Antium

by Wayne Blank

Anzio, from the Latin Antium, is an ancient Roman town (see Ancient Empires - Rome) on the west coast of Italy, on the Tyrrhenian Sea, just south of Rome (see map below). Although not specifically mentioned by name in The Bible, it was the place where the first Roman emperor, Augustus (who is best known to Bible History for his ordering the census that resulted in Jesus Christ being born in Bethlehem), was proclaimed the "father of the Roman nation," and it was the birthplace of at least two other of the Caesars, Caligula and Nero (see New Testament Roman Emperors). In more recent history, during the Second World War, Anzio was the scene of a major battle in 1944 between the German army (the connection between Germany and "Rome" is very ancient, and as Prophecy reveals, also very modern, i.e. see Hermann) and a large Allied paratrooper and seaborne invasion force of American, British and Canadian commandos who ultimately marched into Rome itself a few months later.

Caesar Augustus, who was proclaimed the "father of the Roman nation" at Antium, is best-known for ordering what may be the most famous census ever done:

"And it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus, that all the world should be taxed. And this taxing was first made when Cyrenius was governor of Syria."
"And all went to be taxed, every one into his own city. And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judea, unto the city of David, which is called Bethlehem; because he was of the house and lineage of David: To be taxed with Mary his espoused wife, being great with child."
"And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered. And she brought forth her firstborn [see Mary's Other Children?] son, and wrapped Him in swaddling clothes, and laid Him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the Inn." (Luke 2:1-7 KJV)

Emperor Nero, who was born in Anzio, is not mentioned specifically by name in the Scriptures, but during the time of the New Testament he horribly persecuted Christians and Jews who refused to worship the "divine" Emperor. Paul (see On The Road To Damascus) and Peter, and many thousands of others were martyred during his reign.

Fact Finder: Which of the Roman emperors reigned at the time of the Crucifixion of Jesus Christ?
See Tiberius

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