Important Historical Figures

Cuspius Fadus

Roman governor of Judea after Herod Agrippa I

Roman Period • Governor of Judea, c. AD 44–46

Cuspius Fadus governed Judea after the death of Herod Agrippa I. His administration is remembered for the suppression of a movement led by a man named Theudas near the Jordan River.

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Drusilla

Herodian princess and wife of the Roman governor Felix

Roman Period • Born c. AD 38; active in the AD 50s

Drusilla was a daughter of Herod Agrippa I and wife of the Roman governor Felix. Acts records that she was present when Felix listened to Paul speak about faith in Jesus.

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Gessius Florus

Roman governor of Judea at the outbreak of the Jewish revolt

Roman Period • Governor of Judea, c. AD 64–66

Gessius Florus was the Roman governor of Judea when conflict erupted into open rebellion in AD 66. Josephus portrays his harsh and provocative rule as a major factor in the outbreak of the…

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Helena (Saint Helena)

Roman empress and patron of Christian holy sites

Roman Period • Born c. AD 250; died c. AD 328–329; pilgrimage c. AD 327–328

Helena, mother of Constantine the Great, traveled to the Holy Land late in life and supported churches at Bethlehem and the Mount of Olives. Her pilgrimage helped establish lasting Christia…

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Helena of Adiabene

Queen of Adiabene and benefactor of Jerusalem

Roman Period • Active in the mid-first century AD; dates approximate

Helena, queen of Adiabene, embraced Judaism and helped feed people in Jerusalem during a severe famine.

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Herod Agrippa I

Roman client king of Judea

Roman Period • King in stages, AD 37–44; Judea AD 41–44

Herod Agrippa I, grandson of Herod the Great, gradually gained royal territories under Caligula and Claudius and ruled Judea from AD 41 to 44. Acts 12 identifies him as the ruler who execut…

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