After Actium: Two Caesars Are Not Enough
- Thread starter Velasco
- Start date
He already is! Because it seems that the reasons for the jews longing for the Messiah are prevented by Caesarion's policy. Jeshua ben Yosef will just be a jew like any other.
mabye not just like any jew...you may get a underground sect of judaism if he still becomes a rabble rouser as i doubt everyone is contenteted by cesarions policies...or may even go into the priesthood and get recorded there
In OTL he was arabble rouser who tried to start a rebellion against both the Romans and Herod Antipas. The Romans executed him because the people called him Messiah, which was not something religious, but really meant the anoited one, a title given to kings. In the eyes of the Romans that was lèse-majestyand thus they had to execute him. His movement became a new religion after an outsider (Paul) took control and the anti-Roman propaganda was replaced with anti-jewish one to prevent persecution as Jewish sect by the Romans after the Jewish Uprisings.
Cool update. I honestly didn't know that the Jewish priesthood held any real power. So all of Caesarion and Herod's decisions have been ratified (not like they wouldn't have been 
) and a new High Priest is appointed.
) and a new High Priest is appointed.I think you're right - I was more or less reasoning along the same lines, just my maths was off
. I'd edit the post if I could do so without that ugly "edited" appearing at the bottom which I really detest. You're exactly right - not forgetting that Hyrcanus has been educated in Rome for most of his life. The rabble will like him for being a Hasmonean, but the radicals will dislike him for not being a "pure" Israelite or a true Levite, just as they dislike the whole family for using the royal title while not being of Davidic descent (unless sketchy internet sources which say the Hasmoneans purposely married into Davidic lineages are true).
Just as with OTL, events will serve to variously bring these groups together and against each other, with some eventually emerging victorious and others falling by the wayside. I've been working out the future progress of the Herodians, Judaea and Judaism more in depth these past few days and...well, I don't want to give too much away
The Sanhedrin will definitely provide one of those stages for those dramas to be played out. On this occasion there was, in reality, nothing the Sanhedrin could do to block Hyrcanus, but the fiction of "approving" the new high priest has a value all it's own. And of course everything these guys are doing is setting halachic(sp?) precedent for future generations.Ha! Interesting ideas I'll be sure to keep in mind. The Carpenter Prince. Apparently Hillel was also descended from King David, so maybe the two quarrel over who is the real shoot of Jesse.
Well, we could, but I won't. A different Caesar wouldn't stop a young Davidic scion Joseph ben Jacob from taking a young Levite(?) Mariamne bat Heli to wife. Or the Holy Ghost from descending upon her and divesting himself, or a persona of himself(?), which he then covers up and fashions fearfully and wonderfully in her womb...
Caesarion betrothing his daughter to a Herodian prince won't do much for those who resent Roman rule altogether and/or the Herodians altogether and/or a non-Davidic monarchy.
Well, Hillel's new teaching might open the door for other men with foreign fathers and Levite mothers aspiring to the priesthood. Would require Jesus to reject Joseph and claim some foreigner as his father...
Interesting point of view. I think there's definitely a case to be made for life for Christians becoming significantly harder after breaking decisively with Judaism. The Romans and Greeks respected Judaism for its teachings and antiquity, hence the privileges its practitioners often enjoyed, while the Christians were seen as a "novel" sect of "atheists", who met in secret and suffered the same persecution secret meetings (ie, the Bacchanalia) usually incurred at the hands of the Romans.
Cool update. I honestly didn't know that the Jewish priesthood held any real power. So all of Caesarion and Herod's decisions have been ratified (not like they wouldn't have been
Thanks. It still carried a lot of prestige. It was only under Herod and his nominations - men born abroad of relatively low birth, not from the traditional Zadolite or usurping Hasmonean families - that the high priesthood lost it's political role. Even so, as we can see in the Gospel story the High priest and Sanhedrin still had an integral part to play in Jewish society and as spokespersons of the nation dealing with Rome.
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Haven't been on in awhile, so I just noticed this new update. Very nice. You have certainly thoroughly researched everything that has to do with the age of Augustus and I applaud you.
I don't have too much to say about this Sanhedrin update, since all that happened was people without the power to do anything regarding last update agreeing to what happened last update, but I once again admire your research and timeline-ing skills. I eagerly await the future.
I don't have too much to say about this Sanhedrin update, since all that happened was people without the power to do anything regarding last update agreeing to what happened last update, but I once again admire your research and timeline-ing skills. I eagerly await the future.
Chapter LXXXII: To Jerusalem and Memphis
From Paneas the Imperial party proceeded south toward Jerusalem to ratify and celebrate the agreements there made. Along the way Herod's wife Malthace succumbed to a long-standing illness; she was interred at Samaria, her native city. Her death did little to alleviate Herod's own ongoing struggle with his health. The Samaritans received both the Emperor and Herod in great honor, providing a grand funeral for that great lady; with the King's approval and at the suggestion of the prince Archelaus (their future ruler), they also renamed their city Sebaste in the Emperor's honor[1].
From there the party moved, at a quite rapid pace, to the royal capital. Caesarion had passed through the Judaean capital several times; most recently on his return from Arabia he had thrown the prince Antipater into chains and restored the regency of Salome, sister of Herod. Caesarion and Cleopatra had been together in Jerusalem on more peaceful terms back in 11BC, when they had been received in appropriate splendor by a grateful and far healthier Herod and his court. The reception this time was no different and Herod's officials had planned ahead an appropriately lavish reception for the Emperor.
The reception of the Emperor was naturally rapturous, as was that of the princes Aristobulus, the future king, and his brother Hyrcanus. With Herod's health ailing the people could finally look forward to rule from one of their own, and a Hasmonean to boot! Hyrcanus was installed as high priest with the connivance with the rest of the Sanhedrin and priesthood. In anticipation of his consecration it was necessary for him to be circumcised once more. Though circumcised at birth, he had uncircumcised himself during his years abroad - the uncovered member was considered ugly and socially unacceptable in both Roman and Hellenic circles, shame no doubt consuming those who dared much such a display at public baths or athletic competitions. Indeed, not only was a foreskin a must, the Romans and Greeks tied it's end with a fibula to prevent the accidental uncovering of their members when in public. And so to dispel any doubts over his Jewish status, Hyrcanus was recircumcised by the Nasi Hillel himself, removing the stretched foreskin he had worked so hard to cultivate.
