ASINIUS POLLIO, GAIUS°

ASINIUS POLLIO, GAIUS ° (76 b.c.e.–5 c.e.), Roman writer and political figure. Josephus cites him (Jos., Ant., 14:138) to show that the high priest Hyrcanus invaded Egypt in support of Julius *Caesar during the latter's Alexandrian campaign (48–47 b.c.e.). Asinius Pollio, like Caesar, may have been partial to the Jews. He may also have been in some way associated with Pollio the Pharisee (Jos., Ant., 15:1), who was probably identical with the sage Avtalion. But these are vague conjectures. Contrary to previous suggestions, it seems now unlikely that *Herod's sons lived in Asinius Pollio's home when they went to Rome in 24 b.c.e. (rather than 22) to complete their education (Jos., Ant., 15:343). Publius Vedius Pollio appears now to have been in a much better position: several amphora stamps bearing his name (pve pol) have so far been found only in cities and residences built by Herod the Great (Caesarea, Sebastia, Masada, Herodium), clear evidence of amphorae having been derived from Vedius' estates in Chios. His career is paralleled by that of Herod and their paths may have crossed during their respective trips to western Asia Minor and to Rome. In any case, Asinius Pollio was only tolerated in the circle of Augustus at that time.

bibliography:

Feldman, in: Transactions and Proceedings of the American Philological Association, 84 (1953), 73–80. add. bibliography: G. Finkielsztejn, in: Grecs, Juifs, Polonais: à la recherche des racines de la civilisation européenne, dédié à Joseph Mélèze-Modrzejewski (2005).

[Jacob Petroff /

Gérald Finkielsztejn (2^nd ed.)]