47

rmu.i1'f!~~ 39 % c2016 ~ 3 A) PP· 47-110.

Judea after Herod the Great-Herodian Dynasty (4 BC-67 AD) according to the writings ofJosephus FlaviusJanusz KUCICKI
Introduction

Five days before Herod the Great died, he ordered with Caesar's
permission the beheading of his son Anti.pater II, the strongest candidate to thethrone of Judea (JW 1.661-664). Rather unexpectedly, the strongest candidate to
the throne of the Judean kingdom after Herod death, become Archelaus1, theson of Herod and Samaritan Malthace, whom Herod mentions in his will (JW
1.664). However, the will of Herod was not confirmed by Caesar Augustus,
who divided the kingdom into three parts. Augustus gave to Herod Archelaus
the title of ethnarch of Judea, which included the territory of Judea, Samariaand Idumea. His brother, Antipas, was appointed the tetrarch of Galilee andPeraea (JA 17.188)2 . Another son of Herod, Philip whose mother was deopatra

1 Herod Archelaus (23 BC-18 AD), the son of Herod the Great and Malthace, became the

ethnarch of Judea, Samaria and Idumea, and hold the office since 4 BC tmtil 6 AD. After
Caesar Augustus banished Archelaus to Vienna, the ethnarchy of Jud.ea was reduced toprovince of Judea administrated by Roman prefects and it was incorporated into theprovince of Syria. He is mentioned in the Gospel of Mathew (Mt 2, 22).
2 Herod Antipas (20 BC-? after 39 AD), the son of Herod the Great and Malthace, who after
the death of his father received title of tetrarch ruled the territory Galilee and Peraea
from 4 BC till 39 AD. Jn 39 AD, Caesar Gai.us (Caligula) banished Herod Antipas to Spain(probably) and his territory was given to Herod Agrippa I.

48

of Jerusalem, received Trachonitis and the neighboring districts Gaulonitis,
Batanaea and Paneas (JW 1.668-669; JA 17.188-189)3. The sister of Herod,
Salome received Jamneia, Azotus and Phasaelis (JA 17.189)4. In this way theKingdom of Herod the Great was divided into three parts, as planned, but thesuccessors differ from those who planned to rule the kingdom after Herod.

1. Judea after Herod the Great according to the Jewish Wars

Josephus' account of the Herodian dynasty after the death of Herodthe Great almost exclusively concerns the history of Judea, the other two
regions Galilee and Trachonitis are only occasionally mentioned in either the
Jewish Wars or the Jewish Antiquities. Despite this fact, we will present
separately the account concerning each of the territories.

1.1. Judea

At the behest of Herod the Great, Archelaus was appointed king of
Judea, the one to whom the army and all officials swore loyalty (JW 1.665-670).
However, the last wish of Herod the Great had to be recognized by Rome,before Achelaus officially became King of Judea. Archelaus' first act as kingwas the organization of a magnificent funeral for Herod the Great (JW
1.671-673). After a week of mourning, Archelaus visited the Temple, where hemade a speech, which earned him the support of the crowd. He also made

Herod Philip II (24 BC-34 AD), the son of Herod the great and Oeopatra of Jerusalem,. isknown also as Herod II. After Herod death, he received the title of tetrarch and ruled theterritories of Trachonitis, Gaulonitis, Batanaea and Paneas since 4 BC-34 AD.
4 SaJome received only some cities and was not one of the successors after her brother.

3

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sacrifices (JW 2.1-5). Soon after the funeral some people holding anti-Herodian
sentiments started to recall the incident when a golden eagle was brought into
the Temple, and asking Archelaus to punish some of Herod's favorites. The
first one, whom the crowed wanted to punish, was the high-priest of the
Temple (JW 2.6-7). Archelaus unsuccessfully attempted to argue with thecrowd through his officers (JW 2.8-10), but in the end the situation turned toopen conflict, when during the feast of Passover, Archelaus was forced to use
troops to prevent a revolt, but this intervention brought about the death ofsome three thousand people (JW 2.11-13). After the incident in the Temple,
Archelaus left for Caesarea, with the intention of later going to Rome, leaving
the responsibility for the palace and the situation in Jerusalem with Philip, his
half-brother (JW 2.14-15). Together with Archelaus to Rome also went his
mother and some friends (Poplas, Ptolemy, Nicolas), in order to support his
claims. Salome and her children also went with Archelaus under the pretenseof supporting him, but in fact in order to officially blame him for the incident
in the Temple, and to support Antipas, another claimant to the throne (JW 2.20).
When, Archelaus left for Rome, and Varus, the governor of Syria returned to
Syria from Jerusalem, Sabinus, the imperial financial officer for the province ofSyria, went to Jerusalem and took possession of Herod's treasuries, although
he had promised to Archelaus not to take any action until Caesar's decisionrespecting Herod's will (JW 2.16-19). Before Caesar Augustus in Rome the twoparties appeared claiming their rights to succession after Herod (JW 2.21-25).
Caesar Augustus first took council of eminent people of Rome, and afterwards
he called upon the two parties to speak. The first to speak was Antipater, theson of Salome, who accused Archelaus of acting as king even though he was
not yet confirmed as such by Caesar (JW 2.26-28), as well as of hypocritical

50

behavior after the death of this father (JW 2.29). Yet, the strongest accusation
concerned the massacre of the crowd in Jerusalem (JW 2.30-32). Antipatersought to undervalue the claim of Herod the Great by pointing out the fact that
Archelaus was named his successor during the time of Herod's insanity, only
few day before he died~. All these accusations were easily undercut by aconvincing speech from Nicolas, who represented Archelaus (JW 2.34-38).
Caesar although sympathetic to Archelaus, took some time before hepronounced his decision.
During their stay at Rome, Malthace, the mother of Archelaus died,and also a report concerning a new uprising in Jerusalem reached Rome (JW
2.39-50)6. The scope and extent of the uprising in Judea was such that the
Roman troops stationed in Jerusalem were unable to suppress it. This is turnsaw the emergence of other aspirants to the throne of Judea, though they
lacked royal background. (JW 2.57-65) 7 • The situation reached such an
alarming level that Varus, governor in Syria, moved into Judea with two

Anti.pater was not only one accused. Varus sent to Rome fifty Jewish deputies, who
accused Arche1aus OW 2.80). Josephus presents the accusation in JW 284-91, whichmostly concentrates on cruelty of Herod's reign with a strong suggestion that Archelaus,
the son of Herod should not become king. Varus also sent to Caesar Archelaus' brother
Philip, who would support Archelaus, in case Caesar would divide Herod's estate, hewould take a share2.83).
6 In the account concerning the uprising.. Josephus wrote that one group of Jewish leaders
were based on the south side of the city near the Hippodrome (also JA 17.255). The
location of the hippodrome remains tmknown. The account also contains information
concerning burning of the temple's porticoes and robbery of the temple's treasury250). The uprising took shape of a war for independence OW 2.53-54) and it spread into
others parts of the Judean kingdom OW 2.55-56). During the war, Herod's palaces inJericho and at Betharamatha were burned by a royal slave Peraea Sim.cm and his
compatriots
257-59).
7 Josephus mentions Athrongaeus and his forth brothers
2.60-65), Peraea Simon
256-59) and Judas, the son of Ezechias OW 256).
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legions, and other allies, to forcibly pacify the region (JW 2.66-79)8 . Varus gave
no quarter, with the result that having reasserted Roman authority in
Jerusalem, he then ordered the crucifixion of some 2000 Jews who'dparticipated in the revolt, and imprisoned many more (JW 2.72-75).
At the same time, Varus also solved the problem of the Idumaeans rebels, andon this occasion he sent the king's cousin Achiab together with others leaders,to Caesar for trial (JW 2.77-79) for failing to take proper action against the
Idumaeans at the beginning of the war (JW 2.55-56).
In Rome, Caesar after hearing both sides of the conflict, came to thedecision that Archelaus receive half of Herod's kingdom with the title ofethnarch (JW 2.93-94)9• The other half of the kingdom was divided between thetwo other sons of Herod Antipas received the provinces of Peraea and Galilee

