Emperor Tiberius

A Roman emperor who reigned from AD 14 until 37. Tiberius had a difficult relationship with the senate and his second marriage was unhappy. Toward the end of his reign, he became reclusive and aloof. He was remembered as a dark and somber ruler.

The legend tells that he met Mary Magdalene who came to protest against Jesus’ death and tell him about the resurrection. The legend holds that he told Mary Magdalene that there was about as much chance of a human being returning to life from the dead as there was of the egg in her hand turning red. The egg promptly turned red.

This event can also be understood as an expression of her anger.

Emperor Tiberius / public domain