A historian of our day perhaps would not approve of this behavior but, one could say, the end justifies the means!
Antichità Giudaiche, by Giuseppe Flavio, a work of this kind, rich in history and curiosity for the reader. But before going any further, you need to spend a few lines on this ancient author.
Josephus lived and worked between around 37 and 100 AD. Belonging to one of the most important priestly families in Jerusalem, he is in some way linked to the royal house. Between 56 and 59 Joseph attended the three main religious schools, that of the Pharisees, the Sadducees and the Essenes, preferring the latter. In 64 he went to Rome as an ambassador. In 66 we find him as Governor of Galilee where he will fight against the Romans. In the following year he surrenders to the Romans and is taken prisoner by Vespasian, Giuseppe owes his subsequent fortune to this unfortunate encounter. In fact, questioned by Vespasian, he predicts his future as an emperor. A few years later, in 69, Vespasian effectively becomes Emperor and will not forget the one who predicted it. Joseph acquires semi-freedom. He becomes a friend of Tito, son of the Emperor. in 70 he is in Jerusalem, but this time he is on the side of the Romans, Jerusalem is conquered and the Temple destroyed.
He publishes the Jewish War between the 75 and the 79. A few years later, in the 94 and 95, he publishes the Jewish Antiquities and it is here that I stop.
This text is a historical text, in twenty books, which starts from the creation of the world to the reigning house of Adiabene.
It almost seems to read the Bible, even if seasoned with details such as the meaning of terms of the Hebrew language, hints of geography, ancient history, uses and customs of its people: on the other hand Giuseppe writes above all to make sure that the Greeks and Romans may they know and appreciate his people.An example for all: Book I, 33 "On the seventh day God raised his hands from the work by resting; for this reason we also suspend our labors on this day and call it Saturday, a word which in the Hebrew language it means 'quiet' ... "This explains why the Saturday (for us Sunday), the seventh day of the week, stops us from work!
Now I leave you, but I believe that Josephus should be part of your library, as he entered mine.
Alessandro Rugolo
