Introduction

Chapter Five THE EAGLE HAS LANDED:
ROME AND THE CHALLENGE OF EMPIRE
1. Introduction

Last came the Eagle. They should all have known; should not have thought (like eager Hezekiah) to court the distant foe against the near. They should have counted. Daniel tried, but his four monsters came and went (it seemed) and still no sign of God’s new reign. And even when proud Pompey pushed his way into the shrine (empty and dusty: ‘Atheists!’ he sneered) they did not see. Pragmatic Caesar shrugged; made citizens of some, and let them be...