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You are probably referring to the Census of Quirinius which was held during the reign of Augustus.

In 4 BC, on the death of Herod the Great who had ruled the client kingdom of Judea (which covered a territory which was much larger that Judea) was divided among his three sons. Herod Aechelaus became ethanrch of one of these states, Judaea (biblical Judah) Samaria and Idumaea (biblical Edom). His rule was so bad that Augustus deposed him after a petition form his people against him in 6 AD. Augustus merged Juadea, Samaria and Idumaea into the Roman province of Judaea. It was a satellite of the larger Roman province of Syria and was governed by a prefect, an official who was a subordinate of the governor of Syria. The other states remained client kingdoms.

When Publius Sulpicius Quirinius was appointed governor of Syria and Coponius became prefect of Judaea to enforce Roman direct rule in 6/7 AD, to hold a census. This was more than a count of the population. It was an enrolment for taxation purposes. The head of the family had to provide his name, age and relationship to him of the household and details of their property, and anyone who lived on it, including employees, lodgers and slaves.

A passage in the gospel of Luke says that people had to go to their towns of origins to register and that this was why Jesus, a Galilean, was born in Bethlehem, in Judea. Joseph and Mary had to travel from Nazareth to Bethlehem because Joseph was a descendant of "the house and family of David". However, this doubted by biblical scholars. It would place the birth of Jesus at a later date than that given in the Gospel of Matthew and in another passage in this same gospel which say that Jesus was born during the reign of Herod the Great, who died ten years earlier. Moreover, there is no historical mention of a Roman census which covered the entire population. They concerned only Roman citizens. In addition to this, Roman censuses did not require people going back to their places of origin. It was the census takers who travelled to people, not the other way round. Finally, Galilee was not part of the Roman province of Judaea and remained the client kingdom of Galilee and Perea.

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Q: Why travel to home town for census during Caesar Augustus rule?
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Was Caesar a Christian?

Caesar Augustus, the first emperor in the ancient Roman Empire, issued an order which fulfilled a biblical prophecy made 600 years before he was born.The prophet Micah had foretold that the Messiah would be born in the tiny village of Bethlehem:"But you, Bethlehem Ephrathah, though you are small among the clans of Judah, out of you will come for me one who will be ruler over Israel, whose origins are from of old, from ancient times.'" (Micah 5:2, NIV)The Gospel of Luke tells us that Caesar Augustus ordered a census taken of the entire Roman world, possibly for tax purposes. Palestine was part of that world, so Joseph, earthly father of Jesus Christ, took his pregnant wife Mary to Bethlehem to register. Joseph was from the house and line of David, who had lived in Bethlehem.Historians agree that Caesar Augustus was one of the most successful Roman emperors. Born in 63 B.C., he reigned as emperor for 45 years, until his death in A.D. 14. He was the grand nephew and adopted son of Julius Caesar and used the popularity of his great uncle's name to rally the army behind him.Caesar Augustus brought peace and prosperity to the Roman empire. Its many provinces were governed with a heavy hand, yet with some local autonomy. In Israel, the Jews were allowed to maintain their religion and culture. While rulers like Caesar Augustus and Herod Antipas were essentially figureheads, the Sanhedrin, or national council, still held power over many aspects of daily life.Ironically, the peace and order established by Augustus and maintained by his successors helped in the spread of Christianity. The extensive network of Roman roads made travel easier. The Apostle Paul carried his missionary work westward over those roads. Both he and the Apostle Peter were executed in Rome, but not before they had spread the gospel there, causing the message to fan out on Roman roads to the rest of the ancient world.Caesar Augustus' Accomplishments:Caesar Augustus brought organization, order, and stability to the Roman world. His establishment of a professional army ensured that insurrections were put down quickly. He changed the way governors were appointed in the provinces, which reduced greed and extortion. He launched a major building program, and in Rome, paid for many projects from his own personal wealth. He also encouraged art, literature, and philosophy. Caesar Augustus' Strengths:He was a daring leader who knew how to influence people. His reign was marked by innovation, yet he retained enough traditions to keep the populace satisfied. He was generous and left much of his estate to soldiers in the army. To the extent possible in such a system, Caesar Augustus was a benevolent dictator. Caesar Augustus' WeaknessesCaesar Augustus worshiped the pagan Roman gods, but even worse, he allowed himself to be worshiped as a living god. Although the government he set up gave conquered provinces like Israel some local control, it was far from democratic. Rome could be brutal in enforcing its laws. The Romans did not invent crucifixion, but they used it extensively to terrorize their subjects. Life Lessons:Ambition, when directed toward worthwhile goals, can accomplish much. However, it is important to keep our ego in check. When we are placed in a position of authority, we have a duty to treat others with respect and fairness. As Christians, we are also called to observe the Golden Rule: "Do to others as you would have them do to you." (Luke 6:31, NIV)Hometown:Rome. Referenced in the Bible:Luke 2:1. Occupation:Military commander, Roman emperor. Family Tree:Father - Gaius Octavius Mother - AtriaGrand Uncle - Julius Caesar (also adoptive father)Daughter - Julia CaesarisDescendants - Tiberius Julius Caesar (later emperor), Nero Julius Caesar (later emperor), Gaius Julius Caesar (later emperor Caligula), seven others.Key Verse:Luke 2:1In those days Caesar Augustus issued a decree that a census should be taken of the entire Roman world. (NIV)


