Judaea Procurator Porcius Festus Coin Portfolio Album

Roman Emperor Nero's Bronze Prutahs which circulated in Judaea were minted in his name by Nero's appointed governor, Porcius Festus (58-62 AD). These two men figure prominently in Christian history. Festus is infamous for giving the Apostle Paul his final hearing before deporting him to Rome where Paul was later executed by Nero's order.  Nero is another story.  Nero's rule, from 54 to 68 AD, is often associated with tyranny and extravagance. He is best known for:  • His love of executions, including those of his mother and stepbrother  • "Fiddling while Rome burned"  • His persecution of Christians  • Initiating the brutal First Roman-Jewish War (66-70AD)  The Biblical Devil Incarnate- Christian historians often associate Nero with the Antichrist. Most scholars believe that the number 666, mentioned in the Bible, refers to Roman Emperor Nero. In the Book of Revelation (13:17-18), the number 666, describing "the Beast", is said to be a cryptic reference to Nero and his identity as the