Showing results by author "Flavius Josephus" in All Categories

Among the many important historical documents from the Classical world of Greece and Rome The Antiquities of the Jews by Flavius Josephus is one of the most distinctive and characterful. Josephus (37-c100 CE) set out with the clear purpose of telling the history of the Jews from the creation in Genesis to the Jewish revolt against the Romans in 66 CE. Born in Jerusalem as Yosef ben Matityahu, he rose to become a leading participant in the First Jewish Revolt (66-73 CE).

In AD 66, nationalist and religious revolutionaries in Judaea led a ferocious revolt of the Jewish people against the authority of mighty Rome, culminating in the greatest upheaval and savagery the world had known up to that time. By the end of the conflict seven years later, over one million Jews had perished and tens of thousands were sold into slavery. Until the Holocaust, it remained the greatest tragedy ever endured by a people. How had this once prosperous region been laid low, and by what process did its fratricidal feuds take it down a slippery slope to utter annihilation? Fortunately for us, there was an eyewitness.

Discover the captivating insights of Titus Flavius Josephus, the Jewish historian, military leader, and Roman citizen, who offers an unparalleled account of the Jewish people during the 1st century Roman Empire. Born in Jerusalem under Caligulas reign and present at the siege of Jerusalem, Josephus is a pivotal figure among early Christian writers. Biblical scholar Henry St. James Thackery from Kings College, UK, curates the most significant passages for understanding Christian origins and New Testament studies. He notes, Some figures in the New Testament, merely names, come alive through ...

The Wars of the Jews, also known as The History of the Destruction of Jerusalem or commonly referred to as The Jewish War, is an influential work by the 1st-century Jewish historian Josephus. This compelling narrative chronicles Jewish history from the pivotal capture of Jerusalem by Antiochus IV Epiphanes in 164 BC to the tragic fall and destruction of the city during the First Jewish-Roman War in AD 70. Written around 75 AD in Josephuss native tongue, likely Aramaic, this original text has unfortunately not survived. However, it was later translated into Greek, potentially under Josephuss ...

Discover a poignant collection of nine heartfelt letters penned by John Quincy Adams, the sixth president of the United States, to his teenage son. These letters aim to instill a profound love and reverence for the Holy Scriptures, encouraging a lifelong passion for their study and reflection. - Summary by Dale Barkley

In this captivating volume of the Chronicles of America series, we delve into the evolution of George Washington as he navigates the complexities of the newly established Federal government. With a president, congress, supreme court, and his groundbreaking cabinet, Washington, a man of remarkable strength and determination, charted his own course. Surrounded by influential friends, supporters, and even challengers from his past, he and his colleagues faced the formidable challenge of ensuring the success of their revolutionary government amid unforeseen obstacles.

Join us on a hilarious journey through American history, from the first European settlements to the Civil War. Packed with the authors sharp wit and an abundance of sarcastic humor, this book offers a refreshingly entertaining take on historical events. Youll discover a unique blend of facts and comical embellishments that will keep you laughing while you learn. (Summary by Allyson Hester)

Dive into the rich history and intricate details of common law in the United States, exploring its evolution and significance through compelling narratives. (summary by TB27)

The Jewish War is an extraordinary historical document in that it details a calamitous period of four years during which the Jews pitted themselves against the might of the Roman empire. It is partly a remarkable account in that its author, Flavius Josephus (c.37–c.100 CE) was himself a Jew and yet, during the course of the conflict, found himself playing a prominent role for both sides. It is further underpinned by the fact that Josephus himself was not only a participant, but also an historian and a scholar of standing.

Discover the fascinating insights of Josephus in this collection, featuring three compelling parts. (1) Against Apion serves as a robust two-volume defense of Judaism, contrasting its ancient roots with the more recent traditions of the Greeks. Josephus tackles anti-Judean claims made by the Greek writer Apion and addresses myths attributed to Manetho. (2) Discourse To The Greeks Concerning Hades explores Josephuss perspectives on the afterlife, countering the predominant beliefs of his Greco-Roman contemporaries. This discourse, while traditionally linked to Josephus, has been more accurately...