Alexandria, Egypt in later Roman imperial times was not a quiet or safe city. The streets were filled with people of all ethnicities and classes, with crimes everywhere. Christian and Jewish and Pagan religious factions fought it out in the street, often with the most primitive weapons of sticks, clubs, stones, and roof tiles. Competing bishops commanded gangs of monks to protect them, and the monks were not above joining in the melee. Here we see a bishop, Theophilus, commanding his militia of monks who stand ready to fight those who do not agree with their version of Christ's teachings.
Sepia ink with watercolor and Photoshop touch up, 5 1/2" x 9", 1974. Illustration from my Roman historical fantasy. Click for larger view.
No comments:
Post a Comment