and two hundred talents (JW 2.94-95). Philip received the territories of
Batanaea, Trachontis, Auranities and part of the dominion of Zeno calledz.enodorus (JW 2.95). Herod's sister, Salome was declared mistress of Jamnia,
Azotus and Phasaelis, but these places were de facto under Archelaus'
jurisdiction (JW 2.98)10.
Concerning Archelaus reign', Josephus writes almost nothing except
to describe his reign as a permanent and cruel persecution of those (Jews andSamaritans), who were counted among his opponents (JW 2.111). After nine
years of ruling his kingdom as the ethnarch, Archelaus was banished from
Judaea by Caesar Augustus, in response to complaints from both Jews andDuring this time, Sepphoris and Fmmaus were also burnt OW 2.68-71).
Archelaus received Judaea, ldtunaea and Samaria. The cities subjected to him, were
Caesarea (Strata's Tower), Sebaste, Joppa, Jerusalem,. Gaza, Gadara, Hippos OW 2.96-97).
10 Others members of the Herod's family also received their share OW 2.99-100). After theaccount concerning Caesar decision, Josephus gives an extensive account concerning cme
named pseudo Alexander OW 2.101-110).

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Samaritans11• He was sent to the city of Allobroges in Gailis Narbonensis, on
the east bank of the Rhone (today Vienne). After his banishment, the ethnarchyof Archelaus was incorporated into the province of Syria, but Salome wasallowed to take possession of her property. On her death she bequeathed theproperty to the Julia, Augustus' wife (JW 2.167).

From 6 AD, the territory of Archelaus was reduced to the province of
Judea, which was administrated by prefects (till 44 AD) and procurators (from44 AD till 67 AD) who were sent by Rome (JW 2.117)12• The first of them was
Coponius, to whom full authority was entrusted The only information
concerning his time in office refers to Judas from Galilee, the sophist and thefounder of a new sect, who incited the Jews to revolt against Rome (JW
2.117-118)13• Josephus gives no account concerning the three next prefects of
Judea after Coponius (Marcus Ambibulus - 9-12 AD; Annius Rufus - 12-15
AD; Valerius Gratus - 15-26 AD), but he goes directly to an account concerning
the fifth procurator of Judea (JW 2.169-177), Pontius Pilate (26-36 AD).
Although, Pilate was staying in Caesarea, he had brought into Jerusalem
standards with medallions portraying the image of Caesar, in transgression of
Jewish Law (JW 2.170-171). When the Jews presented their objection to him in
Caesarea, Pilate tried, under threat of military action, to force them to accept theaw

This was foretold by a certain Simon from the sect of Essenes
2.113). The property ofArchelaus was confiscated and added to the imperial treasure OW 2.111-112).
12 See, appendix 1. Although there is no distinction in prerogative between these two terms,
since 6 AD, until 41 AD, the term prefect was in use, but from 44 AD, until 66 AD, theterm procurator was in use. During the years 41-44 AD, there was no prefect, because
Herod Agrippa I was the king of the "Kingdom of Judea" which included, but also
extended beyond the province of Judea.
13 At this point, Josephus gives an account concerning the three main religious sects: thePharisees
2.162-163), the Sadducees OW 2.164-166) and the Essenes OW 2.119-161).
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raising of the standards in Jerusalem. The Jews took an uncompromising stancedeclaring they were ready to die rather than accept the unacceptable; Herodordered the removal of the standards from Jerusalem (JW 2.172-174). Later,
Pilate in order to finish the construction of an aqueduct used part of the sacredtreasure of the Temple, leading to an uprising of the Jews. This time, theopposition was brutally suppressed by Pilate (JW 2.175-177).
When Caius (Caligula) became the emperor (37-41 AD) and the
procurator of Judea was Marullus (37-41 AD), an order was made to place in the
Jerusalem Temple the statue of Caius, 'a new god' (JW 2.184-185). In charge of
executing the order was Petronius, the governor of Syria, who moved from
Syrian Antioch with an army to Jerusalem (JW 2.185-187). The peaceful but
strong opposition of the Jews forced Petronius to negotiate with them in the
town Ptolemais in Galilee (JW 2.188-198). Failing to reach any consensus with
the Jews, Petronius unwilling to slaughter the Jews, who were ready rather todie than condone the erection of an image of Gaius in the Temple, went back to
Antioch (JW 2.199-201). Later, he sent his report to Rome, in which he explained
the reason for his unsuccessful mission in Judea, however, Gaius ordered him
to be put to death, for neglecting the Emperor's will. Fortunately, before themessengers from Gaius with his order appeared in Syrian Antioch, Gaius was
assassinated in Rome, and the order was not carried out (JW 2.202-203)14•
The next Caesar, Oaudius was proclaimed as such by the army
(41-54 AD), however the senate opposed to it, leading to civil war (JW
2.204-205). During this crisis, Agrippa (Herod Agrippa I) was in Rome andacted on behalf of Oaudius in mediating with the senate (JW 2.206-214). When
14

After Gaius death, the army in Rome proclaimed Oaudius to be the emperor, but it was
not recognized by the senate of Rome, what led to the war about secession after Gaius

aw 2.204-205).

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finally the senate accepted Claudius as the emperor, Agrippa was appropriately
rewarded for his service. Agrippa was declared king of Judea, which included
the province of Judea, his previous possessions (the tetrarchies of Philip and
Herod Antipas), the district of Trachonitis and Auranitis, and the kingdom of
Lysanias (JW 2.215)15• However Herod Agrippa I, though finally named asking of Judea died in third year of his reign (44 AD16• He left three daughters(Bernice, Mariamme, Drusill) and one son Agrippa (Herod Agrippa II). Because,
Herod Agrippa II was too young to succeed his father, the kingdom of Judea
was again reduced to being a province ruled by procurators OW 2.220)17•
When Cumanus (48-52 AD) became procurator of Judea, anotherslaughter of some thirteen thousand Jews took place during the Passover (JW
2.224-227). Insulting behavior by a Roman soldier provoked a strong Jewish
protest, which included militant resistance, which in turn Cum.anus responded
to with an equally harsh use of military might to 'pacify' the crowd OW 2.227).
Another disturbance arose when during the pacification of a certain village, aRoman soldier ripped up a scroll of the Torah and set it on fire (JW 2.228-231).
Jews brought their complaint to Cumanus in Caesarea, asking for punishmentof the soldier, and Cumanus responded by meeting out appropriate

The edict was sent to the people, and the bronze tablets were deposited at Capitol inorder to commemorate the event
2.216-217). Brother of Agrippa, Herod was
additionally presented with Kingdom of Chalcis OW 2. 217). He died in 48 AD,
2.221)and the kingdom of Chalcis was presented by Oaudius to his nephew Agrippa IL the sonof Agrippa I
2.223). He left two sons Bernicianus and Hyrcanus (from wife Bernice)and one son Aristobulus (from his first wife Mariamme). Another brother of Agrippa L
Aristobulus died in privet station, leaving a daughter Jotape
2.222).
16 He began to build the walls around Jerusalem but his death saw the project abandoned
2.21s-219).
17 See appendix 1, the procurators of the second series. The first two procurators were
Cuspius Fadus and Tiberius Alexander
2.220) and the periods of their rule isdescribed by Josephus as peaceful.
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punishment. However there was one more incident that had severe
consequences for the region and Cumanus. A Galiliean heading for Jerusalem
was murdered when passing through the Samaritan village of Gema (JW 2.232).
This incident resulted in armed Galileans moving against Samaria intent onrevenge. Some Jewish notables turned to Cumanus requesting that he move toprevent the attack by the Galileans. The Procurator pays insufficient attention
to their petition. He viewed the crisis as but a minor incident (JW 2.233). Afternews of the Galileans' revenge reached Jerusalem, a mob of those who had
gathered for the Passover festival went to Samaria under the command of acertain Eleazar son of Deinaeus, and took revenge on the Samaritans (JW
2.234-235)18• At that stage, Cumanus moved Roman forces into Samaria andpacified the mob led by Eleazar (JW 2.236-239). After peace was restored, theSamaritans went to Tyre to see the governor of Syria, Ummidus Quadrab.ts,

