Characterization of Romans and Tiberius

Coming into reading this book from prior knowledge I knew that the Romans were cruel people (well most of them anyway) but after reading about half of this book I have found it's much more than that.  I could characterize them ( mostly emperor's but not all) as atrocious, cold -blooded, merciless, heartless, inhumane, ruthless, vicious,power hungry people. I guess this in more general terms is more aimed at the wealthier portion of the Ancient Roman population but it probably applies to some of the lesser fortunate as well. In some cases the person in question is broken. But this does not excuse their actions. Yes, Tiberius I am looking at you. Well, no I'm not because you did horrfic things to childern that I can not mention because they are not appropriate. You have scared me.

It is time to tell the story of  Tiberius.
Once there was a boy named Tiberius he was the adopted son of Augstus Caesar. He was well educated and brought up in wealth. When he was about twenty he started to skillfully command armies. One day when he was home (Rome) from the war he met Vipsania , who too was wealth and noble, the two fell in love and got married and had a son, Drusus Julius Caesar, and lived happily ever after.

Haha. Yeah. No.

Vipsania got pregnant with another son. When Augustus heard about this here is what ensued.
"But Augustus cruelly intervened. I an act that would dramatically transform Tiberius, the self-proclaimed son of god ordered Tiberius to divorce Vipsania after eight years of marriage and wed Augustus's recently widowed daughter, Julia. When Tiberius argued against the divorce, he was ordered to be compliant or suffer harsh punishment. Devastated, Vipsania suffered a miscarriage. Tiberius distraught but obeyed the emperor. A short time later he accidentally ran into his beloved Vipsania on the streets of Tome and broke down, making a very public display by sobbing and begging for forgiveness. When news of the behavior reached Augustus, he demanded that Tiberius never again speak with Vipsania. And so died the human part of Tiberius. " (O'Reilly 112)

In this passage you see I'm not the only one who thinks that Romans are cruel . O'Reilly put it in words the best when he said that the human part Tiberius died because I feel that no human would do things this cruel and disgusting to other humans.

What would you do in Tiberius's position or Vipsania's?

Here is a link for more information on Tiberius.
Tiberius

Killing Jesus Setting Anaysis

The setting of Killing Jesus is in Israel during the occupation of the Roman Empire. This impacts the plot and history (these events really did happen) because yes, King Herod the Great had hundreds of people murdered because they threatened him more specifically his power. But, he was careful not to use crucifixion when doing so because, we reserve the cruelest punishments for the almighty Romans. No, it's because it was a Roman form of punishment. Herod did not want to upset the Romans, who unfortunately for the Israelites had put Herod in power because of his oh so great leadership skills.

Yeah. No.

If this book or events had not taken place Israel the story wouldn't have the same significance because Israel is where all the Jews went after they escaped from slavery in Egypt. Moses and other prophets of the old testament had prophesized about a messiah who would be the Son of God born to a virgin. It was a big deal for a Jew to claim they were the Son of God so if this scene had happened somewhere else it might not have the same effect. Here is what Jesus said, " 'Why were you searching for me?' he responds. There is innocence in his words. 'Didn't you know I had to be in my father's house?'"(O'Reilly 76)  Here Jesus stakes his claim in a temple in Jerusalem that he is the Son of God. This is a bold move because as O'Reilly would go on to explain this would be punishable by death. Not any kind of death though, oh no, you would win the prize of being stoned to death for making such a claim. Luckily, Jesus was not of age yet so he wasn't responsible  for his words yet. Therefore was not convicted blasphemy and pelted to death with stones.

How do you think the setting effects this book?

Author : Bill O'Reilly

Bill O'Reilly was born September 10, 1949. Bill O'Reilly was born and raised in New York by his two parents. He then went on to college at Marist College in Poughkeepsie, New York.  Bill graduated from college in 1971 with a history degree. He took that degree with him to Miami where he taught high school students for two years before returning to school. This time Bill O'Reilly attend Boston University and earned his masters in broadcast journalism.

This took his life in a new direction. Bill started out small broadcasting on local stations in Scranton, PA, Dallas, Denver, Portland and Boston. He then returned New York in 1980 getting his own program and became a news correspondent for CBS. After six years with CBS he moved over to ABC News. Bill spent three years with ABC in that time he received two Emmys. Do they even give out Emmys for news? That must be one of the last awards they give when everyone has already gone to bed. Bill also received two National Headliner Awards for excellence in reporting.

