Biblical Criticism & History Forum - earlywritings.com

StephenGoranson wrote: ↑Sat Oct 28, 2017 3:04 am A critical review of Mason's History of the Jewish War by Yaron Eliav:
https://urldefense.proofpoint.com/v2/ur ... dLxcKWc&e=

Eliav's criticism seems to be as much about Mason's tone as about the substance of his claims.

For example, without wishing to disparage the courage of the Zealots or their yearning for freedom from Rome, it seems likely that Mason is correct that subduing the Galilee was militarily straightforward for the forces under Vespasian and Titus.

Andrew Criddle

Stephen Goranson mentioned this book and I have recently read it. It is well worth reading. The Judean war -- not the Jewish war-- is what Steven Mason calls the war of AD 66-70 with Rome .

The Judean War:
In page 112 the author writes: " Josephus' War may be read as a kind of meditation on the meaning of political freedom - and slavery. In Book I, the Hasmoneans , and Herod after them, gain spectacular heights through nimble alliance-making , carving out a sphere of independence and regional dominance for Jerusalem ."

Josephus' War should be read as a " meditation on the meaning of political freedom" .