Ben-Hur #244849

Judea had been a Roman province eighty years and more — ample time for the Caesars to study the character Of the people — time enough, at least, to learn that the Jew, with all his pride, could be quietly governed if his religion were respected. The predecessors Of Gratus had carefully abstained from interfering with any of the sacred observances of their subjects. But he chose a different course: almost his first Official act was to expel Hannas from the high-priesthood, and give the place to Ishmael, son of Fabus.