SPECIAL TOPIC: BERNICE

SPECIAL TOPIC: BERNICE

She was the oldest daughter of Herod Agrippa I (born A.D. 28).
She was the sister of Agrippa II, and for a period of time was his incestuous lover. Later she was a mistress to Titus while he was a general.
She was also Felix's third wife, Drusilla's sister.
She was married to Herod Chalcis in A.D. 44 (Herod Agrippa I's brother, her uncle), but when he died she moved in with her brother.
She later married Polemon, King of Cilicia, but left him to return to her brother who had just been given the title of "King."
She was the mistress of both Vespasian and his son Titus (both Caesars).
She was present when Paul defended himself before Agrippa II (cf. Acts 25:13-26:32).
For historical references
1. Josephus' Jewish Wars 2.11.6; 15.1; 17.1.
2. Josephus' Antiquities of the Jews 19.9.1; 15.1; 20.1:3
3. Tactius' History 2:2
4. Seutonius' Life of Titus 7
5. Dio Cassius' Histories 65.15; 66.18
6. Juvenal's Satire 61.156-157