Roman History in Sibylline Oracle 13: A Palestinian Jewish Perspective on Emperors, Usurpers, and Saviors During the Third Century CE (Part Two: From Decius to Odenath of Palmyra)

Sibylline Oracle 13 is a remarkable historical document that contains a unique perspective on the poorly documented period of Roman history known as the “Crisis of the Third Century (235-284 CE), which began with the assassination of the Roman emperor Severus Alexander (222-235 CE), the last ruler of the Severan dynasty. This turbulent era was marked by nearly fifty years of civil wars, barbarian invasions, rebellions, and approximately twenty-six claimants to the throne. Although the end of this turmoil under Diocletian (284-305 CE) is well known, we have little information about much of this century, particularly its first decades. The beginning of this age caused many dangers for those living in the Roman Empire as its Eastern portions witnessed frequent depredations by Franks, Alamanni, Goths, and particularly the Persians. The Thirteenth Sibylline Oracle reveals how those living in the Middle East, who increasingly felt trapped and helpless during this chaotic period, abandoned their loyalty to the Roman Empire and came to believe that only local figures, whose arrival the Sibyl had foreseen, could save them.