Who sponsored Julius Caesar's explorations?

Julius Caesar was not an explorer. It is said that he was interested in finding the source of the Nile, but he never tried to travel up the river and never sent out an expedition to explore.Julius Caesar was not an explorer. It is said that he was interested in finding the source of the Nile, but he never tried to travel up the river and never sent out an expedition to explore.Julius Caesar was not an explorer. It is said that he was interested in finding the source of the Nile, but he never tried to travel up the river and never sent out an expedition to explore.Julius Caesar was not an explorer. It is said that he was interested in finding the source of the Nile, but he never tried to travel up the river and never sent out an expedition to explore.Julius Caesar was not an explorer. It is said that he was interested in finding the source of the Nile, but he never tried to travel up the river and never sent out an expedition to explore.Julius Caesar was not an explorer. It is said that he was interested in finding the source of the Nile, but he never tried to travel up the river and never sent out an expedition to explore.Julius Caesar was not an explorer. It is said that he was interested in finding the source of the Nile, but he never tried to travel up the river and never sent out an expedition to explore.Julius Caesar was not an explorer. It is said that he was interested in finding the source of the Nile, but he never tried to travel up the river and never sent out an expedition to explore.Julius Caesar was not an explorer. It is said that he was interested in finding the source of the Nile, but he never tried to travel up the river and never sent out an expedition to explore.


When did Julius Caesar travel to Rhodes?

In 75BC, as it was the same year which he was captured by pirates.


How did the roads keep the roman empire together during the 200 years of the pax romana?

Roads helped keep the empire together during the Pax Romana (and afterwards) by easing travel, trade and communications.Roads helped keep the empire together during the Pax Romana (and afterwards) by easing travel, trade and communications.Roads helped keep the empire together during the Pax Romana (and afterwards) by easing travel, trade and communications.Roads helped keep the empire together during the Pax Romana (and afterwards) by easing travel, trade and communications.Roads helped keep the empire together during the Pax Romana (and afterwards) by easing travel, trade and communications.Roads helped keep the empire together during the Pax Romana (and afterwards) by easing travel, trade and communications.Roads helped keep the empire together during the Pax Romana (and afterwards) by easing travel, trade and communications.Roads helped keep the empire together during the Pax Romana (and afterwards) by easing travel, trade and communications.Roads helped keep the empire together during the Pax Romana (and afterwards) by easing travel, trade and communications.


How did roads keep the roman empire together during the 200 years of the pax romana?