In 1989 Bill's career took another turn when he anchored Inside Edition. Bill stayed here for five years. While Bill was anchored on Inside Edition was rated the highest "infotainment" -I don't think this is a real word but.....- program in America. But, Bill left again because he could learn enough so he went back to school again. This time O'Reilly attended the highly prestigious, most sought after school that is so expensive you want to cry, you have to be like Albert Einstein to get in to. If you haven't figured out that I'm talking about the Harvard University you might want to get out a little more. This time Bill O'Reilly sought a masters in public administration. I don't know what he planned on using this for but he got it and graduated from this expensive and highly esteemed school.

After his Harvard experience Bill found a hoe at FOX News Channel. He got his own program called The O'Reilly Factor. This show talked about hot ticket issues with blunt commentary earning the name of  "The No Spin Zone". The O'Reilly Factor has been the highest rated cable news program since 2001.  He had a radio show called The Radio Factor  from 2002 to 2009.

As if he doesn't do enough he has written several non-fiction books like Killing Lincoln(2011), Killing Kennedy(2012), Killing Jesus (2013), The O'Reilly Factor(2000), No Spin Zone(2001), Those Who Trespass(1998), and he has written and book for kids called The Last Days of Jesus(2014).
Lastly, Bill and friend Dennis Miller-has a segment on the show called Miller Time- have a speaking tour called The Bolder Fresher Tour.

For tonight's edition of Pinheads and Patriots features Bill O'Reilly!
And form all  the information above we consider Mr. O'Reilly a patriot.

Killing Lincoln and Killing Kennedy have been filmed as television specials here are the trailers.

Do you think you get the same amount of info from the books as you do from the television specials?


Spout off about this blog anytime anytime rachelschaffersreadingblog.BlogSpot.com rachelschaffersreadingblog.BlogSpot.com if you wish to reply.

Killing Jesus Background Info

 

 

*WARNING TO FUTURE READERS CAN BE GORY AT TIMES*

 

 This is a book about the events and life of Jesus of Nazareth leading up to his death and resurrection. This book is based on facts and what can be deduced when there are gaps in the story. You have Bill O'Reilly's word, "In writing of this fact-based book, Martin Dugard and I do not aim to suggest we know everything about Jesus. But we know much and will tell you things you might not have heard." Or want to hear they did some horrific things in those days. "Our research has uncovered a narrative that is both fascinating and frustrating. There are major gaps in the life of Jesus, and at times we can only deduce what happened to him based upon the best available evidence. As often as possible, we relied on classical works. Our primary sources are cited in the last pages of the books, Killing Lincoln and Killing Kennedy ,we will tell you when we don't know what happened or if we believe the evidence we are citing is not set in stone." (O'Reilly 2)  

 

From what I have read of this book so far ,which has been up to this point background information is that King Herod has many issues mental and physical. The guy had his soldiers kill all of the babies in Bethlehem whatever way the pleased to make sure that Jesus was killed so he would not threaten to overthrow his power. He also had several physical issues like an inflamed toe, lung disease, kidney problems, worms, a heart condition, and other worse diseases I'd rather not describe and trust I'm totally doing you are a favor.  Then we transition into the history of Rome, specifically, Julius Caesar .  We start off with Brutus, guy is more of a back-stabber than you think and yes that was on purpose. Brutus insisted Caesar attend the senate meeting knowing full well the plot against Caesar.  Caesar was also aware of the plot but was not concerned since there had been so many against him.  Brutus lured Caesar by telling him the senate was going to crown him king of Rome. Then we learn how Caesar rose to power in Rome he started as a war general in Gaul. On the way back to Rome Caesar was suppose to disband his troops before crossing the Rubicon River but if course Julius being the stereotypical power hungry Roman  he is crosses the Rubicon without disbanding his troops causing a civil war in Rome. I think we all know who came out on top of that battle since you probably don't know who Pompey is.

 

 What topic would you read non-fiction about?

 

Comment anytime anytime if you wish to o-pply  ;-)

 

Bill O'Reilly 

This is a link to Bill's website for more info and current news and ability to buy the book