The Life of Flavius Josephus

Flavius Josephus · c. AD 93/94 (late 1st century) primary

passage 6 of 54 · (6/51)

in brief

Josephus argues the Jewish war was not voluntary but forced, then explains how Jerusalem sends him and other priests to Galilee to persuade armed men to keep weapons for later decisions against Rome.

he went out, and set the villages that belonged to Gadara and Hippos on fire; which villages were situated on the borders of Tiberias, and of the region of Scythopolis.

And this was the state Tiberias was now in. But as for Gischala, its affairs were thus:-- When John, the son of Levi, saw some of the citizens much elevated upon their revolt from the Romans, he labored to restrain them, and entreated them that they would keep their allegiance to them. But he could not gain his purpose, although he did his endeavors to the utmost; for the neighboring people of Gadara, Gabara, and Sogana, with the Tyrians, got together a great army, and fell upon Gischala, and took Gischala by force, and set it on fire; and when they had entirely demolished it, they returned home. Upon which John was so enraged, that he armed all his men, and joined battle with the people forementioned; and rebuilt Gischala after a manner better than before, and fortified it with walls for its future security.

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topics: assemblies, councils, and senates · civil war and rebellion · treaties, truces, and peacemaking

The Life of Flavius Josephus · Flavius Josephus · 93–94