Once he was fully recovered, Hyrcanus was promptly anointed and officiated at the temple for the first time. Caesarion accompanied him and, in the manner of previous Ptolemaic kings, offered sacrifices to the God of Israel, Yahu, and dedicated to him a number of precious prizes. Arab dignitaries from Nabataea also participated, readily associating Yahu with Baalshamen ('the Lord of Heaven')[2], and did not protest when Caesarion offered up his own son Malichus to be circumcised. Abhorrent to the Greeks and Romans, circumcision was frequently practiced among the Arabs, though not obligatorily as among the Jews. The Romans and Greeks took some solace in this, though even with a bastard son there was noted outrage at Caesarion's actions back home.
The Emperor's desire for closer ties with the Herodian dynasty went beyond any personal desire to reward or honor a loyal ally. While Tiberius' position in the west was more than secure, Caesarion was acutely aware of the precarious position of Isidorus should anything befall him before Isidorus was of sufficient age to wield power over kingdoms and continents. The Herodian alliance was part of a wider appeal to the support of the Jewish people as a whole, prominent as they were throughout the provinces. By marrying two of his children into the Judaean royal house, Caesarion sought to secure the unwavering loyalty of that people to the cause of his son Isidorus, tightening even further the ties which stretched back to the careers of his father and maternal ancestors. It was, after all, to his family that the Jews owed the creation and preservation of their kingdom.
With Caesarion's support Herod had carefully positioned himself as the benefactor and patron of Jews throughout the eastern Mediterrenean; his euergetism extended as far west as Greece and the Aegean islands. Herod had further eliminated rivals of both Hasmonean and Davidic blood and married women of the royal and high priestly families in attempts to harness the legitimacy of those houses for himself and his heirs. He had rather miraculously survived the tumultuous twists and turns of Roman politics, serving with loyalty his father's friend Antony, Octavian (in the brief period following Actium and before his demise), Vipsanian (a personal friend who milked Judaean coffers dry for his Parthian campaigns in 26-25BC and 22-20BC) and finally Caesarion. In 19BC Herod had assisted Caesarion in securing the Nabataean kingdom; in 17BC Herod appeared at Antioch, together with a bevy of other client-kings, to receive honors there. Herod ruled his lands with an iron fist and was always well positioned to provide Rome with men and funds. He was also malleable - he was, after all, still the same man who had put aside his Jewish piety to sacrifice alongside Octavian and Antony at the temple of Jupiter Capitolinus following the ratification of his royal title by the Roman Senate.
Incense & libations are offered to Caesarion & Cleopatra VII
From Jerusalem Caesarion, Cleopatra and others proceeded to Egypt. Herod remained in Jerusalem but his sons accompanied the Imperial party, bar Hyrcanus. At the border the Emperor received a delegation from Leontopolis, where his ancestors had set up Jewish refugees in the 'land of On' - so named for their leader, the dispossessed high priest Onias IV. A branch of the family had been brought back by Herod, who had kept Jesus ben Phiabi[3] as high priest for some time. Though deprived of the office, he still sat on the Sanhedrin at the time of Caesarion's coming. The senior branch of the family, however, remained in exile in Egypt, expectantly awaiting Caesarion show them the same favour his Ptolemaic ancestors had. Unfortunately for these ambitions Caesarion rated his Herodian alliance above his family's time-honored patronage of the Oniads, dismissing their claims with promises of future benefaction for their temple.
Foregoing Alexandria for the time being, Caesarion and Cleopatra undertook a short procession through the eastern Delta before sailing south to Memphis, the 'Egyptian' capital of Egypt (Alexandria being the 'Greek' capital). Cleopatra had been there several times before and was popular as high priestess, or Great Wife, of the local chief god Ptah. There Caesarion celebrated his first Sed festival. Traditionally celebrated on the Pharaoh’s 30th year of reign, and then every third year after that, it could also be celebrated in times of upheaval and disorder, war, civil unrest, or any other situation which questioned the Pharaoh’s competence.
Caesarion had ruled Egypt in real or nominal conjunction with his mother (44-30BC), sister and brother-in-law (19-17BC) and then mother and daughter (17-5BC) for a total of 28 years. For her part Cleopatra VII's two reigns (51-30BC and 17-5BC) amounted to a total of 33 years. Such calculations were complicated by the illegitimate usurpation of Octavian, Vipsanian, Grammateus, Lysandra and Selene in past times. Neither the royals nor the priests seemed to mind and the ceremony went ahead without protest; it was not uncommon for a King to celebrate his first Sed festival a few years earlier.
Adorned in a short cloak (it reached to their knees and left their shoulders free) Caesarion and Cleopatra appeared atop a special dais containing two thrones representing their dual roles as Kings of Upper and Lower Egypt. An animal tail was attached to the back of their cloak, giving the festival it's other, less formal, name - Feast of the Tail. The dais towered over a specially constructed courtyard and pavilion, with the audience of officials and princes at the opposite end. Shrines of local deities surrounded, a gathering of provincial images of deities in a series of temporary shrines beside the double throne of the King.
Together mother and son proceeded to participate in a ceremony of royal and divine kingship and power, in which the Pharaoh regained his youth and proved himself worthy of continuing his role as the earthly manifestation of Horus. The ceremony further assured him a long reign in the afterlife and restored the harmony between Pharaoh and universe. The ruler completed rituals connected with physical performance. Once he had passed all tests, he was once more crowned with a double crown and shown to the people as a rejuvenated ruler of Egypt. The Queen played an integral part of the ceremony, serving as the Hathoric source of rejuvenation and eternal incarnation, enabling him to proceed as a youthful ruler.
Caesarion running 'the field'
Caesarion opened by offering to the goddess Sechat-Hor, who had fed Horus (the king) with her holy milk - the drink of immortality. After that the nobles came before Caesarion and offered their services and rededicated their devotion to him, an act of homage by the "Great Ones of Upper and Lower Egypt". Onias VI of Leontopolis, the Judaean princes and some of Caesarion's own children (including Isidorus, King Herakles of Nabataea and young Malichus) were among their number. In the open space between the two rows of shrines, Caesarion, attired alternately in the insignia of Upper and Lower Egypt, ran a ritual race around a course which was called "the field". He rounded the boundaries of the field four times as the ruler of Upper Egypt and four times as the ruler of Lower Egypt.
