# Publius Sulpicius Quirinius

> Roman legate, consul and governor of Syria (c.51 BC-AD 21)

**Wikidata**: [Q313398](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q313398)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Quirinius)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/publius-sulpicius-quirinius

## Summary
Publius Sulpicius Quirinius was a Roman legate, consul, and governor of Syria who lived from approximately 51 BC to AD 21. He is best known for conducting the census of Quirinius in 6/7 CE, which enrolled the Roman provinces of Syria and Judaea for tax purposes.

## Biography
- Born: c.51 BC
- Nationality: Roman
- Education: Not specified in source material
- Known for: Conducting the census of Quirinius in 6/7 CE
- Employer(s): Roman government (as legate, consul, and governor)
- Field(s): Military, politics, governance

## Contributions
Publius Sulpicius Quirinius's primary contribution was conducting the census of Quirinius in 6/7 CE, which enrolled the Roman provinces of Syria and Judaea for tax purposes. This census was a significant administrative undertaking that helped Rome maintain control over its territories and collect taxes effectively.

## FAQs
**What was Publius Sulpicius Quirinius's role in the Roman government?**
Publius Sulpicius Quirinius served as a Roman legate, consul, and governor of Syria, holding important positions in the Roman administration.

**What is the census of Quirinius?**
The census of Quirinius was an enrollment of the Roman provinces of Syria and Judaea for tax purposes that took place in 6/7 CE under the direction of Publius Sulpicius Quirinius.

**Why is Publius Sulpicius Quirinius significant in history?**
Publius Sulpicius Quirinius is significant for conducting the census of Quirinius, which had important implications for Roman administration and taxation in the provinces of Syria and Judaea.

## Why They Matter
Publius Sulpicius Quirinius matters because his census of 6/7 CE was a crucial administrative tool for the Roman Empire. This census allowed Rome to effectively collect taxes and maintain control over its territories, particularly in the provinces of Syria and Judaea. The census also has historical significance, as it is mentioned in the Bible in relation to the birth of Jesus Christ.

## Notable For
- Conducting the census of Quirinius in 6/7 CE
- Serving as a Roman legate, consul, and governor of Syria
- Implementing important administrative reforms in the Roman provinces

## Body
### Early Life and Career
Publius Sulpicius Quirinius was born around 51 BC in the Roman Republic. He rose through the ranks of the Roman political and military system, eventually becoming a legate, consul, and governor of Syria.

### Governorship of Syria
As governor of Syria, Quirinius was responsible for overseeing the Roman province and its territories, including Judaea. This position gave him significant administrative and military authority in the region.

### The Census of Quirinius
In 6/7 CE, Quirinius conducted a census of the Roman provinces of Syria and Judaea. This census was an important administrative tool for the Roman Empire, allowing for more effective taxation and control of the provinces. The census is mentioned in the Bible in the Gospel of Luke, chapter 2, verse 2, in relation to the birth of Jesus Christ.

### Legacy
The census of Quirinius has had a lasting impact on historical and religious studies. It provides a key reference point for dating events in the early Roman Empire and has been the subject of much scholarly debate and research. Quirinius's administrative reforms and governance in Syria also contributed to the stability and efficiency of Roman rule in the region during his tenure.

## References

1. The Augustan Aristocracy
2. Q131987583
3. Virtual International Authority File
4. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
5. Treccani's Enciclopedia on line
6. Enciclopedia Treccani