asking him to punish the Jews (JW 2.239). The Jewish delegation, including thehigh-priest Jonathan, son of Ananus in defense of their actions pointed to
Cumanus' neglect of his duty as the reason for all the disturbances (JW 2.240).
Quadrab.ts in person investigated the case. He went first to Caesarea, where hecrucified the prisoners taken by Cumanus, next he went to Lydda, where heheard the Samaritans case and consequently beheaded eighteen Jews
responsible for the massacre (JW 2.241-242). His final decision was that adelegation of the Jews including the high-priests Jonathan, Ananias, Anaus anda delegation of Samaritans go to Rome. He also sent to Rome, Cwnanus and thetribune Celer to render their account of the affair (JW 2.243-244). Caesar, after
hearing together with Agrippa II from all three sides of the conflict, judged in

18

JW mention also a certain Alexander together with Eleazar, but JA does not mention
him.

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favour of Jews, condemning the Samaritans and banishing Cumanus (JW
2.245-246)19.
After Cumanus, Antonius Felix (52-58 AD) became the procurator of

Judea, Samaria, Galilee and Peraea (JW 2.247). At that time, Caesar Oaudius
granted the former tetrarchy of Philip to Agrippa II, who became the king ofTrachontis, Batanaea, Gaulanitis, the kingdom of Lysanias and the old tetrarchy
of Varus (JW 2.247)20.
During the reign of Nero (54-68 AD), Aristobulus, the son of Herod
Agrippa II, received the kingdom of Armenia (JW 2.252). Nero also added to
the kingdom of Herod Agrippa II four cities: Abila, Julia in Peraea, Tarichaeae,
Tiberias in Galilee (JW 2.253). At that time, Judea was a province under the ruleof a Roman procurator, whom since 52 AD, was Felix21 • During the rule of Felix,Judaea was constantly troubled with various groups of bandits engaged inbrigand. Josephus gives an account of Eleazer and his brigand band, who weresent to Rome for trial (JW 2.253), and the brigand group called sicarii(Assassins), who operated in Jerusalem, where they assassinated thehigh-priest Jonathan, and terrorized the whole city (JW 2.254-257). This time of19

The tribune Cel.er was sent back to Jerusalem, where after his humiliation he wasbeheaded
2.246).
20 This occurred in 53 AD. One year after, in 54 AD, Caesar Oaudius died2.248) andhis successor was Nero, his adopted son. Because the reign of Nero was characterized byterror and brutality, Josephus diplomatically omitted the record concerning this part ofRoman history, giving instead a short, negative and general account of the characteristics
of Nero's times
2.250-251).
21 Marcus Antonius Felix was the Greek freedman of Oaudius or Oaudius' mother,Antonia Minor. He was procurator of Judea form 52 AD, till 58 AD, and during his ruleJudea became very dangerous place with a high level of crime2.254-257). Although,Felix put an end to the activities of Eleazar, whom he sent to Rome for trial
2.253), his
auelty and licentiousness, together with his willingness to accept bribes, made Judea a
hot-bed of uprisings and internal feuds. Felix is presented in a similar manner in Ar 23,
23-24, 27.

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unrest in Judaea presented an opportunity to some self-proclaimed prophets,
who exploiting the nationalistic sentiments present deceived the people andpromoted one disturbance after another. Josephus mentions a certain prophet,
who led into the desert a large body of men (JW 2.259). His actions wererecognized by Felix as a potential source of rebellion, and he dispatched amounted unit of Roman soldiers to pacify them (JW 2.260). Another example
given by Josephus is of an Egyptian false prophet, who gathered thirty
thousand men, with the purpose of liberating Jerusalem from Romans anddeclaring himself the king (JW 2.161-263). The Egyptian's troops were defeatedby Felix, but the false prophet escaped (JW 2.263). In Josephus opinion, these
disturbances were the beginning of a nationalistic movement, which frightened
Romans and those who cooperated with them, and in the end led to the War(JW 2.264-265). Josephus also gives an account concerning the disturbances in
Caesarea, where the Jews and the Syrian inhabitants found themselves inmilitary conflict when the Jews pushed their claim that the city was a Jewish
city (JW 2.266-270). A long and violent conflict, in the end saw Felix massacre
the Jews in the market place, an act of overt favoritism in support of the Syrians.
In order to bring an end the conflict Felix sent delegates from both parties toRome, where they argued their respective cases before Nero (JW 2.270)22.

The next procurator of Judea, after Felix, was Festus (60-62 AD), who died in
office (JA 20.200). A short account of his rule notes military actions againstrobbers and nationalistic brigands (JW 2.271).
The successor after Festus was Albinus (62-64 AD), about whom
22

In JW 2.284-288, Josephus notes that Caesar judged in favor of the Greeks, what scxm led
to conflict initiated by same Jews, who felt by actions of the Greeks (JW 2.289-292). The
conflict in Caesarea became the beginning of the Jewish-Roman war.

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Josephus gives, in the Jewish Wars, a very negative account. He is presented asirresponsible, corrupt, and an unjust procurator, who for his own private
benefit neglected the duty of his office (JW 2.273-276). His unjust acts against
citizens of Judea (extraordinary truces), he for his own personal prosperity(financed by ransoms) allowed rebels and robbers to freely roam in the territoryof Judea. Josephus blames Albinus also for allowing nationalistic elements toterrorize the inhabitants of Jerusalem and Judea.
Josephus gives an even more negative account of the last procuratorof Judea, Gessius Florus (64-66 AD), who took office after Albinus (JW
2.277-279). He is presented as a cruel dictator, with an open hatred of the Jews,
unjust in his exercise power, who cooperated and took his share of the spoils of
criminals and robbers. His only interest seemed to be the collection of money.
According to Josephus, Florus, to turn attention away from his dereliction of
duty and in order to cover his crimes, sought to instigate a war between the
Romans and the Jews (JW 2.282-283). Jews complained about Florus to thegovernor of Syria, Cestius Gallus, during his visit to Jerusalem but it didn't
bring any results (JW 2.280-281).

1.2. Galilee

According to will of Herod the Great (JW 1.~9), confirmed by
Caesar Augustus (JW 2.93-98), Galilee and Peraea were given to Herod Antipas,
who ruled it as tetrarch from 4 BC till 39 AD, (the year of his exile). He wasconfirmed as tetrarch (JW 2.168) by Tiberius (14-37 AD), successor of Octavius
Augustus (24 BC-14 AD). Josephus informs us that Antipas built the city ofTiberius in Galilee and the city of Julia in Peraea (JW 2.168). However one year

59

before Caesar Tiberius died (AJ 18.126), accusations were brought against
Herod Antipas, by Agrippa (Herod Agrippa I), son of Aristobulus (JW 2.178)23.
During the time he spent in Rome, Agrippa became an ally of Gaius, son ofGermanicus, whom he predicted would one day become the emperor (JW
2.179). For that, Agrippa was imprisoned in Rome until the death of Tiberius(JW 2.180) 24 • When, Gaius (Caligula) became the emperor (37-41 AD), heliberated Agrippa and declared him the king of Philip's region (JW 2.181)25.
Herod Agrippa I came to his kingdom in 38/39 AD, and a rivalry grew between
him and Herod Antipas partly because of Agrippa's wife Herodias, who
encouraged Agrippa to aspire to the throne of Judea (JW 2.181-182). Theirrivalry ended when Gaius decreed that following the exile of Antipas, his lands
become part of the territories of Herod Agrippa (JW 2.183)26•

1.3. Trachonitis

According to will of Herod the Great (JW 1.668-669), which was
confirmed by Caesar Augustus (JW 2.93-98), Trachonitis and the neighboring
districts Gaulonitis, Batanaea and Paneas (JW 1.668-669; JA 17.188-189) was
given to Philip the tetrarch (Herod Philip II), who ruled as tetrarch from 4 BC

till 34 AD. He was confirmed as tetrarch (JW 2.168) by Tiberius (14-37 AD).