Raising of the djed
Assisted by Cleopatra and four priests, Caesarion also raised up the djed pillar, a phallic symbol connected with Osiris, agricultural success and fertility. Presented as a personification of that same god, Caesarion presented the djed with a generously laid table with cucumbers, blossoms, breads and heads and ribs of beef on the upper mat, with a cow and antelope on the lower on. Besides the large slab of the base stood two tall offering stands - one bearing a libation vessel, flowers laid on the other.
Caesarion before the personified Djed
Finally priests led Caesarion into two pavilions where he once again received the crowns of Upper and Lower Egypt, symbolically renewing the crowning ceremony. Before the assembled court of Egypt (and more than one Senator and Greek dignitary) Caesarion shot four arrows into the four directions, so as to frighten off evil powers and to enforce the right of Egypt to rule over the world.
The rest of the festival was accompanied by the usual feasts including lavish food, drink, music and dance.
The basilissa Berenike joins Cleopatra VII & Caesarion before Horus
From there the party moved, at a quite rapid pace, to the royal capital. Caesarion had passed through the Judaean capital several times; most recently on his return from Arabia he had thrown the prince Antipater into chains and restored the regency of Salome, sister of Herod. Caesarion and Cleopatra had been together in Jerusalem on more peaceful terms back in 11BC, when they had been received in appropriate splendor by a grateful and far healthier Herod and his court. The reception this time was no different and Herod's officials had planned ahead an appropriately lavish reception for the Emperor.
The reception of the Emperor was naturally rapturous, as was that of the princes Aristobulus, the future king, and his brother Hyrcanus. With Herod's health ailing the people could finally look forward to rule from one of their own, and a Hasmonean to boot! Hyrcanus was installed as high priest with the connivance with the rest of the Sanhedrin and priesthood. In anticipation of his consecration it was necessary for him to be circumcised once more. Though circumcised at birth, he had uncircumcised himself during his years abroad - the uncovered member was considered ugly and socially unacceptable in both Roman and Hellenic circles, shame no doubt consuming those who dared much such a display at public baths or athletic competitions. Indeed, not only was a foreskin a must, the Romans and Greeks tied it's end with a fibula to prevent the accidental uncovering of their members when in public. And so to dispel any doubts over his Jewish status, Hyrcanus was recircumcised by the Nasi Hillel himself, removing the stretched foreskin he had worked so hard to cultivate.
Once he was fully recovered, Hyrcanus was promptly anointed and officiated at the temple for the first time. Caesarion accompanied him and, in the manner of previous Ptolemaic kings, offered sacrifices to the God of Israel, Yahu, and dedicated to him a number of precious prizes. Arab dignitaries from Nabataea also participated, readily associating Yahu with Baalshamen ('the Lord of Heaven')[2], and did not protest when Caesarion offered up his own son Malichus to be circumcised. Abhorrent to the Greeks and Romans, circumcision was frequently practiced among the Arabs, though not obligatorily as among the Jews. The Romans and Greeks took some solace in this, though even with a bastard son there was noted outrage at Caesarion's actions back home.
The Emperor's desire for closer ties with the Herodian dynasty went beyond any personal desire to reward or honor a loyal ally. While Tiberius' position in the west was more than secure, Caesarion was acutely aware of the precarious position of Isidorus should anything befall him before Isidorus was of sufficient age to wield power over kingdoms and continents. The Herodian alliance was part of a wider appeal to the support of the Jewish people as a whole, prominent as they were throughout the provinces. By marrying two of his children into the Judaean royal house, Caesarion sought to secure the unwavering loyalty of that people to the cause of his son Isidorus, tightening even further the ties which stretched back to the careers of his father and maternal ancestors. It was, after all, to his family that the Jews owed the creation and preservation of their kingdom.
With Caesarion's support Herod had carefully positioned himself as the benefactor and patron of Jews throughout the eastern Mediterrenean; his euergetism extended as far west as Greece and the Aegean islands. Herod had further eliminated rivals of both Hasmonean and Davidic blood and married women of the royal and high priestly families in attempts to harness the legitimacy of those houses for himself and his heirs. He had rather miraculously survived the tumultuous twists and turns of Roman politics, serving with loyalty his father's friend Antony, Octavian (in the brief period following Actium and before his demise), Vipsanian (a personal friend who milked Judaean coffers dry for his Parthian campaigns in 26-25BC and 22-20BC) and finally Caesarion. In 19BC Herod had assisted Caesarion in securing the Nabataean kingdom; in 17BC Herod appeared at Antioch, together with a bevy of other client-kings, to receive honors there. Herod ruled his lands with an iron fist and was always well positioned to provide Rome with men and funds. He was also malleable - he was, after all, still the same man who had put aside his Jewish piety to sacrifice alongside Octavian and Antony at the temple of Jupiter Capitolinus following the ratification of his royal title by the Roman Senate.
Incense & libations are offered to Caesarion & Cleopatra VII
From Jerusalem Caesarion, Cleopatra and others proceeded to Egypt. Herod remained in Jerusalem but his sons accompanied the Imperial party, bar Hyrcanus. At the border the Emperor received a delegation from Leontopolis, where his ancestors had set up Jewish refugees in the 'land of On' - so named for their leader, the dispossessed high priest Onias IV. A branch of the family had been brought back by Herod, who had kept Jesus ben Phiabi[3] as high priest for some time. Though deprived of the office, he still sat on the Sanhedrin at the time of Caesarion's coming. The senior branch of the family, however, remained in exile in Egypt, expectantly awaiting Caesarion show them the same favour his Ptolemaic ancestors had. Unfortunately for these ambitions Caesarion rated his Herodian alliance above his family's time-honored patronage of the Oniads, dismissing their claims with promises of future benefaction for their temple.
Foregoing Alexandria for the time being, Caesarion and Cleopatra undertook a short procession through the eastern Delta before sailing south to Memphis, the 'Egyptian' capital of Egypt (Alexandria being the 'Greek' capital). Cleopatra had been there several times before and was popular as high priestess, or Great Wife, of the local chief god Ptah. There Caesarion celebrated his first Sed festival. Traditionally celebrated on the Pharaoh’s 30th year of reign, and then every third year after that, it could also be celebrated in times of upheaval and disorder, war, civil unrest, or any other situation which questioned the Pharaoh’s competence.
