Language:
English
Year of publication:
2023
Titel der Quelle:
Jewish, Christian and Muslim Travel Experiences
Angaben zur Quelle:
(2023) 161-179
Keywords:
Josephus, Flavius.
;
Vespasian,
;
Travel in post-biblical literature
;
Rome In post-biblical literature
Abstract:
This chapter examines Josephus’ account of the Year of the Four Emperors in book 4 of the Judean War, and in particular Vespasian’s response to the prospect of having to undertake a sea voyage from Judea to Rome to deal with the vicious Vitellius. Scholars have often taken the details of Josephus’ account as highly favorable to the Flavians. Consequently, they have argued that Josephus’ version of the events is arguably the most pro-Flavian version to survive from antiquity. Drawing on Greek and Roman views of narrative composition and arrangement, the present chapter challenges this view by examining Josephus’ characterization of Vespasian’s emotions and disposition as part of its wider literary context. The analysis suggests, first, that through his use of recognizable literary topoi related to sea travel, Josephus offers his readers interpretative clues for implicit criticism of the Flavians. The language and narrative structure of the War encourage comparisons between Vespasian and other characters staged in the narrative, such as Herod the Great. Second, the analysis sheds light on the rationale and patterns underlying the literary representation of travel and travel experiences in Josephus’ histories. Motifs of “travel” and “travel experiences” are not as incidental as they often seem to be. They can have important functions as literary devices in the narrative. Their paradigmatic nature allows readers to discover thematic structures and relationships between exemplary scenes for themselves.
DOI:
10.1515/9783110717488-009
URL:
Locate this publication in Israeli libraries
Permalink