Jewish diaspora communities appeal for protected worship and funds
About this date: Josephus assembles documents spanning decades, including a letter of Norbanus dated to about 35 BCE in the linked Roman-law edition. The broad range groups the dossier within the late first century BCE, rather than assigning every decree one issue date; the endpoint is not an independently dated final decree.
Josephus reproduces decrees concerning Jewish assemblies, Sabbath observance, and the transmission of sacred funds to Jerusalem.
Historical context
The documents show local disputes and repeated requests for protection. A formal privilege did not automatically end obstruction by neighbors or officials.
Key points
- Different letters address different cities and officials.
- Temple contributions connect diaspora communities with Jerusalem.
- Judicial scheduling and communal assembly appear alongside financial concerns.
People
- Augustus
- Marcus Agrippa
- Jewish diaspora communities
Sources and further reading
- Jewish Antiquities, Book XVI
Decrees and letters on customs, Sabbath, assemblies, and sacred money. - Letter of C. Norbanus Flaccus to Sardis
The edition dates this letter within the larger dossier to approximately 35 BCE.