The Jewish War by Josephus (Penguin Classics)

The work commonly known as “The Jewish War” is a historical account written by the Jewish historian Flavius Josephus. The full title of the work is “The Jewish War: In Flavius Josephus Complete Works of Josephus,” and it was written in the late 1st century, around 75-79 CE. Josephus, born Yosef ben Matityahu, was a Jewish military leader who later became a historian under Roman patronage.

“The Jewish War” primarily chronicles the events of the First Jewish-Roman War (66–73 CE), which culminated in the siege and destruction of Jerusalem and the Second Temple by the Romans in 70 CE. Josephus, who initially fought against the Romans but later surrendered and joined them, provides a detailed and firsthand account of the conflict.

Key elements covered in “The Jewish War” include:

1. **Background and Causes:** Josephus outlines the factors leading to the Jewish rebellion against Roman rule, including tensions, religious conflicts, and socio-political unrest.

2. **Military Campaigns:** The work extensively details the military campaigns and battles between the Jewish rebels and the Roman forces. Josephus provides insights into the strategies, tactics, and key players involved.

3. **Siege and Fall of Jerusalem:** The climax of the narrative is the siege of Jerusalem, its eventual fall, and the destruction of the Second Temple. This event had profound implications for Jewish history and is a central focus of the work.

4. **Aftermath:** Josephus also describes the aftermath of the war, including the enslavement and dispersal of Jewish survivors and the imposition of Roman rule.

It’s important to note that Josephus, having switched allegiances to the Romans, may have written his account with a bias favoring his Roman patrons. Nevertheless, “The Jewish War” remains a crucial historical source for understanding the events surrounding the First Jewish-Roman War and provides valuable insights into the socio-political dynamics of the time.