general Pompey intervened, siding with Hyrcanus II, and laid siege to Jerusalem. After taking the city, Pompey installed Hyrcanus as high priest, effectively subjugating the region to Roman oversight.

While Rome did seek to spread its culture and influence, this was not the primary reason for their intervention in 63 BC. Similarly, there was no intention at that time to establish a Jewish state; rather, the aim was to stabilize the area under Roman control. The competing ambitions of the Hasmonean brothers provided Pompey with the pretext he needed to insert Rome into Judean affairs, which subsequently laid the groundwork for the region to become a Roman protectorate, and later a province.