Claudia, Wife of Pontius Pilate

by Taylor, Diana Wallis

  Ignoring the handmaid, who tactfully kept her back to them, Lucius took her in his arms and kissed her. “That is a prelude to a later time, beloved,” he murmured in her ear. “Rest yourself for a while. We will have our dinner in the dining hall. I have invited some guests to join us. I will make Hotep acquainted with our residence while you sleep.”

  She stayed in his arms a moment, reluctant to let him go. He gently put her from him and, with another admonition to rest, left the room.

  Hotep came and removed Claudia’s stola and sandals and tucked her mistress in the great bed under a warm, thick coverlet. Within moments of lying down, Claudia slept.

  When she awoke, she was alone. She wrapped her palla around her and moved slowly over to a window. Though they were high up in the palace, Claudia could still hear the faint din from the crowds of people moving through the Kidron Valley to the city gates. From her vantage point she was able to see over the city to the Temple. At least they were not in the heart of the city, the noise of which still echoed in her ears. She glanced a moment at a large knoll outside the city walls. A tall post seemed outlined in the light of the setting sun and she wondered what it was.

  She contemplated the stories Jeremiah had told her, and wanted to know more about these strange people who worshiped only one God and were willing to die for him. Was there someone in the palace here in Jerusalem who could enlighten her?

  With a shrug, she turned from the window and began to explore their new quarters. She opened a door in the wall and found a small room with a bench over a hole to take care of bodily needs. There was a small statue bending over a basin with a spigot for water, and she marveled at the care with which Herod planned his palace. Water from the sink could be poured down a small opening leading to a cistern.

  A large pot sat over a stove that could be fed by small branches, heating the water in the pot. She ran her fingers around the copper pot and marveled. She saw no place to bathe and wondered if there were baths here where she could go with Hotep. They were near the newer part of the city. Perhaps the Jews had public baths like the Romans.

  Hotep opened the door and smiled to see her mistress awake. “Are you wishing a bath, Domina?”

  “I was looking around but don’t see a place here. Are there public baths?”

  “Not in the city, but here in the palace, or rather I should say, the tower. There are many towers here, are there not?”

  “I don’t remember. All I could think of was seeing Lucius.”

  “Come with me, and I will take you to the bath tower.”

  Claudia followed her down a corridor and across a stone bridge, and they entered a tiled room with mosaics implanted in the walls in flower patterns. A fountain fed a large stone bowl of water and went out again through a drain. A rectangular bath sat on a dais with marble steps leading up to it. She reached down and tested the water, finding it was nicely warm.

  When she turned to Hotep with her eyebrows raised in question, her handmaid showed her the opening on the other side of the bath that held wood and other fuel. The coals were glowing a soft orange. She lost no time in shedding her clothes and was carefully helped into the soothing water by Hotep. She felt so unwieldy. As she soaked, she marveled at the movements of the child. She smiled to herself remembering the night she was curled up to Lucius’s back and the baby had kicked, startling him. She’d taken his hand and gently laid it on her abdomen where a small foot moved under his hand. His eyes had widened in astonishment.

  The warm water soothed the ache in the small of her back. “I could stay here all evening,” she murmured.

  Hotep laughed. “I believe your husband expects you at dinner, Domina.”

  On the way back from the baths, Claudia looked out at the other towers similar to the one they were in and the one that housed their living quarters.

  The towers were extremely tall—she guessed around ninety cubits high. The outer stones of the towers were of white marble, each stone nearly twenty cubits long and ten cubits wide, fitted so close together that they looked like one piece of stone. She stood looking at the towers until Hotep urged her back to her quarters to dress.

  Her collection of clothing was considered and several togas discarded until finally Claudia chose a red shawl over a soft white toga and her silver sandals and belt. While Hotep was arranging her hair, Claudia looked at her meager collection of jewelry.

  “We must go to the marketplace to see if they have a street of goldsmiths. It will never do for the wife of the governor to wear the same few pieces of jewelry over and over.”

