Josephus was born into an aristocratic priestly family and had early associations with the Pharisees. He travelled to Rome in 64 AD as an ambassador and was impressed with Rome and its military strength. Nevertheless, he took part in the revolt of Judea from 66 to 70 AD and proved his military abilities against Vespasian during a forty-seven day siege. Obtaining the esteem of Vespasian for this, and his prediction that Vespasian would one day become emperor, Josephus later became a Roman citizen and devoted his time to study. His major works have survived and include History of the Jewish War (75-79), The Antiquities of the Jews (93), which gives a detailed account down to 66 AD, and his autobiography, The Life of Flavius Josephus. |
Chrysoma Associates Limited