Caesarion had ruled Egypt in real or nominal conjunction with his mother (44-30BC), sister and brother-in-law (19-17BC) and then mother and daughter (17-5BC) for a total of 28 years. For her part Cleopatra VII's two reigns (51-30BC and 17-5BC) amounted to a total of 33 years. Such calculations were complicated by the illegitimate usurpation of Octavian, Vipsanian, Grammateus, Lysandra and Selene in past times. Neither the royals nor the priests seemed to mind and the ceremony went ahead without protest; it was not uncommon for a King to celebrate his first Sed festival a few years earlier.
Adorned in a short cloak (it reached to their knees and left their shoulders free) Caesarion and Cleopatra appeared atop a special dais containing two thrones representing their dual roles as Kings of Upper and Lower Egypt. An animal tail was attached to the back of their cloak, giving the festival it's other, less formal, name - Feast of the Tail. The dais towered over a specially constructed courtyard and pavilion, with the audience of officials and princes at the opposite end. Shrines of local deities surrounded, a gathering of provincial images of deities in a series of temporary shrines beside the double throne of the King.
Together mother and son proceeded to participate in a ceremony of royal and divine kingship and power, in which the Pharaoh regained his youth and proved himself worthy of continuing his role as the earthly manifestation of Horus. The ceremony further assured him a long reign in the afterlife and restored the harmony between Pharaoh and universe. The ruler completed rituals connected with physical performance. Once he had passed all tests, he was once more crowned with a double crown and shown to the people as a rejuvenated ruler of Egypt. The Queen played an integral part of the ceremony, serving as the Hathoric source of rejuvenation and eternal incarnation, enabling him to proceed as a youthful ruler.
Caesarion running 'the field'
Caesarion opened by offering to the goddess Sechat-Hor, who had fed Horus (the king) with her holy milk - the drink of immortality. After that the nobles came before Caesarion and offered their services and rededicated their devotion to him, an act of homage by the "Great Ones of Upper and Lower Egypt". Onias VI of Leontopolis, the Judaean princes and some of Caesarion's own children (including Isidorus, King Herakles of Nabataea and young Malichus) were among their number. In the open space between the two rows of shrines, Caesarion, attired alternately in the insignia of Upper and Lower Egypt, ran a ritual race around a course which was called "the field". He rounded the boundaries of the field four times as the ruler of Upper Egypt and four times as the ruler of Lower Egypt.
Raising of the djed
Assisted by Cleopatra and four priests, Caesarion also raised up the djed pillar, a phallic symbol connected with Osiris, agricultural success and fertility. Presented as a personification of that same god, Caesarion presented the djed with a generously laid table with cucumbers, blossoms, breads and heads and ribs of beef on the upper mat, with a cow and antelope on the lower on. Besides the large slab of the base stood two tall offering stands - one bearing a libation vessel, flowers laid on the other.
Caesarion before the personified Djed
Finally priests led Caesarion into two pavilions where he once again received the crowns of Upper and Lower Egypt, symbolically renewing the crowning ceremony. Before the assembled court of Egypt (and more than one Senator and Greek dignitary) Caesarion shot four arrows into the four directions, so as to frighten off evil powers and to enforce the right of Egypt to rule over the world.
The rest of the festival was accompanied by the usual feasts including lavish food, drink, music and dance.
The basilissa Berenike joins Cleopatra VII & Caesarion before Horus
Notes:
[1] 'Sebastos' was a Greek equivalent of the Latin 'Augustus'. 'Basileus' (more properly 'King') and the neologism 'Augoustos' were also employed at times, though cities named in the Emperor's honor were usually named Sebaste (or Sebastia).
[2] Yahweh was readily equated with Zeus Hypsistos ("The Most High God") or Zeus Ouranus ("Heavenly Zeus") and Baalshamen ("The Lord of Heaven"). OTL Herod extended his patronage to a temple of Baalshamen in Nabatean territory.
[3] Jesus ben Phiabi is attested as being of Egyptian origin. The name Phiabi is attested in one place - Leontopolis. Given the general lack of information on the Oniad and ben Phiabi families, this TL will present the ben Phiabis as cadet Oniads.
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Thanks! And yes, I just wanted to have a post easing into Jerusalemite/Sanhedrin politics and drama. Next one's up and I have a rough draft of the next next, focusing further east, so hopefully you'll find them slightly meatier reading
Very cool update. So unlike his ancestor Alexander, Caesarion is looking ahead. Also very cool and informative with the Sed festival. It seems to be similar to the Jubilees held by British monarchs today. So is that a Ptolemaic invention or is it from ancient Egypt? I love how Caesarion changes depending on where he is. He seems truly cosmopolitan. How will these ceremonies be received back in Rome and by the Romans in his entourage? I know U mentioned that having his son circumcised (its weird how seriously the ancients took their dicks in that regard) was not well received but what about the Sed? The Romans know Ceasarion is also a King in Egypt but knowing it and seeing it are two different things.
) was not well received but what about the Sed? The Romans know Ceasarion is also a King in Egypt but knowing it and seeing it are two different things.Another excellent update! All seems to be going Caesarion's way - have we reached the Pax Romana?
Having Malichus circumcised was quite the bold move; the Jews are doing very well for themselves if Caesarion wants to please them that much. The information on the Sed festival was quite interesting - hopefully the Romans don't understand the "Egypt rules the world" symbolism - they might get a bit peeved. I'm having a hard time figuring out how exactly Caesarion sees himself - as a Roman or an Egyptian? He's definitely wearing two faces at the same time, but seems to be doing it skilfully enough for the present - let's hope he doesn't make a misstep.
Having Malichus circumcised was quite the bold move; the Jews are doing very well for themselves if Caesarion wants to please them that much. The information on the Sed festival was quite interesting - hopefully the Romans don't understand the "Egypt rules the world" symbolism - they might get a bit peeved. I'm having a hard time figuring out how exactly Caesarion sees himself - as a Roman or an Egyptian? He's definitely wearing two faces at the same time, but seems to be doing it skilfully enough for the present - let's hope he doesn't make a misstep.
I must say, this is one of the most excellent timelines I have ever read. I have a few questions:
1. Is Mithridates III of Commagene still viewed as the heir of the Seleucids, in light of both Caesarion’s appropriation of their heritage, and the elevation of the last of the Seleucids to an (admittedly minor) throne?
