Varus

Family: Roman · Role: president of Syria · First appears: Book I, Chapter 31

Varus, a Roman and president of Syria, was present when Herod rejected Antipater and ordered his trial, appointing Varus as judge: “I appoint thee a court where thou art to be judged, and this Varus, who is very seasonably here, to be thy judge.” Varus verified the poison, while Herod bound Antipater and reported the case to Caesar.

In Book II, Archelaus sent for Varus at Ptolemy’s earnest urging, and Varus restrained Sabinus from going farther. Sabinus continued sending messengers and pleading for Varus to come quickly. Varus later sent Philip ahead to assist Archelaus, and in Galilee dispatched part of his army under Caius, one of his friends; Joseph, Gratus, and Rufus also met him.

At Emnaus, Varus ordered the town burned after its inhabitants fled. He imprisoned the lesser offenders and crucified about two thousand principal rebels; at Idumea, after Achiabus advised the armed rebels to surrender, Varus forgave the multitude, but sent their captains to Caesar for examination. He also dismissed Aretas and the Arabians when they pursued their own hostile course, then marched with his legions against those who had revolted.