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Document Details : Title: Die Legio X Fretensis und der Besessene von Gerasa Subtitle: Anmerkungen zur Zahlenangabe 'ungefähr Zweitausend' (Mk 5,13) Author(s): LAU, Markus Journal: Biblica Volume: 88 Issue: 3 Date: 2007 Pages: 351-364 DOI: 10.2143/BIB.88.3.3189005 Abstract : The military background of Mk 5,1-20 points to the Legio X Fretensis, which has been active in the Jewish War and whose ensign, a boar, matches the swines mentioned in Mk 5,1-20. However, the figure 2000, which is mentioned to give the size of the herd, does not correspond to this context. Roman legions consisted of about 5000-6000 soldiers. This contradiction can only be resolved, when the history of the Legio X is taken into consideration. In 66 AD a vexiliation of this Legio X, consisting of 2000 soldiers, was involved in fights with Jewish insurgents (Jos., Bell. 2,499-506). These details go well with the allusions in Mk 5,1-20 to the Legio X and can explain the figure 2000. From this perspective, Mark’s Jesus is portrayed as a powerful warlord and liberator rather than an occupator. |
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