2. Have you given any thought to having Caesarion restore the Hellenic League? IOTL, Hadrian would go on to do so, although the attempt didn’t outlast him. Also, if Caesarion were to have Isodorus elected strategos, he would be, in effect, granted a client kingdom without the stigma of kingship. During the Wars of the Diadochi, I think that the League was able to field 30,000 men (my books are in storage, so I can’t verify this), and Caesarion does seem to want to provide Isodorus with his own, independent, powerbase. This would fit with traditional Ptolemaic policy as well, as the Ptolemies made great use of the Cycladic League as their proxy in the Aegean. Also, this would give Caesarion an opportunity to introduce Isodorus to the Council of Asia, via nominating him the legate for Greece.
3. Apart from via warfare, how are new priests and priestesses of Roma, and Jupiter Julius consecrated? Do the children of the current priests inherit their position from their parents, leading to the creation of a priestly caste? Or, alternatively, do the reigning client-kings donate spare princes, princesses, and widowed queens? This would make the maintenance of royal vassals vital to the proper upkeep of Roma, and Jupiter, institutionalising their continued survival.
4. What is the status of Babylon in Philip’s kingdom? Does it serve as a religious and cultural capital for the natives, where the kings are crowned, akin to Memphis in Egypt, whilst the court resides in Seleucia-upon-the-Tigris, or is it the royal seat as well?
5. Have the heirs of Tarcondimotus I Philantonius of Anazarba been restored to their father’s throne by Caesarion?
6. What has become of Julion? Shall he be despatched to Alexandria, and married to Berenice V, replacing the murdered Serapion? I’d imagine that his mother, as a former queen-regnant of Parthia, would be suitably royal.
7. What was the fate of Ptolemy Philopator, husband of Salampsio? Shall he be restored to his father’s throne upon Cyprus, or just remain a high-ranking Greek noble?
8. Has Philip of Babylonia’s regency, which I presume includes some Egyptian officials, introduced the Ptolemaic custom of national synods to the Mesopotamian priesthoods?
9. ITTL, Caesarion seems to be attempting to revive the Akkadian language, which IOTL died out, in part, due to the difficulty of learning cuneiform. One remedy to this might be the introduction of the Greek alphabet. IOTL this happened Hellenistic Babylon, but the effort died out. Official interest could change matters, however. This also occurred, much more successfully, for Bactrian. The Babylonians could adopt a system similar to Ptolemaic Egypt, with cuneiform being used as the priestly language, instead of hieroglyphics, Greek for the citizens of the poleis, and Graeco-Babylonian, in the place of Demotic. Also, has the arrival of a mass of Celtic settlers in one of the last bastions of Akkadian had any effects linguistically? One rarely hears of East Semitic languages with Celtic loanwords.
10. How shall the Kingdom of Babylonia develop? I imagine that, as it has parity with Egypt in terms of wealth, is ruled over by a cadet Ptolemaic branch, is located far away from the geographical core of the Empire, and is connected by marriage, and blood, to both contenders for the title of King of Kings it shall be very easy for Philip to break off once he comes of age, during one of the inevitable civil wars. Should the Caesarian house be deposed, he might even be able to detach Roman forces in the area, due to his relation to Caesarion, and his (presumably current, or imminent) citizenship.
11. How many tyrants do the Romans employ to govern cities upon their behalf? So far we have heard of tyrannies in Sparta, and Syracuse, Athenodorus the Stoic of Tarsus, and the Mithridatid city of Cius. Also, how are tyrants viewed as marriage prospects for royal houses with many princesses?
12. What type of ruler is Arsaces XXVII Tryphon Theopator Dikaios? Is he involved in the governance of his realm, or is he just a proxy through whom the magi rule? If the former, should he win the civil war, would he be likely to follow in his brother’s footsteps, and seek to be recognised by the magi as Ahura Mazda/Zeus Stratios incarnate?
13. Do you have any plans for the development of Zoroastrianism? IOTL, after Alexander’s conquest, Zoroastrianism underwent a period of great change, becoming more insular and in its rituals more formalised. The renewal of Hellenic dominance, this time under an interested sovereign, who might be acclaimed as Zeus Stratios incarnate, could have interesting effects upon its development. The ban of the depiction of deities may also be alterable, as prior to the collapse of the Achaemenid Empire, statues of Mithras had been constructed.
14. Shall the Herodian dynasty, and the Royal House of Adiabene, intermarry at all?
15. Where have the various kingdoms which have had their capitals made into coloniae moved their courts to? I don’t know much about colonia status, but I would presume that the cities are now governed directly by Rome.
16. What is the role of the restored Seleucids in Caesarion’s empire? They seem to act as quasi-Kings of Antioch, as well as King of Cilicia, and now serve as intermediaries between the city, and her new imperial sovereign. The geographical proximity of Cilicia to Antioch leads me to suspect that the Seleucids shan’t be elevated beyond their test-kingdom.
17. How many temple states are there in Asia Minor, and how are their rulers viewed in comparison to the rulers of tyrannies, tetrarchies and kingdoms? Also, as Comana has been elevated to a kingdom for Antony Alexas, shall this set a precedent, and allow other temple states, such as Olba to have their rulers granted the diadem?
1. Is Mithridates III of Commagene still viewed as the heir of the Seleucids, in light of both Caesarion’s appropriation of their heritage, and the elevation of the last of the Seleucids to an (admittedly minor) throne?
2. Have you given any thought to having Caesarion restore the Hellenic League? IOTL, Hadrian would go on to do so, although the attempt didn’t outlast him. Also, if Caesarion were to have Isodorus elected strategos, he would be, in effect, granted a client kingdom without the stigma of kingship. During the Wars of the Diadochi, I think that the League was able to field 30,000 men (my books are in storage, so I can’t verify this), and Caesarion does seem to want to provide Isodorus with his own, independent, powerbase. This would fit with traditional Ptolemaic policy as well, as the Ptolemies made great use of the Cycladic League as their proxy in the Aegean. Also, this would give Caesarion an opportunity to introduce Isodorus to the Council of Asia, via nominating him the legate for Greece.
3. Apart from via warfare, how are new priests and priestesses of Roma, and Jupiter Julius consecrated? Do the children of the current priests inherit their position from their parents, leading to the creation of a priestly caste? Or, alternatively, do the reigning client-kings donate spare princes, princesses, and widowed queens? This would make the maintenance of royal vassals vital to the proper upkeep of Roma, and Jupiter, institutionalising their continued survival.
4. What is the status of Babylon in Philip’s kingdom? Does it serve as a religious and cultural capital for the natives, where the kings are crowned, akin to Memphis in Egypt, whilst the court resides in Seleucia-upon-the-Tigris, or is it the royal seat as well?
