Language:
English
Year of publication:
2005
Titel der Quelle:
Australian Journal of Jewish Studies
Angaben zur Quelle:
19 (2005) 20-34
Keywords:
Josephus, Flavius.
;
Josephus, Flavius.
;
Exodus, The, in post-biblical literature
;
Antisemitism History To 500
;
Jews History Empire, 30 B.C.-284 A.D.
Abstract:
Interprets Josephus' writings as an apologia - for himself, since he had to defend himself against accusations of dual loyalty, and for the Jewish people. The aim of his book "The Jewish War" was to counter other versions of the great revolt, some of which reflected antisemitic distortions, as well as to further rapprochement between the Romans and the Jews. A similar motive moved Josephus to write his "Antiquities of the Jews". In an attempt to defend himself, both as a Jew and as a cosmopolitan intellectual, Josephus contemporized the biblical story of the Exodus, "retrojecting" his own experiences in the Jewish revolt into the story. Antisemitic canards of his time motivated Josephus not only to debunk them but also to recast Judaism in a Hellenistic mold. Although one may cast doubts on the historicity of Josephus' accounts, his works are both documentary evidence and oral testimony.
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