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Introduction to Bernice

Bernice, born around 28 C.E., stands as a prominent figure in the intersection of Jewish royalty and Roman politics during the first century C.E. As the daughter of Herod Agrippa I and sister to Herod Agrippa II, her life reflects the complexities and intrigues of the Herodian dynasty. Her story, detailed in both biblical and historical accounts, provides insight into the dynamics of power, religion, and diplomacy in the Roman Empire.

Schematic family tree showing Berenice in the Herodian Dynasty and her appearance in the New Testament.

Bernice’s Marital Alliances

Bernice’s early marriage to Marcus, son of Alexander Lysimachus, set the stage for her subsequent entanglements in both familial and political spheres. Following Marcus’s death, she married her uncle, Herod of Chalcis, with whom she had two sons, Bernicianus and Hyrcanus, before his death in 48 C.E. Her relationship with her brother Agrippa II, marked by rumors of incest, led her to marry Polemo, king of Cilicia, though she soon left him, returning to live with Agrippa II. This pattern of marriages and alliances underscores Bernice’s significant role in the political and social landscapes of her time.

Bernice in the Biblical Narrative

The Acts of the Apostles records Bernice’s presence alongside Agrippa II during the apostle Paul’s defense before Festus in Caesarea (Acts 25:13, 23; 26:1-30). This event highlights Bernice’s involvement in the judicial and religious affairs of Judea, as well as her and her brother’s engagement with the early Christian community.

Bernice—A Historical Figure Bridging Jewish and Roman Worlds

Bernice’s Political Actions

Bernice’s actions during times of conflict reveal her political acumen and courage. In 66 C.E., she attempted to mediate with Gessius Florus to prevent violence against the Jews in Jerusalem, a testament to her concern for her people despite the precariousness of her position between Jewish and Roman interests. Later, she and Agrippa II demonstrated their allegiance to Rome by swearing an oath to Emperor Vespasian, navigating the turbulent waters of loyalty and survival during the Jewish-Roman wars.

Bernice and the Roman Elite

Bernice’s relationship with Titus, Vespasian’s son, further entwined her with the Roman imperial family. Though she moved to Rome and became Titus’s companion, their relationship faced opposition from the Roman populace, highlighting the challenges of her Jewish heritage in the Roman world. Despite their close connection, Titus eventually severed their relationship, reflecting the limits of Bernice’s influence within the Roman elite.

The Roman historian Tacitus comments:

Presently Agrippa, summoned from Rome by private messages from his friends … quickly crossed the sea and joined the cause [i.e., the Roman cause]. Queen Berenice showed equal spirit in helping Vespasian’s party: she had great youthful beauty, and commended herself to Vespasian for all his years by the splendid gifts she made him. (Histories 2.81)

The Roman Suetonius writes,

(Titus) … nursed a notorious passion for Queen Berenice, to whom he had promised marriage.… He sent Queen Berenice away from Rome, which was painful for both of them. (The Twelve Caesars 11.7)

Bernice’s Role During the Jewish-Roman Wars and Her Affair with Titus

Turbulent Times in Judea

The appointment of Gessius Florus as procurator by Emperor Nero in 64 C.E. marked the beginning of an exceptionally oppressive period for the Jews in Judea. Discrimination in favor of the Greek population and the plundering of the Temple’s treasury by Florus under the pretext of collecting imperial taxes escalated tensions, leading to civil unrest and the crucifixion of riot instigators by Roman forces. Bernice, deeply troubled by the harsh treatment of her people, made a bold move to Jerusalem in 66 C.E., hoping to persuade Florus to show mercy towards the Jews. Despite her efforts, Florus remained unyielding, and Bernice narrowly escaped harm during the ensuing conflicts. Her appeal for help to Cestius Gallus, the legate of Syria, similarly fell on deaf ears.

The Herodian Efforts for Peace

In a bid to quell the violence, Agrippa II, accompanied by Bernice, addressed the people of Jerusalem, making a heartfelt plea for peace. However, their efforts were in vain as insurgents set fire to their palaces, prompting the siblings to flee to Galilee and eventually surrender to the Romans. Meanwhile, the Roman response, led by Cestius Gallus with the Twelfth Legion, failed to restore order, culminating in a Roman defeat at the battle of Beth-Horon and a forced retreat from Jerusalem.

Bernice and Titus: A Love Amidst War

During this period of conflict, Bernice’s path crossed with that of Titus, Vespasian’s son, who had arrived in Judea with significant Roman forces. Their ensuing love affair, despite the eleven-year age gap, saw Bernice standing by the Flavians throughout the tumultuous Year of the Four Emperors. Bernice leveraged her considerable resources and influence in support of Vespasian’s bid for the imperial throne, a campaign that ultimately succeeded. The Jewish War concluded in 70 C.E. with the fall of Jerusalem and the destruction of the Second Temple, leading to immense loss of life and the capture of thousands.

Bernice in Rome: Power, Opposition, and Departure

Bernice’s arrival in Rome with Agrippa II in 75 C.E. reunited her with Titus. Despite opposition from influential Roman figures and the general populace, who viewed her as an unwelcome foreigner, Bernice

lived with Titus, assuming a role akin to that of an empress. Her influence and power reached their zenith during this time, as evidenced by anecdotes such as Quintilian’s astonishment at her presiding over a legal case he was involved in. However, the negative public sentiment towards Bernice forced Titus to send her away.

The End of Bernice’s Story

Upon Titus’s accession as emperor in 79 C.E., Bernice briefly returned to Rome, only to be dismissed again as Titus sought to mend his reputation among the Roman people. Titus’s unexpected death in 81 C.E. left Bernice’s fate largely unrecorded, marking the end of her notable presence in the historical and political landscape of the era. With the death of Agrippa II around 92 C.E., the Herodian dynasty’s influence in Judea concluded, leaving the legacy of Bernice as a testament to the complex interplay of love, politics, and power during one of the most tumultuous periods in Jewish-Roman history.

Conclusion: Bernice’s Legacy

Bernice’s life, as recorded by Josephus and the New Testament, illustrates the complexities faced by Jewish royalty under Roman rule. Her marriages, political endeavors, and involvement in significant historical events demonstrate her navigation of the intersecting worlds of Jewish tradition and Roman authority. Bernice remains a figure of interest for her unique position at the crossroads of history, embodying the tensions and alliances that characterized the first century C.E. Her story enriches our understanding of the era’s political, social, and religious intricacies, making her a fascinating subject of study for both biblical scholars and historians.

About the Author

EDWARD D. ANDREWS (AS in Criminal Justice, BS in Religion, MA in Biblical Studies, and MDiv in Theology) is the CEO and President of Christian Publishing House. He has authored more than 220 books and is the Chief Translator of the Updated American Standard Version (UASV).