The accusation was made in 36 AD. Aristobulus, the son of Herod the Great, who was
accused of conspiring against his father, he was beheaded OW 1.551).
24 Agrippa spent six mcmths in priscm.
25 The tetrarch Philip died in 34 AD. Agrippa became the king of Philip's tetrarch in 37 AD.
26 Agrippa sent to Rome, his freedman Fortunatus (AJ 18.252), who accused Herod Antipasof "cupidity". Herod Antipas together with his wife were banished by Gaius to Spain,
where he died According to AJ 18.252, he spent rest of his life in Lyon, in Gaul.

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Josephus mentions that Philip built at the source of the Jordan River, the city of
Caesarea in the region of Paneas, and the city Julias in Gaulantis (JW 2.168).

Conclusion: Characteristics of Josephus accounts in the Jewish Wars

The main purpose of Josephus' the Jewish Wars was to serve as an
apologetic, as indicated at the beginning of Book 1 and the end of Book 7.
Written shortly after the Jewish-Roman War, the Jewish Wars presents an
account of the war from the Jewish point of view, because Josephus, a Jew, took
an active part in the war. To this purpose five of the seven Books, Books 3 to 7
focus on chronicling the war. Only two Books, Books 1 and 2 refer to the timefrom the reign of Antioch Epiphanes, through the Hasmonean Dynasty and the
Herodian Dynasty until the reign Caesar Nero and the beginning of the war.
The war, which started in 66/67 AD, ended in 70 AD (except for the siege of
Masada, which continued till 74 AD). In contrast with the narrative of thetwo hundred years from the time of Antioch Epiphanes till the time of the
Herodian Dynasty, to which Books 1and2(some1326 parts) are devoted, therecord of the seven years of the War are recorded in five books. (2674 parts)27.
The account of the period from Epiphanes until the beginning of the war(Books 1-2) is important but ultimately of preparatory character compared to
the narrative of the war itself. The schematic character of the narrative isfurther evidence of its preparatory nature. The importance of Books 1-2 arefound in their presentation of the historical background of the Jewish nation,
which in the mind of Josephus explains the social, religious and politicaltensions leading in the end to the war, which was not just a spontaneous
27 Paragraph counting is according to the LOEB edition of theJewish Wars.

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incident, but the consequences of a long period of oppression of their subjects
by non-Jewish, imposed rulers. The first Book is concerned mostly with anaccount of Herod the Great's reign; the author's unmasked dislike towards
Herod is clear to the reader. The second Book concerns the history of Herod's
kingdom after his death. The account concentrates almost exclusively on theProvince of Judea, the other two provinces receive brief mention when eventsin them are recorded, but even then they are never more than generalsummaries. Concerning the descendants of Herod the Great, considerable
attention is given to Archelaus, however the longest account refers to Herod
Agrippa II, who reign overlapped into the time of the war28. Concerning theprefects of Judea (since 6 BC-41 AD) most of them are not even mentioned,
with exception to Coponius and Pontius Pilate. Concerning the procurators of
Judea (44-67 AD) all of them are mentioned, with special attention given to thelast procurator of Judea, Gesius Florus, whose attitude towards the Jews is
given as the direct reason for the war. In general, Josephus put much
responsibility for the war on side of the inept and corrupt Roman
administration left in the hands of lower ranking officials (procurators).

2. Judea after Herod the Great according to the Jewish Antiquities

After many years living in Rome, Josephus attempted to write thehistory of Jews from the beginning until his own time. Naturally, the Jewish
Antiquities contains the history of that era which had been presented in the
Jewish Wars, however the material was rewritten to accord with the change offocus and purpose of the author. For this reason, concerning the Herodian28

See: Appendix 2, at the end of the study.

62

Dynasty, the Jewish Antiquities presents not only material already known fromthe Jewish Wars but also many new events and historical information
previously unrecorded

2.1. Judea

According to the last will of Herod the Great, Archelaus was named
as king of Judea (JA 17.188-189). This nomination was accepted by the army
(JA 17.194-195) but it was not yet effective because all last testaments ofking-clients had to be approved by Caesar (JA 17.195). After the funeral
ceremonies and mourning for one week (JA 17.196-200), Archelaus visited theTemple, where he spoke to the multitude, in order to earn their god-will andtheir praise. He did not presume to name himself as king (JA 17.202), but heclearly indicates that he will repay their devotion to him (JA 17.202). After the
speech, he listened to many petitions concerning the reduction of taxes andsetting free prisoners. At the end of his visit he offered a sacrifice (JA 17.205).
However not all the Jews were satisfied with Archelaus speech, and theypushed for the punishment of those who during the reign of Herod broughtterror and destruction to the nation, as well as an amnesty for all imprisoned
under Herod and the deposition of the High priest (JA 17.207-208). Archelaus
attempt to postpone the problem in a diplomatic way by persuading them toaccept his commitment to respond after Caesar confirmed him as the King of
Judaea (JA 17.209). His opponents among the Jews, intent on revenge, on
punishment of those responsible for the death of their relatives and friends,
refused to allow any messenger sent by the king to speak (JA 17.211-212). The
whole situation grew out of hand as the opposition group refused to follow the

63

guidance of their own community leaders and the crowd started to support
them. The disturbance took the shape of open revolt during the Passoverfestival, when a great multitude from all over Judea came to Jerusalem. The
opponents, using the cover of charitable activities in the Temple, agitatedagainst the king (JA 17.214). In order to arrest the agitators, Archelaus sent a
cohort of soldiers into the Temple, who were violently attacked and in the end
overcome by the multitude (JA 17.216-217). In response Archelaus sent thearmy in strength against the multitude. Three thousand men died and the
Passover festivities were cancelled (JA 17.218). After calming the situation in
Jerusalem, Archelaus and his family went to Rome to obtain Caesar's approvalof his nomination as King (JA 17.219-220) 29 • All affairs concerning thehousehold and the realm were left to Philip (JA 17.219-220).
29 Archelaus together with his family including Salome, the sister of Herod, friends andrelatives went to Rome filled with hope concerning his future. However, among his
companions were those who intended to work against him QA 17.220). Archelaus was
not the only candidate, who went to Rome hoping to be declared king. Antipas, the sonof Herod, encouraged by Salome, who also went to Rome together with Archelaus, hismother, Ptolemy (the brother of Nicolas) and a skillful advocate, Irenaeus QA 17.225-227).
At Rome, those who came with Archelaus, betrayed him and started support Antipas,
who seemed to be the better option for them QA 17.227). All these and even the letter
complaining about Arche1aus sent by Sabinus (the imperial procurator, who during theabsence of Arche1aus took possession of Herod's property in Jerusalem) to Caesar
worked in favour of Antipas. Archellaus also sent a letter to Caesar concerning the will of
Herod as well as the report given by Ptolemy concerning Herod's property QA 17.228).
After reading the letter from Sabinus and Varus on the one hand and the letters sent byArchellaus on the other hand, Caesar August had some doubts, and for this reason heordered an interrogation of both sides QA 17.228-229). First, Anti.pater, the son of Salome,
gave a speech for the case against Archelaus QA 17.230-239). The case was based on threemajor points. First, Archelaus acted as king even before Caesar confirmed the will of
Herod. Second, he showed his cruelty (the incident in the Temple) what indicated histyrannical character. Third, he acted unlawfully during the time of mourning after
father's death. After this, the advocate of Archel.aus was allowed to speak QA 17.240).
Behal.e Arche1aus Nicolaus gave the speech which started with an apology concerning
the Temple incident. At that point, Nicolaus first skillfully put responsibility on the side64

