Agrippa I: Loyal Roman or Planning a Rebellion? — A Forensic and Political Investigation of Agrippa I: Loyal Roman, Rebel King, or Something in Between

This presents the complete script of the author's thesis defence, originally delivered at the conclusion of Master's degree in Classical Archaeology at the University of Pisa. The thesis was awarded the distinction of cum laude and reflects an interdisciplinary exploration of historical, political, archaeological, and medical perspectives.

Based on the author's original 750-page dissertation, this defence examines the complex figure of Agrippa I—grandson of Herod the Great and client king of Judea under Roman rule. Was Agrippa a loyal Roman statesman, a potential rebel, or a cunning political survivor?

Using a critical approach to ancient literary sources, archaeological evidence, and modern historiography, the work explores:

The material and political landscape of Agrippa's reign
His diplomatic positioning between Roman and Judean authorities
The recorded symptoms and political consequences of his sudden death
The forensic plausibility of poisoning as a cause
Competing narratives of loyalty, betrayal, and legacy in the first century CE

Both accessible and intellectually grounded, the content is ideal for readers interested in Roman history, ancient politics, and the enduring questions of allegiance and power in antiquity.

History & Theory