PS owns a splendid, rare work of Jewish History worth around $3,000 on the old book market. Werken Flavius Josephus, published in Amsterdam in 1722, is a translation of the writings of the learned Jewish historian Flavius Josephus. A first century scholar who was ‘there’ and documented the Siege of Jerusalem in 70 CE by the Imperial Roman Army. Josephus’ account of Jewish History in the First Century proves accurate, making his words invaluable. We think he undertook writing around 94 CE.
Werken Flavius Josephus contains Josephus’ stories of Jewish History, the story of Josephus’ OWN life, his eyewitness account of the destruction of Jerusalem, and tales of martyrdom of the Maccabees. Not to mention a volume against Apion, a fellow philosopher who argued the Jewish faith too ancient, not as relevant as more “modern” beliefs, such as those practiced in Rome. Josephus argued for the strength of his faith, and historians consider translations of his work instrumental in the history of Judaism.
In old books such as Werken Flavius Josephus we see tremendous first source historical material, and a gorgeous presentation. People thought of books in 1722 as things of beauty. Josephus’ writings, as recounted in this book, were translated in other languages from the late 17th century till the mid-18th century. Joannes Oosterwyk published this volume, originally one of a set of three. Imagine sitting by the fire in Holland in 1722 and reading such a work.
Werken Flavius Josephus in remarkable shape, for its age
Its calf skin still appears fine, with thirteen copper plate engravings, and eleven fold out larger engravings. The frontispiece of this large, folio sized, book shows us the head of Josephus, and includes a map.
How Josephus came to eyewitness one of the most decisive battles in Jewish history was both an accident and providence. He travelled from Jerusalem to Rome, as a diplomat, and made a favorable impression on the Imperial Government. Josephus returned to Jerusalem, to find many in the city planning a revolt against Roman Rule. Jerusalem known then as the center of Jewish rebel resistance in the Roman province of Judea.
Josephus saw it all
He argued against war. But Many men pressed him to join the rebels, so he agreed to become a General, but remained undercover. He help plan the defense of Galilee when Titus, the Roman General who later became Caesar, betrayed him. Romans held Josephus as a prisoner, and as a captive he saw the Siege of Jerusalem (70CE).
The Siege became a five month bloodbath. The decisive event of the First Jewish-Roman War. Romans besieged Jerusalem constantly, and completely burned down the Second Jewish Temple and much of the City. Josephus wrote about the city ravaged by fire, murder, famine, and cannibalism. He wrote that the Romans killed or enslaved a million people.
Destruction of the mother city of Jerusalem (City of David) as well as the fortified Temple forced Jews remaining alive to reconfigure their way of life, and worship. Roman restored their rule, and all remaining citizens became gladiators, Roman prisoners, or slaves, some sold.
Truth in Werken Flavius Josephus
Since the publication of versions of Josephus’ book in the 17-18th century, modern archaeological evidence shows the truth of Josephus’ account. Josephus wrote these lines (I paraphrase): “Since the Roman Army could find no more to be slain, Titus Caesar called for the destruction of the City as well as the Temple, but ordered that his Army leave the highest towers of Jerusalem and part of the strongest City Wall as a testament to the strength of the Roman Army, who overcame such resistance. The rest of the City, the buildings, the gardens, the trees were burnt or levelled. This was the end to which Jerusalem came by the madness, a City of otherwise great magnificence, and mighty fame, was now a melancholy view and Judea now a desert.”
And indeed 1980s digs found huge stones buried since the destruction of the Temple Mount Wall, and even the Upper City’s lowliest residences were charred and found under forty inches of ash and seven feet or more of rubble.
PS owns a treasure that serves as a testimony to our ancestors. I deem such a volume a coveted read!