During the period of Archelaus' absence from Judea, Sabinus, theprocurator of Syria moved to Jerusalem and took possession of Herod's
property with exception the citadels (JA 17.221-223). Also, during this time,
revolt in Judea reoccurred (JA 17.250). After Archelaus sailed to Rome, thenation became unruly and serious disturbances took place. The intervention of
Varus, the governor of Syria, suppressing the rebellious activities did not
however end the rebellion (JA 17.250-251). After Varus left for Antioch in Syria,
Sabinus, the procurator of Judea, using his slaves for terrorist activities, caused
disturbances among the Jews. He also attempted to take over the citadels,
which were under control of Archelaus' soldiers, which in the end led to a newphase of rebellion (JA 17.252-253). Many Jews, who came for the festival ofPentecost, were ready and prepared to join the rebellion leaving Sabinus andhis forces outnumbered (JA 17.254). The Jews easily took over control of thecity and they surrounded Sabinus' forces on all sides (JA 17.255). Sabinus
himself, found shelter in the fortress Phasael, but he ordered the soldiers tofight the Jews (JA 17.256-257), who effectively defended themselves in the
porticoes that surrounded the outer court of the Temple. Suffering great losses,
the Romans decided to burn down the porticoes (JA 17.260-262). All the rebels
died and the porticoes were destroyed (JA 17.263-264). Sabinus and soldiersof multitude in the Temple, and next accused Anti.pater of supporting those who
opposed Caesar OA 17.240-241). The rest of Nicolaus' speech contains an account, whichshows unlawful attitude of Anti.pater OA 17.242-243). The speech ends with strong
argumentation for the credil>ility of Herod' testament OA 17.244-247).
The interrogation ends without any decision by Caesar, who however gave a sign of his
intentions to Archelaus by raising him up when he had thrown himself at Caesar's feet
OA 17.248-249).

65

took possession of the sacred funds, which were deposited in the Temple3°.
However, it was not the end of the disturbances, because those Jews, who
survived surrounded the place, where Sabinus was, and threatened to set fireto the building and exterminate all the inhabitants (JA 17.265). Sabinus'
situation became quite difficult, due to the fact that some soldiers of Herod's
army deserted and this greatly reduced the Roman's strength (JA 17.266-267).
Although the rebels offered Sabinus safe passage to leave Jerusalem, he did nottrust their words and stayed in the palace waiting for Varus's help (JA 17.168).
Disturbances in Jerusalem resulted in disturbances across the whole of Judea,
where many men for many different reasons fought the king's troops (JA17.270). Josephus gives an account in which about two thousand desertersfrom Herod's army successfully fought against the king's army led by Herod's
cousin Achiab (JA 17.270). Another account concern Judas, the son of brigand
chief Ezekias, who terrorized Galilee and seized the royal palace at Sepphoris
in the hope of becoming king by using force (JA 17.271-272). Another pretender
to the throne of Judea was Simon, the slave of King Herod, who declaredhimself to be king. He took responsibility for burning the palace in Jericho andmany other places (JA 17.273-275}31 • His activities were ended by Gratus, whowith help of the Romans defeated the troops of Simon, and beheaded Simon(JA 17.276-277). Another pretender to the throne of Judea, Athronges, was asimple shepherded of great stature and strength (JA 17.278-284). He together

In JA,. Josephus writes about soldiers who stole from the treasury and Sabinus, who took
four hundred talents, but in JW he writes that the soldiers strue four hundred talents andSabinus took the rest of the treasury OW 2.50).
31 Simon was not the only one who destroyed the royal property. Josephus mentions otherrebels who bumt the royal palace at Ammatha on the river Jordan (JA 17.277).
30

66with his four brothers for very long time wrought havoc and destruction, notto mention suffering and injury equally to Romans and to Jews (JA 17.281)32•
Josephus summing up this period writes that at that time anyone
could declare himself the king and gather brigands, who roamed freely over
the whole territory of Judea (JA 17.285) because there was no king of Judea andthe Romans presence was hardly tolerated (JA 17.277). The situation in Judea
forced Varus, the governor of Syria to intervene militarily with two of the threelegions stationed in Syria and four troops of cavalry sent by the kings andtetrarchs (JA 17.186-187). The army and the troops assembled at Ptolemais,
where Varus sent one part of the army to fight in Galilee under the commandof his son (JA 17.288), who captured Sepphoris, destroyed the city and put the
inhabitants into slavery. Varus, went to Samaria (JA 17.289-290) and on theroad to Jerusalem he burnt Emmaus, the village had already been abandoned
by its inhabitants (JA 17.191-192). In Jerusalem Varus met Joseph, the cousin of
Herod the Great and Gratus and Rufus commanders of Herod's army, whoplaced responsibility for the riot with the multitude gathered for festival rather
than on the inhabitants of Jerusalem (JA 17.293-294)33• Varus put the riot to an

end by severely punishing those who were responsible for the disturbances(two thousand were crucified) or sending the prominent leaders to Caesar,
who put to death only those relatives actively involved in the fight (JA17.295-298). After the situation in Judea again became stable, Varus left for
Antioch allowing the Jews to send a delegation (fifty men, who were
supported by eight thousand Jews living in Rome) to Rome in order to ask for

They successfully fought the Romans OA 17.282-283) until two brothers were subdued
by Gratus and Ptolemy and the third brother was captured by Archelaus. The lastbrother surrendered to Archelaus OA 17.283-284).
M Sabinus did not meet V arus inJerusaJem because he fled to the sea-coast.
32

67

autonomy for Judea (JA 17.299-300). During the meeting in the temple of
Apollo in Rome, the delegation spoke against King Herod, describing his reign
as a time of cruelty and bestiality (JA 17.307-310) and also against Archelaus,
who was accused of the slaughter in the Temple among many other acts ofwickedness ( JA 17.311-314).
On behalf of Archelaus, supported by his relatives present in Romeand Philip from Syria sent by Varus (JA 17.301-303), Nicolaus spoke (JA315-316)34 • First, Nicolaus pointed to the inaccuracy of the accusation against
Herod, who was now dead, and then to the true reason for Archelaus' action in
the Temple (JA 17.316). A few days after the hearing, Caesar made the final
decision concerning succession after Herod the Great. Archelaus wasappointed the ethnarch of half the territory of Herod's kingdom, with promiseof the title of king if he proved by attitude and action he was capable to act asking should (JA 17.317) 35 • The ethnarchy of Archelaus contained Judea,
Idumaea, Samaria and some cities: Caesarea, Sebaste, Joppa, Jerusalem, Gadar,and Hipus (JA 17.319-320). The other half of Herod's kingdom was divided
between other two sons of Herod Antipas received Peraea and Galilee, andPhilip received Batanaea, Trachonitis, Auranitis and the domain of z.enodorus(JA 17.318-319)'16. Herod's sister, Salome received the cities of Jamneia, Azotus

Josephus stresses that those, who supported Archelaus did it not with sympathy to him
but for their ownintel'est OA 17.302-303).
35 The condition, as well as many others details, is not mention in JW 2.93-105, concerning
the same event
36 Archelaus yearly tribute amounted to six htmdred taJents. Antipas yearly tributeamounted to two hundred taJents. Philip yearly tribute amounted to htmdred talents. In
the New Testament times measurement called talent refers to precious metal (gold) and 1
taJent was equivalent of 58, 9 kg of gold.
34

