De Antiquitate Judaica. De Bello Judaico.

JOSEPHUS, FLAVIUS

Albertinus Vercellensis for (the heirs of) Octavianus Scotus

Venice

23rd October, 1499

Translated by Rufinus Aquileiensis. Edited by Hieronymus Squarzaficus. Two parts in one volume. Numerous fine woodcut initials.

Goff J-487; BMC, V 421; Schreckenberg, Josephus, 165.

Flavius Josephus (b. 37/8 CE), a Jewish priest and Pharisee, was put in command of the Jewish resistance in Galilee at the time of the Revolt against Rome, but was captured. His life was spared when he predicted that Vespasian would become emperor. His works are an indispensable source on first century Jewish life and history: “The Jewish Antiquities” explaining to the Romans the history of the Jews from Creation to the Revolt of 66 CE; and “The Jewish Wars” explaining to the Mesopotamian Jews the history of the wars from the Maccabean revolt to 66 CE.