Josephus

Josephus (c. 37 – c. 100 AD) was a first-century Romano-Jewish historian and military leader, best known for his writings on the Jewish people and the First Jewish-Roman War (66-73 AD). Born in Jerusalem as Yosef ben Matityahu, he came from a priestly and royal background.

Initially a commander of Jewish forces in Galilee at the outbreak of the revolt against Rome, he surrendered to the Roman army led by Vespasian in 67 AD. He claimed to have predicted Vespasian would become emperor, which is why he was spared. He then became a translator and negotiator for the Romans, acting as an intermediary between them and the Jewish rebels. This change in allegiance earned him considerable criticism and accusations of treachery from his fellow Jews.

After the war, Josephus lived in Rome under the patronage of the Flavian emperors (Vespasian and his sons Titus and Domitian), adopting their family name, Flavius. He devoted himself to writing historical works, aiming to explain Jewish history and culture to a Greco-Roman audience.

His most important works include:

• The Jewish War (c. 75 AD): An account of the First Jewish-Roman War, written from a perspective that seeks to justify the Roman actions while also highlighting the suffering of the Jewish people. It is a primary source for understanding this pivotal event in Jewish history.

• Antiquities of the Jews (c. 93 AD): A comprehensive history of the Jewish people, from creation to the eve of the war with Rome. It draws heavily on the Hebrew Bible but also incorporates Hellenistic interpretations and embellishments. It is valuable for its preservation of traditions and perspectives not found elsewhere.

• Against Apion (c. 97 AD): A defense of Judaism against antisemitic slanders leveled by the Alexandrian grammarian Apion. It argues for the antiquity and philosophical depth of Jewish traditions.

• The Life of Flavius Josephus (c. 100 AD): An autobiographical account defending Josephus's own actions during the war and presenting his personal history.

Josephus's writings are crucial for understanding the history, religion, and culture of Judea during the first century AD. While his motives and accuracy have been debated, his works remain essential sources for historians and scholars interested in this period. His accounts provide valuable insights into the complexities of Jewish-Roman relations and the development of early Christianity.