The premier Jewish historian of Greco-Roman antiquity. Josephus, a soldier, statesman, and historian, was a Jew born in Jerusalem around AD 37. A man of high descent, he became well-versed in Jewish law and Greek literature early on and was a Pharisee.

After advocating for some Jewish priests in Rome, he returned to Jerusalem and, in 66, tried to prevent a revolt against Rome, managing the affairs of Galilee for the Jews. Amid the ensuing troubles, he made peace with Vespasian. Present at the siege of Jerusalem by Titus, he received favors from these two emperors and from Domitian, adopting their family name Flavius. He died after 97.

As a historical source, Josephus is invaluable. His major works include: History of the Jewish War, in seven books, covering the period from 170 BC to his own time, first written in Aramaic but translated by himself into the Greek we now have; and Jewish Antiquities, in twenty books, covering the creation of the world to AD 66. The Loeb Classical Library edition of the works of Josephus, which spans thirteen volumes, also includes the autobiographical Life and his treatise Against Apion.

Pages: 368, Year of Publication: 0101, Dimensions: 10.8x10.8cm