  “Mmmm,” murmured Hotep with a silver hairpin in her mouth as she concentrated on a curl.

  “Where are we dining? Did Lucius show you where to go?”

  Hotep secured the curl with the pin. “It is large enough to have many guests, Domina. I believe the governor could serve half the army in that dining hall.”

  She looked over at the table and chairs in the alcove. Just this once, couldn’t they dine by themselves? She was always meeting this one and that one. All important personages, but she had trouble remembering their names.

  Claudia sat contemplating her circumstances. She still did not have a villa of her own. The palace in Caesarea was Herod’s and only for their use; now, here in Jerusalem she must live in another of Herod’s palaces. Would he join them here? Would she have to be in submission to Herod’s wife?

  “What staff do I have here, Hotep?”

  “There are many servants, Domina, for it is a large castle. You have met the chief steward, Chuza. In the kitchen there are three cooks and several other servants. I am told there is another woman who lives here in the palace at present, but she is not a servant. She is the wife of Chuza.”

  Dinner was long. She was introduced to a senator, Trajanius Valentius, and another man, Cadmus Vitus. Both men were in Jerusalem on business and brought greetings from the prefect in Rome. They had been discussing matters of government when she arrived. Their eyes showed admiration when she was introduced, though it was obvious that she was in the later stages of carrying a child. Lucius watched them from under heavy brows and did not smile. She moved slowly, lowering herself on the seat next to his couch, and after a servant removed her sandals and brought a basin and linen cloth to wash her hands, the other servants began to serve the meal.

  Cucumbers, beets, and lettuce had been chopped together with a dressing, and there were squash and peas in a sauce along with platters of roast duck and grouse. Claudia ate carefully lest her stomach rebel again.

  Cadmus spoke. “Have you spoken with the high priest, Caiaphas, yet, Excellency?”

  Lucius put his piece of bread down momentarily. “Yes, we have become acquainted. I believe he and I can work together peacefully. He does not wish any problems with Rome or the emperor.”

  “Ah,” ventured Trajanius, “these Jews are a troublesome lot. Word got back to Rome about the incident over the banners. It was agreed that you handled that very well.”

  Lucius waved a hand. “I wish someone had told me about the graven images in regard to the Jews, but it was settled and our relations are peaceful, at least for the present.” Her husband appeared casual, but Claudia saw the familiar tension in his shoulders. He was not relaxed. “I sent a detailed report to the emperor.”

  Claudia watched and listened. Were these men sent by Tiberius or Sejanus to bring a report back to Rome? She smiled and strove for her husband’s sake to present herself well to their guests.

  Trajanius turned to her. “Do you find Jerusalem an interesting city, my lady?”

  “I believe that ‘interesting’ is a good word to describe a place of such diversity. The Jews are a strange people.”

  He nodded. “Will you then remain here for the child?”

  Lucius interrupted before she could speak. “I have not decided. The journey here was difficult.”

  The men made sounds of approval. “In any case, Excellency, congratulations are in order. May the gods grant you a son.”r />
  Every man wants a son, Claudia thought to herself. May the gods favor us. She smiled charmingly at their guests. “What news do you bring from Rome?”

  The two men glanced at each other and Cadmus cleared his throat. “Sejanus rules the city well in the emperor’s stead. His orders come from Capri, as you know.”

  Lucius nodded. “Yes, we were told of the emperor’s move to his palace on the island. Evidently he trusts Sejanus implicitly.”

  The two guests exchanged looks again and Claudia wondered if they were watching their words. Lucius caught her eye and she felt he was wondering the same thing.

  “Excellency, you were appointed by the prefect, were you not?” Trajanius inquired.

  Lucius responded cautiously. “Yes, with the approval of the emperor.”

  “You are fortunate,” Cadmus answered, his face bland. “Those not in the good graces of our prefect do not fare well.”