5. Have the heirs of Tarcondimotus I Philantonius of Anazarba been restored to their father’s throne by Caesarion?
6. What has become of Julion? Shall he be despatched to Alexandria, and married to Berenice V, replacing the murdered Serapion? I’d imagine that his mother, as a former queen-regnant of Parthia, would be suitably royal.
7. What was the fate of Ptolemy Philopator, husband of Salampsio? Shall he be restored to his father’s throne upon Cyprus, or just remain a high-ranking Greek noble?
8. Has Philip of Babylonia’s regency, which I presume includes some Egyptian officials, introduced the Ptolemaic custom of national synods to the Mesopotamian priesthoods?
9. ITTL, Caesarion seems to be attempting to revive the Akkadian language, which IOTL died out, in part, due to the difficulty of learning cuneiform. One remedy to this might be the introduction of the Greek alphabet. IOTL this happened Hellenistic Babylon, but the effort died out. Official interest could change matters, however. This also occurred, much more successfully, for Bactrian. The Babylonians could adopt a system similar to Ptolemaic Egypt, with cuneiform being used as the priestly language, instead of hieroglyphics, Greek for the citizens of the poleis, and Graeco-Babylonian, in the place of Demotic. Also, has the arrival of a mass of Celtic settlers in one of the last bastions of Akkadian had any effects linguistically? One rarely hears of East Semitic languages with Celtic loanwords.
10. How shall the Kingdom of Babylonia develop? I imagine that, as it has parity with Egypt in terms of wealth, is ruled over by a cadet Ptolemaic branch, is located far away from the geographical core of the Empire, and is connected by marriage, and blood, to both contenders for the title of King of Kings it shall be very easy for Philip to break off once he comes of age, during one of the inevitable civil wars. Should the Caesarian house be deposed, he might even be able to detach Roman forces in the area, due to his relation to Caesarion, and his (presumably current, or imminent) citizenship.
11. How many tyrants do the Romans employ to govern cities upon their behalf? So far we have heard of tyrannies in Sparta, and Syracuse, Athenodorus the Stoic of Tarsus, and the Mithridatid city of Cius. Also, how are tyrants viewed as marriage prospects for royal houses with many princesses?
12. What type of ruler is Arsaces XXVII Tryphon Theopator Dikaios? Is he involved in the governance of his realm, or is he just a proxy through whom the magi rule? If the former, should he win the civil war, would he be likely to follow in his brother’s footsteps, and seek to be recognised by the magi as Ahura Mazda/Zeus Stratios incarnate?
13. Do you have any plans for the development of Zoroastrianism? IOTL, after Alexander’s conquest, Zoroastrianism underwent a period of great change, becoming more insular and in its rituals more formalised. The renewal of Hellenic dominance, this time under an interested sovereign, who might be acclaimed as Zeus Stratios incarnate, could have interesting effects upon its development. The ban of the depiction of deities may also be alterable, as prior to the collapse of the Achaemenid Empire, statues of Mithras had been constructed.
14. Shall the Herodian dynasty, and the Royal House of Adiabene, intermarry at all?
15. Where have the various kingdoms which have had their capitals made into coloniae moved their courts to? I don’t know much about colonia status, but I would presume that the cities are now governed directly by Rome.
16. What is the role of the restored Seleucids in Caesarion’s empire? They seem to act as quasi-Kings of Antioch, as well as King of Cilicia, and now serve as intermediaries between the city, and her new imperial sovereign. The geographical proximity of Cilicia to Antioch leads me to suspect that the Seleucids shan’t be elevated beyond their test-kingdom.
17. How many temple states are there in Asia Minor, and how are their rulers viewed in comparison to the rulers of tyrannies, tetrarchies and kingdoms? Also, as Comana has been elevated to a kingdom for Antony Alexas, shall this set a precedent, and allow other temple states, such as Olba to have their rulers granted the diadem?
Thanks guys! And yep. The Ptolemies held on firmly to their Macedonian identity, but adopted Egyptian costume and traditions as and when it suited them. The Romans likewise seem particularly susceptible to falling prone to the temptations of Greece and the Hellenistic east. He's a mix and continuation of that tradition.
Very cool update. So unlike his ancestor Alexander, Caesarion is looking ahead. Also very cool and informative with the Sed festival. It seems to be similar to the Jubilees held by British monarchs today. So is that a Ptolemaic invention or is it from ancient Egypt? I love how Caesarion changes depending on where he is. He seems truly cosmopolitan. How will these ceremonies be received back in Rome and by the Romans in his entourage? I know U mentioned that having his son circumcised (its weird how seriously the ancients took their dicks in that regard
Thank you. It's actually a very ancient festival - from the 1st dynasty Pharaoh Den (c.2975–2935BC) to Amenhotep III down to Hatshepsut, the Libyan kings and the Ptolemies, Ptolemy VIII etc.
Circumcision was badly seen by the Romans. Participation in foreign cults and rituals was quite common, however; Romans participated quite actively in the cults of various foreign gods, mystery religions, festivals, etc. There would be no solid reason to object to Caesarion worshiping Horus (Egyptian form of Apollo/Helios) and Sechat-Hor (Hathor, Egyptian version of Aphrodite/Venus) or participating in local rituals to their honor.
I can foresee problems arising if he were to 'abandon' Rome to live and rule exclusively in the East á la Mark Antony.
Thanks! And..well, more after the break
On a personal level I imagine he would consider himself first and foremost Macedonian, yet ever aware of his identity (and destiny and birthright) as the son of the great Caesar. During his adolescence his education probably wasn't too different to the average Roman boy - Mark Antony and his officers were often around, and Antyllus was his companion. The Ptolemies, not even Cleopatra, considered themselves Egyptian - to the very end there was a clear distinction between Macedonians and the natives, though assimilation and intermarriage no doubt occurred. At the same time the meaning of what it is to be 'Roman' or a citizen of Rome is changing; from city state to a continent-spanning empire ruling over many people, where only some possess the elusive status of citizen (and even more elusive, as in Caesarion's case, of senator and patrician). While some Romans might be weary of him as foreign-born and half-breed, I imagine he himself would also see Rome as an integral part of his identity and destiny.
