Cura sanitatis Tiberii

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Cura Sanitatis Tiberii is an ancient legend that recounts the miraculous healing of the Roman Emperor Tiberius Caesar Augustus by the use of a cloth bearing the image of Jesus Christ. This narrative is often associated with the development of the Christian relic known as the Image of Edessa, also known as the Mandylion. The story, while not universally accepted as historical fact, plays a significant role in the lore surrounding the early interactions between the Roman Empire and Christianity, as well as in the history of Christian iconography.

Legend

According to the legend, Tiberius Caesar was suffering from a severe ailment that no physician in the Roman Empire could cure. During this time, King Abgar V of Edessa (now in modern-day Turkey) heard of the miracles performed by Jesus Christ. Abgar, suffering from leprosy, sent an envoy to Jesus, inviting Him to Edessa to cure him. In some versions of the story, instead of coming to Edessa, Jesus Christ is said to have imprinted His face on a cloth and sent it to Abgar. This cloth, upon being received by Abgar, not only cured him but also, according to some accounts, had the miraculous property of not being able to be replicated or depicted accurately by artists.

The legend further narrates that after the resurrection of Christ, the cloth was brought to Rome and shown to Emperor Tiberius. Upon seeing the image and hearing of its miraculous properties, Tiberius was instantly cured of his ailment. Moved by this miracle, Tiberius is said to have attempted to abolish the persecution of Christians within the Roman Empire and sought to place the image among the gods of Rome. However, the Senate refused, and the image was purportedly returned to Edessa, where it remained until the city was captured by the Persians in the 6th century.

Historical Context

The Cura Sanitatis Tiberii legend is part of the broader tradition of the Holy Face of Jesus, which includes various relics and stories about images of Jesus' face, such as the Veil of Veronica and the Shroud of Turin. The story is significant in the study of early Christian iconography, illustrating the veneration of images and the belief in their miraculous powers.

The historical accuracy of the Cura Sanitatis Tiberii is debated among scholars. There is no contemporary Roman record of the event, and the story appears in Christian sources only from the 4th century onwards, particularly in the writings of the church historian Eusebius of Caesarea. Eusebius recounts the correspondence between Jesus and Abgar V, but does not mention the healing of Tiberius. The connection between the Image of Edessa and the healing of Tiberius emerges in later Christian traditions.

Impact on Christian Iconography

The legend of the Cura Sanitatis Tiberii has had a lasting impact on Christian art and the veneration of relics. The Image of Edessa, also known as the Mandylion, became one of the most revered relics in the Christian world, believed to be the first icon—made not by human hands (acheiropoieton). This belief contributed to the acceptance and spread of icons within Christianity, influencing the development of Christian art, especially in the Byzantine tradition.

Conclusion

While the historical veracity of the Cura Sanitatis Tiberii may be uncertain, its significance in the history of Christianity and its impact on Christian art and the veneration of relics is undeniable. The legend encapsulates early Christian interactions with the Roman Empire and reflects the profound role that sacred images have played in Christian worship and tradition.