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Josephus

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description Josephus Overview

Flavius Josephus (c. 37-c. 100 CE) was a Jewish priest, military commander, and historian who wrote in Greek under Roman rule. His works The Jewish War and Jewish Antiquities describe the revolt against Rome in 66-73 CE, the destruction of the Second Temple, and the history and institutions of the Jewish people.

Josephus is a major surviving source for the First Jewish-Roman War and for Jewish life in the late Second Temple period, although his position and later patronage shape his perspective.

help Josephus FAQ

Who was Josephus?

Flavius Josephus was a Jewish priest, military commander, and historian who wrote in Greek under Roman rule. He lived approximately from 37 to 100 CE and experienced the revolt that he later described.

What does The Jewish War by Josephus describe?

The Jewish War describes the revolt against Rome from 66 to 73 CE, including the siege and destruction of Jerusalem and the Second Temple in 70 CE. Josephus combines military narrative with political explanation and eyewitness material.

What is the difference between The Jewish War and Jewish Antiquities?

The Jewish War focuses on the revolt against Rome and its aftermath, while Jewish Antiquities presents a much longer history of the Jewish people. Antiquities is organized into 20 books and reaches the first century CE.

Why is Josephus's Roman perspective important?

Josephus was a Jewish participant who later worked under the Flavian emperors Vespasian and Titus. His position gives his writing valuable firsthand information but also makes questions of political perspective central to reading it.

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