Hail Judeas Caesar

by Ryan Fleming

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Pub Date Nov 09 2016 | Archive Date Aug 28 2018

History | Literary Fiction

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Description

In the first century CE during the Roman occupation of Judea, the Roman governor, Pontius Pilate, and his wife, Claudia, find a country steeped in deep religious traditions and zealot resistance. The people of Judea believe the Roman presence is a defilement to a land promised to them in a Holy Covenant with their god, and are passionately defiant. Pilate elicits clandestine liaisons within the Jewish community to manipulate religious forces and subvert the populace against the established religious order. He seeks to increase tax collection and recruit men for fielded armies to further Rome's power and his own political aspirations. Interwoven into this intense conflict between two vastly different cultures is the love story between Pontius and Claudia.

This is a compelling and timely book that places ancient written accounts of the origins of Christianity in an historical paradigm rather than a supernatural or theological context. It proposes a remarkable theory of Rome's direct involvement in the inadvertent formation of the early Christian movement. The story builds towards an amazing climax of one of the most important and potentially misunderstood events in the history of the world. Pilate's strategies result in a consequence of which he never dreamed—a religious offshoot of Judaism—Christianity. In one final staged miracle Jesus survives a Roman crucifixion, the culmination of Pilate's actions, perpetuating a movement that otherwise would have withered, lost to history.

In the first century CE during the Roman occupation of Judea, the Roman governor, Pontius Pilate, and his wife, Claudia, find a country steeped in deep religious traditions and zealot resistance...

Advance Praise

“Hail Judeas Caesar by Ryan Fleming is a deftly crafted novel… An absolutely riveting read from cover to cover, Hail Judeas Caesar showcases author Ryan Fleming's genuine flair for narrative driven fiction, originality, and skilled storytelling.” – Midwest Book Review, April, 2018

“In Hail Judeas Caesar, Ryan Fleming crafts a retelling focused from the point of view of the Romans… a fascinating take. …Looking at the story from this point of view, it is actually rather surprising how much it makes sense for Jesus to have been a Roman creation, a clever plot to manipulate a stubborn people through manipulating their own religion… The book itself is well-crafted, with characters that feel believable, if not jumping off the page… Readers who have an open mind and those who enjoy theorizing possibilities are likely to enjoy this compelling historical fiction.” – Portland Book Review, 4 stars, March 23, 2018

“What if the genesis of the religion followed by a third of the planet was not what it is believed to be? Author Ryan Fleming answers that question in this intriguing historical novel… Fleming contrives a well-placed yarn. His story is engaging, and his characters stay true to themselves… Fans of alternative history will enjoy this book, and the author’s attention to detail concerning the everyday life in the era is impressive.” – Blueink Review, April 2017

“Fleming develops a clever and historically convincing narrative… In addition, Pilate is made much more than a villain. While certainly impatient and capable of great cruelty, he also shows compassion and love, as evidenced by his utter devotion to his wife, Claudia. Jesus, too, is portrayed in artfully complex colors… An inventive and impressively researched alternative account of the influence of Rome on the genesis of Christianity.” – Kirkus Reviews, March 3, 2017