Extrabiblical Evidences of Biblical Persons, Places, and/or Events: Caesar Augustus

Gaius Octavius (b. 63 BC/BCE, Italy – d. 14 AD/CE), the adopted son and heir of Julius Caesar,  is mentioned only once in the Bible, at Luke 2:1.  Gaius is best known as Augustus Caesar or Caesar Augustus.  His full imperial title was Imperator Gaius Iulius Caesar Octavianus Divi Filius Augustus.  By birth he was Julius Casear’s great nephew.

The Praetorian Guard

The “Praetorian Guard” is never specifically mentioned in the New Testament.  They are referenced as “the praetorium” (τῷ πραιτωρίῳ) in Philippians 1:13.  They were the bodyguards of the Roman emperors and served for sixteen year terms, followed by a very generous retirement package.

The group was formally chartered in 27 BC/BCE by the first Roman Emperor, Augustus, and, over the years grew to have great political influence,  receiving greater pay and privileges than common Roman soldiers.  The guard was abolished in 312 AD/CE by the Emperor Constantine the Great.

ὥστε τοὺς δεσμούς μου φανεροὺς ἐν Χριστῷ γενέσθαι ἐν ὅλῳ τῷ πραιτωρίῳ καὶ τοῖς λοιποῖς πάσιν,