I’ve taken a different tack on Aliens and Strangers--first, I agree with you, but I would expand it.
I’d suggest the recipients of this letter are not only metaphorically strangers, aliens, immigrants, but they are literally immigrants. This very region was the location of the expansion of Roman colonies by Claudius. Usually when a colony was created it meant an “expulsion” of Roman veterans (can’t have too many of them in the capital!). So they are sent to set up colonies in already established cities. Usually taking the places of local leaders. Of course, they’d need a host of support personnel--people selected from undesirable elements found in Rome (like Jewish Christians and freedmen).
These people would be resented because they would be taking jobs that belonged to natives of Pontus, Bythinia, etc.
If you are interested, here’s my take in a “conversation” during an assembly during CoVid...
Love your stuff Rex.
I’ve taken a different tack on Aliens and Strangers--first, I agree with you, but I would expand it.
I’d suggest the recipients of this letter are not only metaphorically strangers, aliens, immigrants, but they are literally immigrants. This very region was the location of the expansion of Roman colonies by Claudius. Usually when a colony was created it meant an “expulsion” of Roman veterans (can’t have too many of them in the capital!). So they are sent to set up colonies in already established cities. Usually taking the places of local leaders. Of course, they’d need a host of support personnel--people selected from undesirable elements found in Rome (like Jewish Christians and freedmen).
These people would be resented because they would be taking jobs that belonged to natives of Pontus, Bythinia, etc.
If you are interested, here’s my take in a “conversation” during an assembly during CoVid...
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l7y1FQwJO_Y