68

and Phasaelis according to will of Herod, as well, she received from Caesar the
royal palace inAscalon (JA 17.320-321)37•
Archelaus after returning to the Judea, rebuilt the royal palace inJericho (JA 17.339-341), erected the village of Archelais (about 10 km northernof Jericho), and a new palm-tree plantation near the village Neara (about 3 km
northern from Jericho). He removed from the high priesthood Joazar, the sonof Boethus and appointed Eleazar, the brother of Joazar, who however only
remained in the position for a short time, being replaced by Jesus, the son ofSee (JA 17.339; 17.341). Archelaus ruled as ethnarch for ten years, and then he
was exiled to Vienna in Gaul (today Vienne), because the Jews and Samaritans
denounced him to Caesar for cruelty, tyranny and disobeying Caesar's
instructions (JA 17.342-244)38• Based on these accusations, Archelaus was called
to Rome for a hearing, and after he was found guilty, Caesar banished himfrom Judea and confiscated his property39•
The ethnarchy of Archelaus was subordinated to the province ofSyria, where Quirinius was appointed as governor (JA 17.354)(0. The firstposses.sion were on the territory ruled by Archelaus OA 17.321). Other
relatives received sums according to will of Herod, and some of them additionallyreceived gifts frmn Caesar OA 17.322-323). Caesar decided to marriage the two
unmarried daughter of Herod to the sons of Pheroras OA 17.222-223).
38 Josephus mentions also the fact that Archelaus married Glaphyra,. the daughter ofArchelaus, the king of Cappadocia, who had been married to .Alexander, the broth.er ofArchelaus, but after his death she became the wife of Archelaus OA 17.340). Since theLaw prohibited marriage to the wife of a broth.er, Archelaus transgressed Jewish custmn.
We are told that before she died, she had dream about Alexander, her first husband, who
reproached her for her behavior OA 17.349-353).
39 Josephus gives an account about Archelaus's dream,. which was rorrectly interpreted by
Certain Simon, a member of the Fs.senes OA 17. 245-348).
40 Probably it is the same Quirinius, whom Luke mention in Lk 2, 2 however the census in
Syria took place in 6-7 AD QA 18.26), and not in time of Herod the Great as Lukesuggests.
37 All Sa1ome's

69

procurator of Judea became Coponius (6-9 AD), who received the full authority
appropriate to that office (JA 18.1-2). The first act of Quirinius concerned
registration of Jewish property (JA 18.3), which gave rise to a revolt under theleadership of Judas, a Gaulanite form the city of Gamala, who was supported
by Saddok, the Pharisee (JA 18.4-5), founder of a fourth philosophical school
among the Jews (JA 18.8-10)41 • The revolt ended in disaster, but Josephus did
not write much on this subject (JA 18.7-8). The governor of Syria pacified the
supporters of Archelaus and he gave to Herod Antipas and Philip full powerover their tetrarchies (JA 18.26-27). He also removed the high priest Joazar
from his office in favor of Ananus, the son of Seth (JA 18.26). Coponius stayed
in office for only three years, and then he was dispatched by Quirinius, basedon an incident in the temple during the Passover. Some Samaritans scatteredhuman bones in the Temple, what caused the place to be declared unclean (JA18.29-30)42• After the incident Coponius was replaced by Marcus Ambivulus(9-12 AD), about whom Josephus wrote only that at that time Salome, Herod's
sister died (circa 10 AD) and her possessions (Jamnia, Phaselis, Archelaiswas)
she gave to Julia, the wife of Caesar (JA 18.31 ). The next procurator after

41

On this occasion, Josephus gives an account of four major Jewish philosophical schools,
which in fact were four religious groups OA 18.11-25). The presentation of the Pharisees
is very positive OA 18.12-15), of the Sadducees is rather negative OA 18.16-17). The
presentation of the Essenes talks of them as admirable OA 18.18-22). The sect establishedby Judas, the Galilean is blamed for the anti-Roman sentiments which led whole nation
into the war with Rome OA 18.23-25).
42 The text seems to be consciously unfinished. Immediately after the account comes
information about Coponius dispatched without presentation of the reason OA 18.31).
Th.ere is no reason offered within the account, what suggests that Josephus omitted theaccount of possible military action against the Samaritans, and because of that he wassent back to Rome. See explanation in: Josephus, Jewish Antiquities, Books XVIII-XX,
Cambridge, 1965, p. Tl.

70

Ambivulus was Annius Rufus (12-15 AD), about whom Jesephus wrote onlythat when he was in office as the procurator, Caesar Augustus died (14 AD) 43•
The third emperor of Rome mentioned is Tiberius Nero (14-37 AD),the son of Julia (Livia Drusilla) and step-son of Caesar August. The new Caesar
replaced Antonius Rufus with Valerius Gratus (15-26 AD) as the procurator of
Judea (JA 18.33)44• Gratus made several changes concerning the office of thehigh priest (JA 18.34-35). First, he removed Ananus and appointed Ishmael(15-16 AD), the son of Phabi, who in turn was replaced by Simon (17-18 AD),the son of Camith, only to be replaced after one year by Josephus who is called
Caiaphas (18-36 AD)45.
After Gratus, Pontius Pilate became the procurator of Judea (26-36
AD). Concerning Pilate as the procurator of Judea, Jospehus (contrary to thefour previous procurators) gives four accounts, which describe the mostimportant events during his office.
The first incident concerns introduction into Jerusalem of military
standards emblazoned with busts of the Emperor (JA 18.55-59), which called
forth strong opposition from the Jews because the Law prohibited any images
in Jerusalem but he refused to respond to them. Finally, Pilate called them to agathering at the stadium in Caesarea, where, using arguments of power andthreats of death, he tried to suppress Jewish opposition. However Jews were

~ Caesar Augustus, the second emperor of Rome, ruled for fifty-seven years (44 BC-14 AD).

He was seventy-seven years old then he died QA 18.32).
During the rule of Tiberius significant change in policy concerning the procurators took
place. It refers to the length of the cad.ency in the office, which became not limited to thethree years period.
~ Joseph called Caiaphas (son in law of Ananus) was in office of high priest during thetime of Jesus' trial and crucifixion (Mt UJ, 57, Lk 3, 2; Jn 11, 49; 18, 13. 24. 28).

44

71

ready to die rather than accept a blatant transgression of the Law, so forcing
Pilate to change his mind and take the standards out of the city46.
The second incident concerns using of CorlKmas the sacred treasures,
which could be used only for the purchase of sacrificial animals, which Pilate
used to build an aqueduct (JA 18.60). When Pilate came to Jerusalem (mostprobably on occasion of the Passover), the multitudes aggressive attitudeoffended Pilate, who had expected the opposition, and because of that ordered
the soldiers to wear Jewish clothes and mix with the crowd. When the situationrose to a dangerous level, he ordered the soldiers mixed in with the crowd toattack the Jews with clubs. The action of the soldiers went out of control andmany Jews were killed Josephus writes that in this way the uprising wasended (JA 18.6~2).
The third account concerning Pilate refers to the death of Jesus (JA18.63-64). Josephus gives a very affirmative account about Jesus (some scholars
are suspicious about credibility of the passage) informs us that after the
hearing Jesus was condemned to death by Pilate (JA 18.64).

The last account concerning Pilate refers to disturbances in Samaria,
which took place when a certain man gathered armed men on Mount Gerizim
seeking to pressure the Samaritans to show him the vessels left by Moses (JA18.85). This gathering was interpreted by Pilate as an uprising, and because ofthat it was pacified with severe cruelty by armed forces (JA 18.87). Pilate's
action saw the Samaritans formally protest his actions to Vitellius, thegovernor of Syria. According to them, the men, who were slain by Pilate were
not rebels against Rome but refuges seeking shelter from persecution by Pilate
46

This incident took place at the beginning of his office in Judea.

