Freethought & Rationalism Archive

Gooch's dad · 03-16-2004, 10:20 AM

A guy in chat just mentioned a supposed 1st century Roman letter that was found in a library in Rome, which has been sent to Munich for carbon dating. The guy appears to be an archeologist, but he still could have been BS'ing me.

He said the letter, if proven to be genuine, would cast serious doubts on NT history. He said it's not being discussed much until the carbon dating results come back.

Did I fall for another urban legend, or has anybody heard about such a find?

Kelly

MortalWombat · 03-16-2004, 10:59 AM

What did it say? Something like

Quote:

Dear Mom,

I will be finishing my long term tour in Judea and coming home to Rome soon now that Pontius Pilate has been recalled. The whole time I was there during his reign I was surprised by the total lack of darkening skies, earthquakes, or dead people coming to life.

Love, Maximus

MadMez · 03-16-2004, 12:21 PM

I think the cohort detached from the Legio X "Italica" (they were recruited in nowadays Romania, I believe) that were based under Pilate's control in Judea were formed in 10 A. D. ('scuse the pun), and in existance for quite a while after that. I think up till 120. So I'm not sure what carbon dating will prove.

I'd love to see a reference to this, or some stuff from the letter.

I'd recomend posting the info here..

http://pub45.ezboard.com/bromanarmytalk

There's some very knowledable (fanatical, even) guys there that'll pick it apart.

Gregg · 03-16-2004, 04:30 PM

Dear Mom,

Duty here in Judea has been a chore, but there's been some diversion recently. I got a part as an 'extra' in something called a 'film' being directed by a guy name Mellus Gibsonus. My job was to whale on some guy playing somebody named 'Jesus.' At first I played it the way I usually do, just give the anonymous schmo his licks and be done with it. I mean, it's just a job, and I don't hate these people. But Gibsonus said he wanted more anger and passion. 'Be real animals about it,' he told us. So when me and my pals were off duty we got roaring drunk and then did the scene, and we really lit into the guy playing 'Jesus.' Gibsonus was yelling 'Cut! Cut! Cut!', so we cut him good. Blood was spraying everywhere. Actually, Gibsonus didn't seem that upset, and we each got paid 400 denarii per day, which worked out to better than a month's salary. I'm sending some of it home with this letter, why don't you and Dad treat yourselves to a show at the Coliseum.

Hope I get rotated out soon. These Jews can be pain sometimes.

Love,

Felix

Vorkosigan · 03-16-2004, 04:40 PM

Doesn't seem to be on the Net anywhere.

Kosh · 03-18-2004, 01:27 PM

Dear Mom,

got a little excitment this week! We got to participate in the crucifixion of a local insurgent rebel leader. The guy tried to fake his death so we might take him down, so I stabbed him in the heart through his side to make sure he was dead. Then we left him up there until the buzzards had torn him apart.

Now his followers are running around trying to claim he rose from the dead, but none of them have been able to provide any proof. Damn Ignorant Goat Herders, they'll believe anyting!

03-16-2004, 10:20 AM	#1
Gooch's dad Veteran Member Join Date: Oct 2000 Location: Madison WI USA Posts: 3,508	Legio X letter from a soldier? A guy in chat just mentioned a supposed 1st century Roman letter that was found in a library in Rome, which has been sent to Munich for carbon dating. The guy appears to be an archeologist, but he still could have been BS'ing me. He said the letter, if proven to be genuine, would cast serious doubts on NT history. He said it's not being discussed much until the carbon dating results come back. Did I fall for another urban legend, or has anybody heard about such a find? Kelly

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03-16-2004, 12:21 PM	#3
MadMez Regular Member Join Date: Nov 2002 Location: Bend, OR, USA Posts: 360	I think the cohort detached from the Legio X "Italica" (they were recruited in nowadays Romania, I believe) that were based under Pilate's control in Judea were formed in 10 A. D. ('scuse the pun), and in existance for quite a while after that. I think up till 120. So I'm not sure what carbon dating will prove. I'd love to see a reference to this, or some stuff from the letter. I'd recomend posting the info here.. http://pub45.ezboard.com/bromanarmytalk There's some very knowledable (fanatical, even) guys there that'll pick it apart.

03-16-2004, 04:30 PM	#4
Gregg Veteran Member Join Date: Oct 2001 Location: Kansas City, MO Posts: 1,877	Dear Mom, Duty here in Judea has been a chore, but there's been some diversion recently. I got a part as an 'extra' in something called a 'film' being directed by a guy name Mellus Gibsonus. My job was to whale on some guy playing somebody named 'Jesus.' At first I played it the way I usually do, just give the anonymous schmo his licks and be done with it. I mean, it's just a job, and I don't hate these people. But Gibsonus said he wanted more anger and passion. 'Be real animals about it,' he told us. So when me and my pals were off duty we got roaring drunk and then did the scene, and we really lit into the guy playing 'Jesus.' Gibsonus was yelling 'Cut! Cut! Cut!', so we cut him good. Blood was spraying everywhere. Actually, Gibsonus didn't seem that upset, and we each got paid 400 denarii per day, which worked out to better than a month's salary. I'm sending some of it home with this letter, why don't you and Dad treat yourselves to a show at the Coliseum. Hope I get rotated out soon. These Jews can be pain sometimes. Love, Felix

03-16-2004, 04:40 PM	#5
Vorkosigan Contributor Join Date: Jan 2001 Location: Barrayar Posts: 11,866	Doesn't seem to be on the Net anywhere.

03-18-2004, 01:27 PM	#6
Kosh Veteran Member Join Date: Apr 2001 Location: Orions Belt Posts: 3,911	Dear Mom, got a little excitment this week! We got to participate in the crucifixion of a local insurgent rebel leader. The guy tried to fake his death so we might take him down, so I stabbed him in the heart through his side to make sure he was dead. Then we left him up there until the buzzards had torn him apart. Now his followers are running around trying to claim he rose from the dead, but none of them have been able to provide any proof. Damn Ignorant Goat Herders, they'll believe anyting!

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