150-169 Parthians, Plague, Germanic Tribes & Rapturists
In this 20 year period the Roman Emperor Antonius (pictured) died in 161, after a 24-year peaceful rule, and was succeeded by Marcus Aurelius who co-ruled with his adoptive brother Lucius Verus.
In 165, the King of Parthia replaced the Roman approved King of Armenia with his choice, and the Roman legion in the area was wiped out. Marcus sent Lucius to quell the situation but he dawdled, and in the meantime the Parthians had marched on, invading Media across the northern Tigris.
Plague broke out among Lucius' troops, spread throughout the Empire, then there was pressure from the Germanic tribes in 167 crossing the Alps, besieging Northern Italy.
In desperation Marcus auctioned his valuable possessions to raise funds for war as the plague had made tax collecting impossible.
During the pontificate of Soter, Bishop of Rome from 166-174, another heretic leader, Montanus, and his followers caused concern. Under the direct guidance of the Holy Spirit they went into religious raptures during which they spoke in strange tongues and uttered prophecies - the purpose of which was to return the church to simplicity. They gained popularity in both the eastern and western empire -- but ridicule from non-Christians.
Marcus Aurelius was not well-disposed towards Christians, calling them "miracle-mongers, magicians and exorcisers" and to avoid persecution and ridicule the Church tried hard to stamp out the crazy Christian cults, imposing order and centralized control.
In 165, the King of Parthia replaced the Roman approved King of Armenia with his choice, and the Roman legion in the area was wiped out. Marcus sent Lucius to quell the situation but he dawdled, and in the meantime the Parthians had marched on, invading Media across the northern Tigris.
Plague broke out among Lucius' troops, spread throughout the Empire, then there was pressure from the Germanic tribes in 167 crossing the Alps, besieging Northern Italy.
In desperation Marcus auctioned his valuable possessions to raise funds for war as the plague had made tax collecting impossible.
During the pontificate of Soter, Bishop of Rome from 166-174, another heretic leader, Montanus, and his followers caused concern. Under the direct guidance of the Holy Spirit they went into religious raptures during which they spoke in strange tongues and uttered prophecies - the purpose of which was to return the church to simplicity. They gained popularity in both the eastern and western empire -- but ridicule from non-Christians.
Marcus Aurelius was not well-disposed towards Christians, calling them "miracle-mongers, magicians and exorcisers" and to avoid persecution and ridicule the Church tried hard to stamp out the crazy Christian cults, imposing order and centralized control.
Labels: 150, antonius, lucius verus, marcus aurelius, montanus, pope soter, roman emperors
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