Jewish Antiquities, Volume V

Jewish Antiquities, Books 12-13

In Jewish Antiquities, his classic history of the Jews from the Creation to the start of the Jewish War in 66 C.E., Josephus draws on a wealth of traditional lore to augment and embellish the biblical accounts; describes Jewish laws and institutions for the Hellenistic society in which he lived; and provides an important picture of the diaspora communities under Roman control. His work incorporates invaluable contemporary source material, and is particularly interesting on the period of the Second Commonwealth.