orig. Joseph Ben Matthias
born AD 37/38, Jerusalem
died 0441; 100, Rome
Jewish priest, scholar, and historian.
Born of a priestly family, Josephus joined the Pharisee s. While on a diplomatic mission he was impressed by the culture and sophistication of Rome, and in the Jewish revolt of AD 6670 he eventually attached himself to the Roman cause. Favoured in the courts of emperors Vespasian , Titus , and Domitian , he wrote valuable historical works. His History of the Jewish War (79) is the principal source on the revolt and includes much on Roman tactics and strategy. The Antiquities of the Jews (93), his greatest work, traces Judaism from creation up to the revolt. Against Apion defends Judaism against Hellenism.