72(JA 18.88). The Samaritans' accusation became the reason for Vitellius to send
Pilate to Rome in order to face an interrogation before the emperor (JA 18.89)47.
It meant that after ten years in office, Pilate was dismissed. Pilate was replacedby Marcellus (36-37 AD), a friend of Vitellius48•

After Pontius Pilate had been sent to Rome, Vitellius visited Jerusalem during
the Passover and reclaimed the trust of the inhabitants by restoring some of theprivileges, which had been taken from them by previous administrators4!1. Heremitted truces put on agriculture products, and returned care of the highpriest's vestments to the temple authorities. They had been kept in Roman carein the Antonia, a fort located in the north-west area of the temple (JA18.90-91)50• He also removed Joseph Caiaphas from the high priest's office andreplaced him with Jonathan, son of Ananus (JA 18.95). A year later, in 37 AD,
when conflict broke out between Herod Antipas and the king of Petra, Tiberius
ordered Vitellius to take military action against Aretas. On the road to Petra,
Vitellius visited Jerusalem in order to offer sacrifices to God during the
Passover (JA 18.122-123). During the visit Vitellius again dispatched the high47 Before Pilate reached Rome, Tiberius died (37 AD), what allows us to determine the timeof the incident in Samaria at 36 AD.
The fact that Marcellus was appointed as procurator of Judea by Vitellius, the governor
of Syria, who had no rights in this matter (only the Fmperor possessed that rights),
creates problem of this account's aedibility. The case is exceptional, and it can by explain
by two hypotheses: first, Vitellius possessed extraordinary power and rights about which
we are not informed by Josephus, or second, Vitallius exceeded his competence, so
putting his career in danger. However, both hypotheses lack foundations. The moreprobable soluticm is that Marcellus was not the procurator but only an official acting in
the name of the governor of Syria, which seems to be attested to by use of the termtmµM.11~i; - ooerseer.
49 The visit of Vitellius is recorded also in JA 15.405.
50 The history of the stronghold Antonia and the high priest vestments, Josephus presents
inJA 18.91-95.
48

73

priest Jonathan and appointed his brother Theophilus (JA 18.123). In Jerusalem,
Vitellius heard news of the death of the Emperor Tiberius, and the election
Gaius (Caligula) as the new Emperor. Because of this news, Vitellius set aside
the order of Tiberius to take military intervention against Petra (JA 18.124)51 .
With a new Emperor, a new order was created, giving an opening to Herod
AgrippaJ.ll2•
The account concerning Herod Agrippa I's career begins with theperiod of his stay in Rome, while Herod the Great was still alive (JA 18.143). In
Rome, Agrippa became on "very familiar terms" with family of Tiberius,
especially with his son Drusus and Antonia, the wife of the younger brother ofTiberius, Drusus the Elder (JA 18.143). Until the death of his mother Beronice,Agrippa controlled his temper in order not to offence the mother, but after she
died, he returned to a life of luxury which soon reduced him to poverty andmade his presence in Rome problematic (JA 18.144-146). Agrippa returned to
Judea humiliated and deep in debt to the money-lenders, with no one wasready to pay off the debt for him. He was staying in the tower Malatha in
Idumaea, his mind wavering in the face of thoughts of suicide. In thesecircumstances, Cypros, the wife of Agrippa asked Herodias, the wife of Herod
Antipas the tetrarch for help. In response, Herod Antipas gave to Agrippa adwelling place in Tiberias, with a fixed allowance and the position ofcommissioner of market in Tiberias.
Bankrupt though Agrippa was he only saw condescension in theactions of Herod Antipas and turned to Pomponius Flaccus, the governor of
Syria (3245 AD), and old friend from his time in Rome GA 18.148-150). Flaccus
51
52

The Emperor Tiberius died on 15 March 37 AD.
Before Josephus gives an extensive account of Herod Agrippa I, he presents the detailed

family tree of Herod the Great OA 18.130-141).

74

welcomed Agrippa, who stayed in Syria until Flaccus was inform by
Aristobulus, the brother of Agrippa, that Agrippa had been bribed by theDamascenes in order to influence Flaccus in a judgment on the territorial
problem between Damascus and Sidon in favor of Damascus (JA 18.151-155).
This incident ended the friendship between Agrippa and Flaccus, forcing

Agrippa to sail to Rome (JA 18.155). In the face of numerous difficulties, butwith the help of a friend, a freedman, Marsias, Agrippa made his way toAlexandria, where he asked Alexander Lysimachus for assistance (JA18.155-159) 53 • Although Alexander refused to help him directly he gaveassistance to his wife Cypros, so making the journey to Rome possible (JA18.159-160). However, Cypros left her husband and returned to Judaea (JA18.160). Agrippa sailed to Capri, where Caesar Tiberius was living, and was
warmly welcomed by him (JA 18.161-162) until a letter from Heronnius Capito,
the procurator of Jamnia, containing information that Agrippa was still in debt,
some three hundred thousand drachmas, to the Imperial treasury, rousing
Tiberius' anger and refusing to grant him an audience until the debt was
repaid (JA 18.164). With the assistance of Antonia, the mother of Germanicus
and Claudius, who was on good terms with Agrippa's mother Beronice,Agrippa was enabled to repay the debt and gain the trust and friendship ofTiberius, who recommended his grandson, Tiberius Gemellus, the son ofDrusus the Younger, to Agrippa (JA 18.166). Agrippa made also friends with
Gaius, the grandson of Antonia and son of Germanicus (JA 18.166-167).
In order to repay the debt to Antonia and to be counted among thefriends of Gaius, Agrippa borrowed from a Samaritan freed-man a million
53

Alexander Lysimachus was a brother of Philo and in Alexandra he was the alabarch,. theofficial in charge of collecting special truces paid by Jews. He also decorated the gates ofJerusalem Temple with gold and silver OW 5.205; JA 19.276; 20.100).

75

drachmas (JA 18.167). And that friendship was further solidified by aconversation between Agrippa and Gaius, in which he expressed his wish that
Gaius replace Tiberius as soon as possible. Their conversation was however
overheard by Eutychus, a freedman and driver of Agrippa's chariot. Relations
between them had been fragile since the time when Agrippa suffered frombouts of depression as he fled Rome. To protect himself he informed Piso, theprefect, by offering information on the personal security of Tiberius (JA 18.169),
only to be sent in chains to Capri. Tiberius, as was his custom did not initiallyinterrogate him (JA 18.170-178), resulting in Agrippa appealing to Antonia tosecure a hearing for Eutychus (JA 179.183-187) 54 . Tiberius believed theaccusation of Eutychus and ordered Marco, the prefect of the praetorian after
Sejanus, to imprison Agrippa (JA 18.188-191)55 . During his six months' of
imprisonment Agrippa was treated with special consideration because ofAntonia's influence and orders (JA 18.202-204). In prison, Agrippa met acertain German prisoner, who foretold his elevation to the highest position (JA18.195-202)56•

Josephus gives an account Antcmia's role in saving the life of Tiberius in time of Sejanus'
conspiracy (31 AD). Sejanus was the prefect of the praetorian cohorts, to whom from
2.6-31AD, Tiberius entrusted the affairs of Renne, while he was in Capri Sejanus' power
reached its zenith when he gained the support of the Senate and freedmen in a plot
against Tiberius, who was unpopular in Renne Tiberius OA 18.181-182). Tiberius, wasinformed by Antcmia of the plot and had Sejanus and his most influential supporters
executed.
55 Herod Agrippa I was imprisoned in 36 AD, and stayed in custody for six mcmths(probably 36(37 AD). Josephus writes about Thaumastus, the slave, who in time of
Agrippa's imprisonment assisted in his daily needs, for which he was promised rewards
Agrippa,. his freedom and an office in Agrippa's kingdmn OA 18.192-194).
56 He a1so foretold that Agrippa would see again the same owl, which he saw in prison, hewould rue in five days OA 18.200).
54

