Oxonii (Oxford) E Theatro Sheldoniano, 1720.
Folio (425 x 280). Uniformly bound in two contemporary full calf bindings. Bindings with wear and scratches. Hinges reinforced with leather-strips. Ex-libris pasted on to verso of front board and previous owner's name to front free end-paper. First leaves in inner margin in vol. 1 with tear, not affecting text. Last leaf in vol. 1 with several closed tears, repaired with tape. First and last leaves with light brownspotting but internally generally very nice and clean. (40), 704 pp.; (2), 705-1411, VI, (42) pp.
Early bilingual collected edition (Greek/Latin) of the Jewish historian Flavius Josephus. Titus Flavius Josephus was a first-century Romano-Jewish historian who was born in Jerusalem. He fought against the Romans during the First Jewish–Roman War as head of Jewish forces in Galilee, but surrendered in 67 CE to Roman forces led by Vespasian. After Vespasian became Emperor in 69 CE, he granted Josephus his freedom, at which time Josephus assumed the emperor's family name of Flavius. Josephus recorded Jewish history, with special emphasis on the first century CE and the First Jewish–Roman War (66–70 CE), including the Siege of Masada. His most important works were The Jewish War (c. 75) and Antiquities of the Jews (c. 94).
The Jewish War recounts the Jewish revolt against Roman occupation. Antiquities of the Jews recounts the history of the world from a Jewish perspective for an ostensibly Greek and Roman audience. These works provide valuable insight into first century Judaism and the background of Early Christianity, although not specifically mentioned by Josephus. Josephus' works are the chief source next to the Bible for the history and antiquity of ancient Palestine.
Order-nr.: 63155