  “I have heard of incidents in Rome. Loyalty is necessary if one is to rule an empire.” Lucius reached for a slice of grouse.

  Claudia sensed the men wished to talk with Lucius about other matters but were reluctant to speak of them in her presence.

  The ache in the small of her back increased. “Would you excuse me, honored sirs? It has been a long day.”

  She rose slowly, holding on to the back of the chair, and Lucius got up and steadied her with his arm. She nodded to their guests and moved toward the entrance of the dining hall. Lucius quickly joined her.

  “Do you feel all right?”

  “Yes, Lucius. I am just very tired these days.”

  “I will see you later this evening.” His finger brushed her cheek briefly and then he turned back to his guests.

  Claudia dozed fitfully and awakened later as Lucius slipped in beside her. Seeing she was awake, he slipped an arm behind her and she laid her head on his shoulder.

  “Your guests seemed nervous, beloved. Is there something wrong?”

  He was silent a moment in the darkness and she felt he was deciding how much to tell her. Finally, he sighed. “All is not well in Rome. Sejanus is on a purge of anyone who does not side with him in loyalty. Good men are being arrested and executed without a trial. Families live in fear that they will be somehow accused of sedition or treason by Sejanus or one of his spies. The man seeks the power of regency and will stop at nothing to persuade the emperor that he should be allotted this.”

  She raised her head in the darkness. “Oh Lucius, is there danger for you in this?”

  “I don’t think so. I was appointed by Sejanus for this governorship, so surely he doesn’t see me as an enemy.”

  “But your communications have been with Tiberius. Surely the emperor is aware of what the prefect is doing.”

  “He may not be aware, for evidently he believes the reports from Sejanus. My two guests were not spies for Sejanus, they were sent by a friend to warn me, on the pretext of doing business in Jerusalem.”

  “A friend? Who is that?”

  “It is best I not name him.”

  He yawned and she knew he would rise early the next morning to make sure all was well in the city. After the seven days of Passover, and most of the pilgrims had gone, he assured her they would return to Caesarea.

  She settled back on her pillow and in only moments heard her husband’s soft snores.

  27

  A sharp knock sounded on the door of her chamber, and since Hotep was away arranging for their lunch, Claudia opened the door. A woman with gray and white hair swept back from her face and clear gray eyes stood in the doorway. Claudia estimated her to be in her fifties. “I am Joanna, wife of Chuza. My husband has asked me to introduce myself.”

  Claudia spread one hand, inviting the woman to enter, delighted to have company.

  “My husband said that you were inquiring about our people? If I can be of service to you, my lady, I would be happy to tell you what I can.”

  Claudia indicated a chair and they sat down. The woman was not dressed in Roman fashion but wore simple homespun in both her tunic and shawl. Then Claudia realized the woman had said “our people.” Joanna was Jewish.

  “How long have you lived in the palace, Joanna?”

  “Almost five years, my lady. We have a house where our son and his wife live, but with my husband’s duties here, he felt it was better to be in the palace rather than be summoned from our home so many times. We are comfortable, but I hope to return to my own home one day when my husband retires from King Herod’s service.”

  Claudia nodded in sympathy. “I too long for my own villa instead of living in the palace, but like you, it is not possible at this time.”

  The two women smiled at each other in understanding, and Claudia had the feeling that she and Joanna could be friends.

  “Joanna, what do you do to occupy yourself? You don’t work in the palace on the staff.”

  “Oh, I have much to keep me busy. I am a midwife among our people, and there are always babies to bring into the world and women to care for. I am also skilled in the use of herbs and poultices.”

  Claudia’s eyes widened. “Surely the gods have sent you. You can see that I am with child. I don’t know what to expect and have some concerns. Perhaps you could enlighten me?”

  Joanna had frowned briefly at the mention of Claudia’s gods. “I will do my best, my lady. What concerns do you have?”

