EPISODE · Feb 14, 2026 · 12 MIN
Episode 21: Lucius Vitellius orders Pilate to Rome; Death of Tiberius
from The First Century · host brianschmisek
After one too many provocations, the new Roman governor of Syria orders Pontius Pilate to Rome for a meeting with the emperor. But before he arrives, Tiberius dies at the age of 77. SHOWNOTES The only account of the 'shields incident' appears within Agrippa’s letter to Gaius Caligula as presented by Philo, Embassy 38:299-305. The episode between Pilate and the Samaritans, and Pilate's being ordered to Rome is related by Josephus (Ant. 18.85-89). The story of Gnaeus Domitius Ahenobarbus being accused in the Senate of treason, and acts of adultery and incest with his sister Lepida is from Suetonius (Nero, 5). The last days of Tiberius are told by Suetonius (Tib, 72-73, 75) and Tacitus (Ann. 6.50-51). The story of Herod Agrippa and his jailer is based on Josephus (Ant. 18.225-234).
What this episode covers
After one too many provocations, the new Roman governor of Syria orders Pontius Pilate to Rome for a meeting with the emperor. But before he arrives, Tiberius dies at the age of 77. SHOWNOTES The only account of the 'shields incident' appears within Agrippa’s letter to Gaius Caligula as presented by Philo, Embassy 38:299-305. The episode between Pilate and the Samaritans, and Pilate's being ordered to Rome is related by Josephus (Ant. 18.85-89). The story of Gnaeus Domitius Ahenobarbus being accused in the Senate of treason, and acts of adultery and incest with his sister Lepida is from Suetonius (Nero, 5). The last days of Tiberius are told by Suetonius (Tib, 72-73, 75) and Tacitus (Ann. 6.50-51). The story of Herod Agrippa and his jailer is based on Josephus (Ant. 18.225-234).
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Episode 21: Lucius Vitellius orders Pilate to Rome; Death of Tiberius
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