7. The Empire

Domini (I dominate)  Sumu  (I take, take up, assume; seize; claim, arrogate.)
 
It is with Agustus Caesar that the final nail is placed on the coffin of the Republic. The hope for freedom or democracy for Rome is done with. Agustus has taken all that was once Greek, and is now control of all of the known world. Democracy the noble attempt started by the Greeks perpetuated by the Roman Republic is ended and finished.
Was a democracy resurrected in 1776? Consider that we today live in an empire of illusion no different than in Rome of Agustus. His Julio-Claudian family will produce the next five emperors, ending with Nero, and a tradition that lives on today. We all should be very careful to believe that we in America enjoy the true freedom that is democracy. But, this is not the topic of this chapter. This is about first the Julian family that will rule Rome after Agustus Ceaser, the Empire that ruled the world and Christianity that would oppose it.   

The years from Agustus Caesar, to the fall of Rome in the 5th century are years of  persecution for any one that seeks freedom. These are the years in which Christianity is formed, it is this Julio-Claudian family and the family of Christ that will be at constant odds.  From the census of Agustus at the birth of Christ to the petition of Paul to Nero, there is no worse times for Christians. I will be the revolution of Titus, and the destruction of the Temple that will soften the resolve of the Empire against the Christians.  
 
 
 
105-115  Ignatius of Antioch  student of John the apostle , note antioch is next to Tarsus, the alligence to Christianity is Egypt and Persia the allies of Cleopata and Mark anthony Caesarian