The Great Roman-Jewish War

An eyewitness account of a historical turning point in Judaism, Christianity, and all of Western civilization, The Great Roman-Jewish War chronicles the Jewish revolt against the Roman Empire from A.D. 66–70. Its author was a leader among the Jewish resistance in Roman occupied Judea during the first century — until he switched sides and collaborated with Rome, becoming an adopted member of the imperial family and assuming the name Flavius Josephus.

For centuries, Flavius Josephus’ histories of the tumultuous era that saw the collapse of Jewish independence and the rise of Christianity were more widely read in Europe than any book other than the Bible. The Great Roman-Jewish War is among the few sources of information about Judaism during the first century. As such, it provides an essential background for an understanding of both the beginning of modern Judaism and of the New Testament within its historical setting. It also offers a fascinating self-portrait of a turncoat general whose story is as much a rationale for his collaboration as it is a record of events.

This edition features a detailed biographical sketch of the author as well as appendixes with helpful maps, genealogies, and a chronological table.