Look, I'm not your secretary. If you want to read this stuff be my guest.
Josephus, in Antiquities Book XIII recounts how Aretas (III) while deeply involved in the dynastic machinations of the collapsing Hasmonean Dynasty was called to Damascus by the government thereof. Judging by the other personalities involved this event dates to the mid 80's, BC.
In Antiquities Book XIV Josephus recounts how Pompey the Great's lieutenant, Aemillius Scaurus, "liberated" Damascus from Aretas and marched on to Jerusalem. Pompey's activities in Syria/Palestine date to 64-62 BC.
The next mention of "Aretas" in Antiquities is in the mid 30's AD when Aretas IV, having foolishly attacked Herod Antipas found himself running from the army of Lucius Vitellius, then Imperial Legate of Syria. The only thing that saved Aretas IV was the death of Tiberius in March of 37, AD. No mention of him controlling Damascus.
Now you can hang on to your fairy tales as much as you like but the historical EVIDENCE says otherwise.
Josephus, in Antiquities Book XIII recounts how Aretas (III) while deeply involved in the dynastic machinations of the collapsing Hasmonean Dynasty was called to Damascus by the government thereof. Judging by the other personalities involved this event dates to the mid 80's, BC.
In Antiquities Book XIV Josephus recounts how Pompey the Great's lieutenant, Aemillius Scaurus, "liberated" Damascus from Aretas and marched on to Jerusalem. Pompey's activities in Syria/Palestine date to 64-62 BC.
The next mention of "Aretas" in Antiquities is in the mid 30's AD when Aretas IV, having foolishly attacked Herod Antipas found himself running from the army of Lucius Vitellius, then Imperial Legate of Syria. The only thing that saved Aretas IV was the death of Tiberius in March of 37, AD. No mention of him controlling Damascus.
Now you can hang on to your fairy tales as much as you like but the historical EVIDENCE says otherwise.
