Thanks, Nick. During my research, the discovery of the data on Roman administrative documents is very eye-opening. Typically, persons who argue against a historical census argue that there are no documented primary sources from Rome, but the data seems to indicate that the entire administrative process of Rome is missing, so it's an argument from silence, there's no evidence that counters Luke's census, the sources simply haven't survived to the present day.
We looked ar census material when I was at university as part of our study of the demographics and economy of the Roman Empire. Augustus' behaviour also has to be understood in the wider context of consolidating the empire after the period of the civil wars.
I might have some old materials I could try to dig up, as I kept a lot of my files, but I can't guarantee anything. I'll have a search and see if I can email you anything relevant.
Excellent article.
Thanks, Nick. During my research, the discovery of the data on Roman administrative documents is very eye-opening. Typically, persons who argue against a historical census argue that there are no documented primary sources from Rome, but the data seems to indicate that the entire administrative process of Rome is missing, so it's an argument from silence, there's no evidence that counters Luke's census, the sources simply haven't survived to the present day.
We looked ar census material when I was at university as part of our study of the demographics and economy of the Roman Empire. Augustus' behaviour also has to be understood in the wider context of consolidating the empire after the period of the civil wars.
Interesting, do you have any sources or links available to some of that demographic material?
I might have some old materials I could try to dig up, as I kept a lot of my files, but I can't guarantee anything. I'll have a search and see if I can email you anything relevant.
Excellent