Josephus

Flavius Josephus (born Yosef ben Mattityahu; c. AD 37 – c. 100) was a Roman–Jewish historian and a leader in battles. He was born in Jerusalem, which was part of the Roman province of Judea. His father had priestly descent, and his mother claimed Hasmonean royal ancestry.

He fought for the Jewish forces in Galilee during the First Jewish–Roman War against the Roman Empire. He was the general there. He surrendered in AD 67 after a siege to the Roman army led by Vespasian. After Vespasian became emperor in AD 69, he gave Josephus his freedom. Josephus then took the Emperor's family name, Flavius.

Josephus became an advisor to Vespasian's son Titus. He helped Titus during the siege of Jerusalem in AD 70 as a translator. Josephus wrote important books such as The Jewish War and Antiquities of the Jews. His books help us learn about life in the first century and give information about Early Christianity, ancient Israel, and people such as Pontius Pilate, Herod the Great, John the Baptist, James, brother of Jesus, and Jesus of Nazareth.

Biography

See also: First Jewish–Roman War, Siege of Yodfat, and Vespasian

Josephus was born into a wealthy family in Jerusalem. His father was a Jewish priest, and his mother came from a royal family. He grew up learning about his traditions and faith.

When he was about 26, Josephus went to Rome to help free some Jewish priests who were held there. With help from an important Roman woman, he succeeded. When war broke out between the Jews and Romans, Josephus became a leader of Jewish forces in a region called Galilee. He worked to prepare towns for possible attacks.

During the war, Josephus faced many challenges from other leaders and from the Romans. He led his troops in defending against the Roman army. Eventually, during a long siege, Josephus and a small group of his men were trapped.

After this, Josephus was kept safe by the Romans. Later, he helped negotiate during another siege in Jerusalem. He lived in Rome, where he became a citizen and wrote many important books about Jewish history and beliefs.

Scholarship and impact on history

The writings of Josephus give us important details about the First Jewish–Roman War. They also help us learn about the time when important ancient scrolls called the Dead Sea Scrolls were written and about Jewish life during the time of the Temple.

People have talked about Josephus in different ways over time. Some thought he was a member of a Jewish group and even a traitor to his people. But more recent studies see him as a brave leader and a good historian. One book from 1991 by Steve Mason suggests he was not part of that group but came from a noble family and joined them only out of respect.

Impact on history and archaeology

Josephus wrote about many things that help historians understand the past. He talked about places, people, customs, and events. Even though some think we should be careful with what he wrote, his books are very useful. For example, he mentioned there were 240 towns in a region called Galilee. He also wrote about important Jewish leaders and events, such as the leaders of the Temple and the rise of a famous king named Herod the Great. His writings even helped find the possible location of Herod’s tomb, though some experts disagree with this idea.

Josephus also told stories that are not in the Bible, like how a man named Ishmael started the Arab people and the big battle at Masada.

Josephus's original audience

Scholars wonder who Josephus was writing for. Some think he wrote for Jewish people, while others believe he was talking to people from other cultures. He often explained Jewish customs, which suggests he was writing for those who were not familiar with them. Some Jewish leaders later did not like Josephus much, but others began to see him as important for showing Jewish history.

Literary influence and translations

Josephus was very popular among Christians, especially after the time of Jesus of Nazareth. His books were translated into many languages. The first English translation came out in 1602. Over time, Jewish people also began to value his work more, seeing it as a way to show their important place in history.

Evaluation as a military commander

Some people have criticized Josephus for his actions as a leader during wars. He made choices that saved himself but put others at risk. However, he also used his time with the Romans to benefit himself for the rest of his life.

Historiography and Josephus

In The Jewish War, Josephus talks about how some historians do not tell the story fairly. He says they make the Romans look very good and the Jews look smaller than they really were. Josephus wanted to tell the story more accurately, showing both sides fairly.

He also wrote Antiquities of the Jews, where he said that anyone reading his book could learn that good things happen in life, thanks to God. Josephus promised to write exactly what the records said, without adding or leaving anything out. He explained that his books were not just about laws and facts, but also included ideas and thoughts. He believed it was important to tell the story truthfully.

Works

The writings of Josephus tell us important facts about Jewish life and history from the first century.

• (around 75) War of the Jews, also called The Jewish War, Jewish Wars, or History of the Jewish War
• (around 94) Antiquities of the Jews, also called Jewish Antiquities or Antiquities of the Jews/Jewish Archeology
• (around 97) Against Apion
• (around 99) Life of Josephus, also called Autobiography of Josephus

Josephus planned to write more books, but they were never finished.

The Jewish War

Josephus wrote his first book, The Jewish War, in Rome. It is a seven-part story about the war between the Jews and the Romans. The book begins with the time of the Maccabees and ends with the fall of Jerusalem and other strong places, as well as the Roman celebrations after the war.

Antiquities of the Jews

Josephus wrote Antiquities of the Jews around 93 or 94 AD. This 21-part book tells the whole history of the Jewish people, starting from the very beginning. Josephus said he wrote it because he saw that others had written false stories about Jewish history. He used Jewish holy writings and his own experiences during the war between the Jews and the Romans as sources.

Life of Flavius Josephus

Main article: The Life of Flavius Josephus

Josephus wrote about his own life in a book called Life of Flavius Josephus, likely as a response to claims made by Justus of Tiberias.

Against Apion

In Against Apion, Josephus defends the Jewish faith. He shows that Judaism is an ancient and respected religion, older than Greek traditions. He also answers false claims made by a Greek writer named Apion.

Spurious works

• (date unknown) Josephus's Discourse to the Greeks concerning Hades (a book not really written by Josephus)