Roads helped keep the empire together during the Pax Romana (and afterwards) by easing travel, trade and communications.Roads helped keep the empire together during the Pax Romana (and afterwards) by easing travel, trade and communications.Roads helped keep the empire together during the Pax Romana (and afterwards) by easing travel, trade and communications.Roads helped keep the empire together during the Pax Romana (and afterwards) by easing travel, trade and communications.Roads helped keep the empire together during the Pax Romana (and afterwards) by easing travel, trade and communications.Roads helped keep the empire together during the Pax Romana (and afterwards) by easing travel, trade and communications.Roads helped keep the empire together during the Pax Romana (and afterwards) by easing travel, trade and communications.Roads helped keep the empire together during the Pax Romana (and afterwards) by easing travel, trade and communications.Roads helped keep the empire together during the Pax Romana (and afterwards) by easing travel, trade and communications.

Related questions

What had Caesar ordered to be taken that required Mary and Joseph to travel to Bethlehem for jesus' birth?

According to Luke's Gospel, Augustus Caesar had ordered a census of all the Roman Empire, for the taxation of its people. If there was such an empire-wide census during the time of Augustus, historians would expect to find mention of it from various sources throughout the empire, but there is nothing known. The author of Matthew's Gospel apparently knew nothing of the census, and the Jewish historian, Josephus, says that the census conducted in the year 6 CE under the Syrian governor Quirinius, was the first Roman census in the eastern Mediterranean area. This census was taken more than ten years after the death of King Herod.


Was Caesar a Christian?

Caesar Augustus, the first emperor in the ancient Roman Empire, issued an order which fulfilled a biblical prophecy made 600 years before he was born.The prophet Micah had foretold that the Messiah would be born in the tiny village of Bethlehem:"But you, Bethlehem Ephrathah, though you are small among the clans of Judah, out of you will come for me one who will be ruler over Israel, whose origins are from of old, from ancient times.'" (Micah 5:2, NIV)The Gospel of Luke tells us that Caesar Augustus ordered a census taken of the entire Roman world, possibly for tax purposes. Palestine was part of that world, so Joseph, earthly father of Jesus Christ, took his pregnant wife Mary to Bethlehem to register. Joseph was from the house and line of David, who had lived in Bethlehem.Historians agree that Caesar Augustus was one of the most successful Roman emperors. Born in 63 B.C., he reigned as emperor for 45 years, until his death in A.D. 14. He was the grand nephew and adopted son of Julius Caesar and used the popularity of his great uncle's name to rally the army behind him.Caesar Augustus brought peace and prosperity to the Roman empire. Its many provinces were governed with a heavy hand, yet with some local autonomy. In Israel, the Jews were allowed to maintain their religion and culture. While rulers like Caesar Augustus and Herod Antipas were essentially figureheads, the Sanhedrin, or national council, still held power over many aspects of daily life.Ironically, the peace and order established by Augustus and maintained by his successors helped in the spread of Christianity. The extensive network of Roman roads made travel easier. The Apostle Paul carried his missionary work westward over those roads. Both he and the Apostle Peter were executed in Rome, but not before they had spread the gospel there, causing the message to fan out on Roman roads to the rest of the ancient world.Caesar Augustus' Accomplishments:Caesar Augustus brought organization, order, and stability to the Roman world. His establishment of a professional army ensured that insurrections were put down quickly. He changed the way governors were appointed in the provinces, which reduced greed and extortion. He launched a major building program, and in Rome, paid for many projects from his own personal wealth. He also encouraged art, literature, and philosophy. Caesar Augustus' Strengths:He was a daring leader who knew how to influence people. His reign was marked by innovation, yet he retained enough traditions to keep the populace satisfied. He was generous and left much of his estate to soldiers in the army. To the extent possible in such a system, Caesar Augustus was a benevolent dictator. Caesar Augustus' WeaknessesCaesar Augustus worshiped the pagan Roman gods, but even worse, he allowed himself to be worshiped as a living god. Although the government he set up gave conquered provinces like Israel some local control, it was far from democratic. Rome could be brutal in enforcing its laws. The Romans did not invent crucifixion, but they used it extensively to terrorize their subjects. Life Lessons:Ambition, when directed toward worthwhile goals, can accomplish much. However, it is important to keep our ego in check. When we are placed in a position of authority, we have a duty to treat others with respect and fairness. As Christians, we are also called to observe the Golden Rule: "Do to others as you would have them do to you." (Luke 6:31, NIV)Hometown:Rome. Referenced in the Bible:Luke 2:1. Occupation:Military commander, Roman emperor. Family Tree:Father - Gaius Octavius Mother - AtriaGrand Uncle - Julius Caesar (also adoptive father)Daughter - Julia CaesarisDescendants - Tiberius Julius Caesar (later emperor), Nero Julius Caesar (later emperor), Gaius Julius Caesar (later emperor Caligula), seven others.Key Verse:Luke 2:1In those days Caesar Augustus issued a decree that a census should be taken of the entire Roman world. (NIV)


How did Augustus impact the birth of Jesus?