Thank you! I've been waiting for a post like this, amazing
Here we go:As ruler of the East Caesarion has appropriated and perpetuates the Seleucid legacy, in his own way, just as Alexander and the Seleucids appropriated and perpetuated the pre-existing forms and Imperial paraphernalia of the eastern King of Kings. In that sense only Caesarion can claim being 'the' Seleucid heir in almost all of their former kingdom. On the other hand, Mithridates' marriage to Kleopatra Selene placed him right next to Caesarion dynastically, co-opting him into the Imperial clan and clearly stating his dynastic identity and value. In that sense he is actively included in Caesarion's appropriation of that heritage, which he himself can play out more fully within his own (rather small) kingdom and through civic benefaction elsewhere.
Interesting stuff, definitely something for me to consider and research. During this latest trip east Caesarion resurrected and/or reorganized the Amphictyonic League, the Thessalian Confederacy, the Panachaean League and the Laconian League. A panhellenic league certainly wouldn't be out of place should the moment ever warrant it. Most importantly the current president of the Council of Asia right now is Titus Pomponius Atticus, Isidorus' grandfather
Some of their children definitely will follow in their footsteps, but it won't be an obligatory thing. Already some of the kings consecrated have returned home, where they serve as heads of the provincial cults. OTL local nobles held priesthoods of Roma, Caesar, etc, as marks of personal Imperial/Roman favour and their own high status in their local communities; that's still the case. Kings, princes and magistrates besides the ones defeated and carried to Rome will also set up and supervise local cults of Roma, Jupiter Julius, Caesarion etc. I like the idea of royal princes being donated or consecrated to lifelong service of Roma, especially since such wouldn't prevent them from carrying out other duties or roles, and historically foreign princes were often raised in Rome.
It's the royal seat as well. Seleucia is still the greatest city and the King no doubt spends significant time there, but Babylon is being progressively rebuilt and repopulated with foreigners - Romans, Galo-Graecians and even some Nubian slaves.
Where I've overlooked or skipped things I tend to assume things progress as OTL unless it would be contradictory to anything I've explicitly stated. Tarcondimotus' son seems to have lost the royal title when Octavian reorganized the East but continued in his role as dynast. For now we can assume one of Tarcondimotus' family is still ruling as dynast until further notice (ie, next post dealing with that area).
He's definitely sufficiently royal enough. That said, he's still very young - Caesarion's only just started advancing his eldest legitimates. It'll be a few years before his career path is determined for him, though I'd venture that the age difference will make it unlikely for him to be elevated alongside Berenice anytime soon.
He was handed over to Caesarion and placed in the Imperial household, alongside Caesarion's children and other notables. An independent Cyprus won't be happening, and his lineage makes him a potential rival or trump card, depending on who's in power. Salampsio's remarried back into her father's family.
As of right now Philip is just a figurehead while Roman magistrates handle the actual administration of his kingdom. The biggest cultural/religious influence besides Rome will be Parthia.
Interesting and definitely plausible. I imagine the Gallo-Graecians will be prone to absorption in the melting pot that is Caesarian Babylon, though not without leaving their mark. An Akkadian language with Celtic, Latin and Kushite loan-words sounds like a linguist's ultimate fantasy. Not forgetting young Philip himself is half-Thracian. At this point there are as many (or rather, as few) Egyptians in Babylon as anywhere else in the Empire - Caesarion's government hasn't benefited his pseudo-countrymen in any meaningful way.
Given the distance from Rome and it's strategic location, it is indeed a prime candidate for attempts at independence or defection to Parthia. I won't say much more as posts focusing on the East are upcoming.
Intermarriage between tyrants and royalty is no problemo - after all, a good number of the client kings by this point are drawn from non-royals appointed to power by Mark Antony and others. OTL and ITTL they intermarried amongst themselves and the descendants of the Seleucid and Pontic dynasties. Almost every city will have a local notable who acts as a go-between with Roman patrons, governor, Senate, Emperor, &c; the line between euergetes and tyrant can be a thin one, especially one this kind of influence becomes institutionalized (often through holding public office and overseeing the Imperial cult) and hereditary in a single family.
He's still a young king at this point, so liable to others' influence. As he acts in opposition to the innovation-prone megalomaniac Alexander Helios, he'll draw on traditional Zoroastrian values and piety. That said, he isn't foregoing his Hellenistic background altogether, as evidenced by his sobriquets and the recognition of his own father's divinity (Theopator).
I do indeed. It's development will depend primarily on who comes out on top in this civil war, as Arsakes and Alexander Helios are both pulling in very different directions and both have the potential to influence the religion's development in a major way. Given Parthia's weaker position ITTL, Indo-Bactrian and Greco-Roman influence on culture, religion and royal practice will be greater than OTL.
Certainly possible.
The client kings act as local intermediaries for Roman rule. Military matters, for example, are almost exclusively in Roman hands. Imperial procurators oversee the King's every move and act as Caesarion's ears, eyes and mouthpieces in every court.
Autonomous cities were often integrated in larger Hellenistic states, controlled through personal influence and benefaction which was reciprocated through magistracies and honors for the dynasts and royal circle. Alexandria Charax (Characene), Arbela (Adiabene) and Tigranocerta (Armenia) can still serve as royal seats of power while still nominally holding colonia status.
Philip Fortunatus was given a prominent role in Caesarion's entry to Antioch, in a move recognizing his position as son of the last 'native' King as well as his subjugation to and recognition of Caesarion as his superior and liege-lord. Besides that he's spent most of his life in Cilicia and then in Caesarion's service at the head of the so-called Antiochene Guard. Between his demesne in Rough Cilicia and Antioch you have the rest of Smooth Cilicia as a sort of buffer. So long as he and his continue to tread the line they can look forward to benefit yet further from Imperial patronage.
A number of high priests wielded secular power as dynasts/toparchs and on occassion with royal rank. Lycomedes of Comana, Antony Alexas' grandfather, had the royal title, for example. 'Basileus' often had more to do with rank than with the amount/extent of power wielded - the title itself generally wasn't connected to a specified geographic area or place. Native princes often ruled as dynasts until they married into a recognized royal house, notably the Seleucids, and thus obtained royal status. I have no idea how many temple states there were, though Comana and Pessinus seem to be the only ones of any significant note. Ultimately all it takes for the toparkos-megas archiereus of Olba (or anyone else) to don a diadem is Imperial good will
I was going to post this yesterday but forgot. Happy late one year anniversary of ur TL. After reading threw ur answers to Samoht's questions I had a few of my own:
1. What is the current status of both Parthia/Persia and Alexandros Helios? I know Parthia itself it ruled by one of Ceasarion's half brothers and Alexandros was returned to his wife, but has anything changed since then?
