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August 1, 2026Short & citedBlog
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People File • Historian

Flavius Josephus

Flavius Josephus was a first-century Jewish priest, military leader, and historian best known for writing about the Jewish revolt against Rome and the history of the Jewish people.

Updated August 1, 20261 min readCited sources

He is best known for his writings on the Jewish revolt against Rome and the history of the Jewish people.

What it is

Josephus is a key ancient historian whose surviving works include *The Jewish War*, *Antiquities of the Jews*, *Life*, and *Against Apion*. He wrote from a unique perspective as both a participant in and witness to the events he described, particularly the First Jewish–Roman War and the destruction of Jerusalem.

Why it matters

Josephus is one of the most important surviving sources for Jewish history in the first century CE. His writings are essential for understanding Second Temple Judaism, the Roman period in Judea, and the context of early Christianity. In Canada, he is studied in university history and religious studies programs.

Key details

Born around AD 37/38 in Jerusalem to a priestly family, Josephus later lived in Rome. His works are widely used by historians but must be read critically due to his political aims and personal involvement. Most sources place his death around AD 100.

In short

  • Josephus was a Jewish historian and priest who wrote about the Jewish revolt against Rome.
  • His major works are *The Jewish War*, *Antiquities of the Jews*, *Life*, and *Against Apion*.
  • He is a vital but not neutral source for first-century Jewish and Roman history.
  • He lived from about AD 37/38 to around AD 100.
Canadian angle

Josephus is studied in Canadian universities and religious studies programs as a key source for the history of ancient Judea, Second Temple Judaism, and the Roman world.

Quick questions

Who was Josephus?
A first-century Jewish priest, military leader, and historian from Jerusalem, known for his accounts of the Jewish revolt against Rome.
What did Josephus write?
His major surviving works are *The Jewish War*, *Antiquities of the Jews*, *Life*, and *Against Apion*.
Is Josephus a reliable source?
He is highly important but not neutral. Historians use him critically because he wrote with political aims and was personally involved in the events.

Sources

  1. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Josephus
    Supports: Birth around AD 37, Jerusalem origin, major works, and summary of *The Jewish War*.
  2. PBS — https://www.pbs.org/wgbh/pages/frontline/shows/religion/portrait/josephus.html
    Supports: Josephus as a primary source, his role in the revolt, and his writings in Rome.
  3. Oxford Academic — https://academic.oup.com/book/33587/chapter/288061235
    Supports: Josephus as a Jewish Roman scholar, historian, general, and advisor; birth and family background.
  4. Encyclopaedia Britannica — https://www.britannica.com/biography/Flavius-Josephus
    Supports: Birth and death dates, major works, and description as a Jewish priest, scholar, and historian.
  5. Biblical Archaeology Society — https://www.biblicalarchaeology.org/daily/people-cultures-in-the-bible/people-in-the-bible/the-histories-of-flavius-josephus/
    Supports: Major surviving works, approximate death date, and his importance as a historical witness.
  6. Oxford Classical Dictionary — https://academic.oup.com/edited-volume/61673/chapter/549652282
    Supports: Josephus as a Jewish priest of aristocratic descent and political leader in pre-70 Jerusalem.