The book details the academic journey of Samuel Rocca, who was born in 1968 and obtained his PhD in 2006. It highlights his teaching career, which began in 2000 at The Neri Bloomfield College of Design & Teacher Training in Haifa. Rocca has also taught at Talpiot College in Tel Aviv since 2005 and has been a faculty member at the Faculty of Architecture at Judaea and Samaria College in Ariel since 2006, showcasing his extensive experience in education and design.
Focusing on the Roman army during the Second Punic War, the book explores the evolution of a citizen army alongside the formation of professional units, specifically the Cannae's legions made up of veterans from the pivotal battle of Cannae in 216 BCE. It highlights how these legions exhibited traits that would later define the Late Republic and Imperial Roman army, predating Marius's reforms by a century. The narrative delves into military structure and the significance of veteran soldiers in shaping Rome's military legacy.
Samuel Rocca provides a comprehensive analysis of Herodian society, focusing on the relationship between Herod as ruler and his Jewish subjects. To grasp this dynamic, it is essential to explore the broader context of Herodian Judaea and its connections with the classical world, particularly Augustan Rome and other Mediterranean centers. Rocca argues that, despite being a Jewish ruler, Herod viewed figures like Alexander the Great and Augustus as ideal models to emulate, which significantly shaped the societal structure of Herodian Judaea. Herod's reign marked an intensified trend toward Hellenization, influenced by his dominance over Judaean society, allowing him to dictate socio-cultural trends more effectively than Augustus could in Rome. The study examines Herod's role as the leader of Jewish society, delving into the Herodian ideology of rule, the court, the army, administration, economy, political bodies, urban life, religion, and burial customs. By situating Herodian Judaea within the Mediterranean context, Rocca aims to illuminate its complexities and connections to Hellenistic Roman civilization, moving beyond a simplistic biblical perspective to reveal its multifaceted dimensions in the contemporary world.
