Josephus.+The+Jewish+War

Josephus: The Jewish War recounts the Jewish Revolt against Rome (66-70 AD). Josephus writes under Roman patronage, and he was a Jewish leader who turned over to the Roman side during the war. Readings - He starts by distinguishing between different types of Jews (Pharisees, Sadducees, and Essenes) - next...Pilate first is forgiving of the Jews and impressed by their united conviction - then learns from their propensity to unite against Roman law and introduces undercover soldiers amongst the crowd to beat up the Jews- Appeal to Petronius on matter of engraving images of Gods in the temple - Disrespect on behalf of hte Romans, religious fervor on behalf of the Jews (Josephus in 3rd person here) - Temple is burnt, and he blames the Jewish War on "fanatics" among the Jews. - Story of the siege of Masada

writing after Vespasian under Titus (who ran into temple with a bucket of water to put out fire, Josephus didn't dare portray him badly)