According to Luke's Gospel, Emperor Augustus ordered a census of the whole empire, thus requiring Joseph and Mary to travel from Nazareth to Bethlehem and resulting in Jesus being born in Bethlehem instead of Nazareth. However, there is no record of Augustus ever ordering a census of the whole empire, nor is there any evidence of a census of the Syrian province during the reign of King Herod in Judea. Raymond E. Brown (An Introduction to the New Testament) says of this, "The best explanation is that, although Luke likes to set his Christian drama in the context of well-known events from antiquity, sometimes he does so inaccurately."


Why did Mary and Joseph need to travel from Nazareth to Bethlehem?

Luke 2:1-7 tells the story of the Birth of Christ in Bethlehem. Bethlehem was known as the City of David because it was the hometown of King David, Joseph's ancestor. Because Caesar Augustus had demanded a census, all men had to take their families to register in their ancestral cities (this was simply how they organized the information). While they were registering in the census at Bethlehem, Jesus was born in the city of his ancestor David, whose reign as king Jesus would fulfill.


Would the Romans expect the infirm to travel to ancestral homes to be taxed also?

The Romans required no one to travel to their ancestral homes to be taxed. They taxed people where they lived and worked. The biblical rendition of the traveling of Mary and Joseph to be taxed, was not a Roman tax, it is thought that it was a Jewish temple tax. Now the writer of the story is not incorrect in saying that the order came from Augustus Caesar, as the priests had to have permission to disrupt work and levy a tax/census. This permission came from the governor of Syria, who had control of Judea at the time. The governor had "imperium" which means he acted in the name of Caesar and his decrees were identical to Caesar's. Everyone would know this at the time of the writing of the NT as the authors were writing in their own times for their own times.


What has the author Augustus Baker Pierce written?

Augustus Baker Pierce has written: 'Knocking about' -- subject(s): Description and travel


What has the author Augustus Henry Keane written?

Augustus Henry Keane has written: '... Africa..' -- subject(s): Description and travel


How did Julius Caesar travel?

He travelled by chariot.


Where was Julius Caesar a resident of?

Julius Caesar was a lifelong resident of Rome. Even though his military affairs caused him to travel, his home was Rome.Julius Caesar was a lifelong resident of Rome. Even though his military affairs caused him to travel, his home was Rome.Julius Caesar was a lifelong resident of Rome. Even though his military affairs caused him to travel, his home was Rome.Julius Caesar was a lifelong resident of Rome. Even though his military affairs caused him to travel, his home was Rome.Julius Caesar was a lifelong resident of Rome. Even though his military affairs caused him to travel, his home was Rome.Julius Caesar was a lifelong resident of Rome. Even though his military affairs caused him to travel, his home was Rome.Julius Caesar was a lifelong resident of Rome. Even though his military affairs caused him to travel, his home was Rome.Julius Caesar was a lifelong resident of Rome. Even though his military affairs caused him to travel, his home was Rome.Julius Caesar was a lifelong resident of Rome. Even though his military affairs caused him to travel, his home was Rome.


What has the author Augustus C Schooley written?

Augustus C. Schooley has written: 'Among the Wolverines' -- subject(s): Description and travel


Who directed Mary and Joseph to Bethlehem?

But it came to pass in those days that a decree went out from Caesar Augustus, that a census should be made of all the habitable world.So Joseph had to go to his home city, Bethlehem to register.


When is the time for counting all the people?

Are you referring to the census that luke mentions as the reason for why Mary and Joseph travel to Bethlehem? We have no historical record of such a census.