The Miracle that Saved a Family's Reputation
Reputation Repaired, Valued and Honored No history can deny the power of the Roman Empire in the first century. The Mediterranean Sea—the economic lifeline and trade center of the ancient world—was called *Mare Nostrum* ("Our Sea") by the Romans. Claiming an entire sea as their own reveals the extent of Rome's power and influence. In AD 27–28, the empire was ruled by Tiberius Caesar. Rome governed nearly 60 million people and controlled much of the known world. A ruler of such a vast empire would be expected to be bold, respected, and admired by his people. Yet Tiberius increasingly withdrew from public life and ruled from a secluded villa far from Rome. Rather than governing from the center of the empire, he often ruled through letters and messengers. A king is expected to be seen, respected, and admired by his people. By choosing isolation, Tiberius protected his personal security but risked the honor and image expected of a powerful ruler. As a result, history remembe...