2. Is the Hellenic league the same thing as the League or Corinth that Philip II and Alexander the Great created?
3. Since U said Caesarion considers himself Macedonian above all else, is there going to me any meaningful changes in the province of Macedon itself? By that I mean new cities being built/ old one's repaired, special status's being granted to the region or even reviving the old Macedonian Kingdom, perhaps for Isidorus?
4. What are Berenice and Julions ages? I assume Berenice is somewhere between 6 and 10 but what about Julion?
5. U mentioned the status of the last of the Seleucids but are there any Scions of the Antigonid dynasty left? I know they were overthrown about a century and a half before the POD but are there any male line descendents left?
6. U mentioned a Rhine Canal a while back, so was work on it started yet or no?
7. Any chance we can get a map of the whole Empire, like including what are provinces and what are Client states in the next update? It would be really helpful.
. After reading threw ur answers to Samoht's questions I had a few of my own:1. What is the current status of both Parthia/Persia and Alexandros Helios? I know Parthia itself it ruled by one of Ceasarion's half brothers and Alexandros was returned to his wife, but has anything changed since then?
2. Is the Hellenic league the same thing as the League or Corinth that Philip II and Alexander the Great created?
3. Since U said Caesarion considers himself Macedonian above all else, is there going to me any meaningful changes in the province of Macedon itself? By that I mean new cities being built/ old one's repaired, special status's being granted to the region or even reviving the old Macedonian Kingdom, perhaps for Isidorus?
4. What are Berenice and Julions ages? I assume Berenice is somewhere between 6 and 10 but what about Julion?
5. U mentioned the status of the last of the Seleucids but are there any Scions of the Antigonid dynasty left? I know they were overthrown about a century and a half before the POD but are there any male line descendents left?
6. U mentioned a Rhine Canal a while back, so was work on it started yet or no?
7. Any chance we can get a map of the whole Empire, like including what are provinces and what are Client states in the next update? It would be really helpful.
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Thanks for the detailed response.
Sorry if I was unclear at all, but when I say Egyptians, I tend to mean the Macedonian ruling class. In general, has the Ptolemaic tradition of synods spread at all, as I find the co-optation of the native priesthood by the Ptolemies to be one of their most interesting facets?
In regards to the Hellenic League, whilst a few centuries off of the period your TL concerns, Antigonos the One-eyed: And the Creation of the Hellenistic State deals with the Antigonid League very well, and, via comparison, provides information about the League of Corinth. It also covers Cycladic, and Ionian Leagues, allowing one to compare the more unitary nature of the Cycladic League, to the more confederal constitution of the Antigonid Hellenic League, which was still more united than the Argead Hellenic League.
Sorry if I was unclear at all, but when I say Egyptians, I tend to mean the Macedonian ruling class. In general, has the Ptolemaic tradition of synods spread at all, as I find the co-optation of the native priesthood by the Ptolemies to be one of their most interesting facets?
In regards to the Hellenic League, whilst a few centuries off of the period your TL concerns, Antigonos the One-eyed: And the Creation of the Hellenistic State deals with the Antigonid League very well, and, via comparison, provides information about the League of Corinth. It also covers Cycladic, and Ionian Leagues, allowing one to compare the more unitary nature of the Cycladic League, to the more confederal constitution of the Antigonid Hellenic League, which was still more united than the Argead Hellenic League.
I was going to post this yesterday but forgot. Happy late one year anniversary of ur TL
1. What is the current status of both Parthia/Persia and Alexandros Helios? I know Parthia itself it ruled by one of Ceasarion's half brothers and Alexandros was returned to his wife, but has anything changed since then?
2. Is the Hellenic league the same thing as the League or Corinth that Philip II and Alexander the Great created?
3. Since U said Caesarion considers himself Macedonian above all else, is there going to me any meaningful changes in the province of Macedon itself? By that I mean new cities being built/ old one's repaired, special status's being granted to the region or even reviving the old Macedonian Kingdom, perhaps for Isidorus?
4. What are Berenice and Julions ages? I assume Berenice is somewhere between 6 and 10 but what about Julion?
5. U mentioned the status of the last of the Seleucids but are there any Scions of the Antigonid dynasty left? I know they were overthrown about a century and a half before the POD but are there any male line descendents left?
6. U mentioned a Rhine Canal a while back, so was work on it started yet or no?
7. Any chance we can get a map of the whole Empire, like including what are provinces and what are Client states in the next update? It would be really helpful.
Thank you
1. Yes it has. Next post will cover the few years since then. Alexander Helios holds Media Magna and Arsakes rules a diminished Parthia, hassled on all sides.
2. I believe Hadrian's Panhellenion was inspired and modeled on the League of Corinth, though separated by a good few hundred years.
3. Hmm...Interesting idea but ultimately I think not. There's no profit in restoring an independent Macedonian kingdom. Strategically Syria, Egypt and Asia Minor are more vital to Imperial success (or any proto-Byzantine administration) than Macedon. Religious and civic benefaction is more likely, though the creation of new cities seems to happen more frequently in newly conquered and more "foreign" territory in need of a stronger Roman presence.
4. Berenike is born in 16BC, Julion was born 13BC. Not as big a difference as I had supposed, though Julion is still too young to factor significantly in Imperial politics - especially with Tiberius, Tiberius' sons, Isidorus, Gaius, Aurelius, Herakles of Nabatea and Philip of Babylon all in line ahead of him.
5. It's possible that one (or more) of the Seleucid queens whose names aren't known was a later Antigonid princess, as traditionally Antigonid names pop up among the later Seleucids. Besides that the prince Alexander was raised in Rome and became a public notary, which I think would imply a grand of citizenship, before disappearing in the historical record. I imagine if any later notables were descended from him it would have been mentioned by some historian or other. It's possible that he left male-line descendants but I'm not sure if it would feel ASBish to resurrect them and retroactively fill out the family tree.
6. No. Tiberius is returning west as we speak, so Germania will be under greater heat now.
7. Yes, I'll see what I can do asap
You're welcome! Anything else you want to know I'm always here.
Caesarion has definitely pursued a policy of cooperation with native elites, a mixture of OTL Roman strategy and Ptolemaic savvy. I need to read up on Ptolemaic synods as I know nothing of them, but co-opting of native cults and priesthoods is a certainty
Is that a book? Interesting stuff, I'll see if I can get my hands on a copy. No research is ever too much