  “The sickness in the morning seemed to pass several months ago, but came back again as I traveled here in the coach. Then, whenever I mount the stairs, sharp pains strike me in my belly and sometimes they bend me over, they are so strong.”

  Joanna’s face changed to concern. “How long have you been having these pains? You are six, seven months along?”

  “I think I am nearly eight months.”

  “Your time is drawing near. I would suggest you do as little climbing of stairs or walking as possible and rest as much as you can.”

  Fear pierced Claudia’s heart. “Is there something wrong? Something you aren’t telling me?”

  “It could be something, or it could be just your own body reacting to the changes. The next time you have those pains, would you send for me?”

  “Of course. And thank you. It is comforting to know someone nearby is skilled in these areas.”

  “I am happy to be of service, my lady. Now, there is another matter you wanted to know about?”

  Glad for the change of topic, Claudia smiled. “Yes. In Caesarea, there was a gardener in the palace who is Jewish who explained some of the history of your people to me and also why you celebrate Passover. He told me about the lamb, the blood, and the death angel that passed over your homes. I would like to know more.”

  “Since your husband must rule our province, it is good that you are interested in the people he governs.”

  Hotep returned with their lunch, no doubt expecting to share it with her mistress. But with a stranger in the room, Hotep could not sit at the table with Claudia; instead she served her mistress and the steward’s wife at the table and chairs in the alcove. Then she waited silently in the background.

  Considering how complicated the Jews were, Claudia searched her mind for what else she wanted to know about them. “Tell me about the women’s part in worshiping your particular god.”

  Joanna nodded slightly, a smile playing about her lips. “While we women cannot recite the Torah or take part in the duties of the Temple, we also worship in the Court of Women. We say the prayers we have been taught from the time we were children. Like Roman matrons, we are keepers of the home. We train our daughters in the duties of running a home, and our boys go to school to learn the Torah. The women of each household pray on the Sabbath and upon rising in the morning.”

  “Jeremiah told me your nation was taken captive because they sinned against their god. He told me about Moses bringing the law down from Mt. Sinai to the people.”

  “The Ten Commandments are not the entire law, my lady, but the foundation of our law. In the Torah, t
he Most High God gave Moses the more detailed law which governs our lives.” She paused, considering. “Did Jeremiah explain the Sabbath?”

  Claudia thought a moment. “I don’t remember that.”

  “When the Most High created the world and all that is in it, he rested on the seventh day from his work. Therefore he has commanded his people, the Jews, to honor the Sabbath as a day of rest. No work can be done, not even lighting a fire to cook. Many prayers are said, and we go to the synagogue to pray.”

  “Do the women go into your Temple?”

  “Only the men go into the Temple, and only the priests go into the Holy Place. In another room, called the Holy of Holies, stands the ark of the covenant. The high priest is allowed to go into the Holy of Holies only once a year to take the blood of a lamb to atone for the sins of the people. He puts the blood of the sacrifice on the altar.”

  Claudia frowned. “I am puzzled. Your people look upon us as pagan because we sacrifice to our gods, yet you speak of a blood sacrifice to your god. What is the difference?”

  Joanna seemed to be trying to choose her words.

  “You may speak freely, Joanna. I only wish to understand your people better.”

  “Thank you, my lady. What I must say is that we feel we worship the one true God, who created the heavens and the earth and all that is within them. He ordained the sacrifices that our priests perform for the atonement of the sins of the people. We do not have an image we sacrifice to. You worship images of wood and stone and pray to them, images that cannot speak or hear your prayers. We are taught not to worship the works of men’s hands.”

  Claudia sighed. “Jeremiah said as much to me, but I still wonder how you can worship a god you cannot see.”

  “We do not need to see him to worship him, my lady. In days of old he has spoken to prophets and kings. They have known his voice. He spoke to Moses when he gave him the laws for our people. Gods of wood and stone are only that—wood and stone.”

  Claudia considered her words and something quickened in her spirit. Would this god of the Hebrews speak to her, a Roman woman?