Josephus writes the Jewish War
About this date: 75–79 is a conventional window for the Greek work, not a known day of publication or a date for the war itself. Josephus's preface also refers to an earlier version in his own language.
Josephus produces the history that will become a central source for the revolt, the siege, and Jerusalem's destruction. Eusebius later quotes it extensively in Church History III.
Historical context
Josephus writes as a Jewish priest, former rebel commander, survivor, and beneficiary of the Flavian rulers. His preface argues against rival histories and presents his access to events as a reason to trust him.
Key points
- The surviving Greek work has seven books.
- Its events precede its composition: a paragraph about 70 CE is not necessarily an account written in that year.
- The speeches, explanations, and numerical claims belong to an authored ancient history, not a modern transcript.
People
- Flavius Josephus
- Vespasian
- Titus
Sources and further reading
- Church History: Josephus and his books
Eusebius discusses Josephus and catalogs the historical works he uses. - Jewish War: Josephus explains his undertaking
The author's earlier version, intended readership, involvement, and dispute with rival writers.