THRACE

THRACE - The name Thrace - it was not till AD 46 the name of a Roman province - was applied to all the country lying between the rivers Strymon and Danube. After the death of Lysimachus (281 BC - see THYATIRA), with whom the prospect of civilization for the country died, it continued barbarous, and was famous only for its severe climate and its soldiers. Of the latter there was a plentiful supply, and as soldiers of fortune they were to be found in the armies of the richer States. They were chiefly cavalry and light-armed infantry. (The name 'Thracian' was hence applied to gladiators armed in a particular way). Kings who employed them in war frequently settled them in colonies after peace was declared. A Thracian horseman is mentioned in 2 Mac.12.35 (about 163 BC) as saving Gorgias, the governor of Idumaea under Antiochus Epiphanes, from capture. [Article: Dictionary of the Bible, J.Hastings, 2nd Ed., T&T.Clark, 1963 - A.So.]