76

After imprisoning Agrippa, Tiberius went back to Capri and became
sick (JA 18.205). When the malady started to threaten his life, Tiberius had tomake a decision about his successor, which he felt could only be one of two
candidates (JA 18.205-206), Tiberius Gemellus, the son of Drusus (grandson of
Caesar Tiberius) and Gaius the son of Germankus (nephew of Caesar Tiberius).
Tiberius was convinced it was better to name as his successor his grandson,
Tiberius Gemellus, the son of Drusus, but he put faith in in the decision of thegods rather than in his own He decided to name as his successor the first of
the two who paid him a visit the morning of the next day (JA 18.211-223). The
one who first came to Tiberius was Gaius, to whom Tiberius, in accord withthe will of the gods, entrusted the Roman Empire, with a strong warning to do
no wrong to Tiberius Gemellus (JA 18.219-223), however as soon as Caesar
Tiberius died (few days after he had made the decision) and Gaius became theCaesar, he put Tiberius Gemellus to death (JA 18.223)57•
Agrippa heard the news of the death of Tiberius from the freedman
Marsius (JA 18.228-234), and few days later on the order of Gaius, Agrippa wasreleased from the prison (JA 18.235). Some days after the funeral of Tiberius,
Gaius invited Agrippa to his house and appointed him the king of thetetrarchy of Philip and the Tetrarchy of Lysanias (JA 18.237)58. Gaius appointed
Marullus as the prefect of Judea (37-41 AD). In 38 AD, Agrippa returned to the
57 Tiberius was emperor for twenty two years six months and twenty eight days (14-37 AD).

Gaius his son was very popular among the military, and the Roman people. Germanirus,
on the one hand had an advantage in the form of the good will of people toward him due
to deep respect for his father, and on other hand due to a dislike of Caesar Tiberius, who
was suspected of poisoning Germani.rus OA 18.206-210). Also Josephus writes about
Gaius from the time before he became the emperor) in very affirmative manner OA
18.206-210).
58 See: JA 15.344; 19.275; 20.13). The tetrarchy of Philip was incorporated to the province ofSyria after Philip's death in 34 AD.

77

former tetrarchy of Philip as the king (JA 18.238-239). His sister, Herodias, thewife of Herod Antipas, the tetrarch of Galilee and Peraea, became extremely
jealous, and pushed her husband to seek to obtain the same dignity as Agrippa.
(JA 18.240-244). Finally, Herod Antipas, with Herodias, sailed to Rome to ask
Gaius for the dignity of kingship. Herod Agrippa, hearing about this, sent toRome his freedman Fortunatus with a letter containing an accusation against
Herod Antipas of conspiracy with Sejanus against Tiberius in the past, andnow conspiracy with Artabanus, the king of Parthian against Gaius (JA18.247-251). The proof of Antipas' guilt was that he had stored equipment
sufficient for seventy thousand soldiers. Based on this evidence, Gaius relieved
Antipas of his tetrarchy and banished him to the city of Lyon in Gaul59 . The
tetrarchy of Herod Antipas was thus added to the kingdom of Herod Agrippa I(JA 18.252)60.
Concerning Gaius, Josephus writes that at the beginning of his office,the first two years, he "administrated the empire quiet highmindedly" (JA 18.256),
however later when he starts to think about himself as "a god", he made somedecisions which were offensive to the God of Israel. The first act of Gaius
concerns a conflict between the Greeks and the Jews in Alexandria, which in
Josephus account is reduced to the record of a hearing of delegates from bothsides before Gaius (JA 18.257-260). After hearing the accusation, given by
Apion against the Jews, concerning the lack of disposition among the Jews to
According to JW 2.183 Herod Antipas was banished to Spain. Herodias, although
received from Gaius generous offer (because she was sister of Agrippa) to part with her
husband and returned to her possession in Judea, she refused accept it, and for that she
was banished together with her husband OA 18.253-254). Josephus evaluates the event as
the God's punishment on Herodias OA 18.255).
60 Concerning the evaluation of the reign of Gaius, Josephus is on opinion that first two
years he did his office highmindedly, but after he started to think about himself as god
OA 18.256).
59

78

worship Gaius as god, Gaius did not allow Philo to offer a defense on behalf ofJews61 . The second act of Gaius concerned his attempt to erect his image in the
Temple in Jerusalem (JA 18.161-309). When Gaius appointed Petronius (39-42
AD) as the governor of Syria, after Vitellius, he ordered him to set up in the
Temple an image of Caesar (JA 18.261). In order to carry out the command,
Petronius with his army set out for Jerusalem, during his progress he met
strong but peaceful opposition from the Jews, first in Ptolemais (JA 18.263-268)
and next in Tiberias (JA 18.269-272). In Tiberias, the delegation included
Aristobulus, the brother of Herod Agrippa I, Helcias the Elder, the prefect andfriend of Herod Agrippa L and civil leaders, who convinced Petronius to write
a letter to Gaius, explaining how stubborn the Jews were and theirdetermination to defend the traditions of their ancestors. Carrying out theorder would result in massive civil unrest, possibly beyond his control (JA18.273-283). At that same time, Herod Agrippa I was in Rome giving a lavish
party for Gaius (JA 18.289-293), who as an expression of his gratitude wasready to satisfy every wish of Agrippa. Herod Agrippa I asked for thecancellation of the order to establish Gaius' image in the Temple (JA18.294-297). Gaius granted the request of Agrippa and sent to Petronius neworders concerning the issue (JA 18.298-301). However, after Gaius had sent theletter to Petronius, he received the letter from Petronius62, which saw Gaius
look disfavorably on Petronius for neglecting the emperor commands (JA18.302-309)63• Soon after Gaius was assassinated (JA 19.15-114), and Petronius

The conflict between Jews and Greeks in Alexandria is the topic of Philo's two works, In
Flaccum and I.egatio ad Gaium.
62 The letter is mentioned by Josephus in JA 18.283.
~ In JA 18.307-308 Josephus writes that Gaius condemned Petronius to the death, however
in JW 2.203 Josephus writes that Gaius threatened to put Petronius to death.
61

79

received first the letter announcing the death of Gaius, and after that the letterof Gaius ordering him to committing suicide (JA 18.305-309). Josephus again
mentions Petronius inJA 19.301-316 on the occasion of an incident in the city of
Dora in Phoenicia, where a certain young man had provoked the Jews by
putting in the synagogue an image of Caesar, which also irritated Herod
Agrippa I (JA 19.301). An official letter of Petronius, addressed to inhabitantsof the city, reminded them that provocation of the Jews was prohibited by adecree of Caesar Claudius (JA 19.305-311)64.

After Gaius, came Claudius Caesar Augustus Germanicus (41-54
AD)65• Oaudius is mention in an account concerning a plot against Gaius andhis assassination (JA 19. 66-69; 19.102-117) and then in an account concerning
political and social tensions, which came to the surface after Gaius' death (JA19.119-273). Although the Senate opted for democracy, the military strongly
supported Claudius as candidate for the office of Emperor (JA 19.162-166;
19.212-225) which naturally led to conflict (JA 19.226-254) in which in the end
the army succeed (JA 19.254-273). Under these disturbing circumstances,
Herod Agrippa I appears twice in Josephus' narration. The first time, heconvinces Claudius to bid for the empire (JA 19.236-245) and the second heconvinces the senate that they cannot oppose the army and then he offeredhimself a member of a delegation to Oaudius in order to convince to him to

The incident took place after Herod Agrippa I was declared king of Judea (41 AD) andPetronius was dismissed from office (42 AD). On this occasion, Josephus also informs usthat Petrcmius was succeeded in the office of Governor of Syria by Vibius Marsus in 42
AD.
65 Josephus accounts concerning Oaudius: JW 2.204-228, 2.243-245; JW 3.5; 5.153; JA 3.20;
JA 15.407; JA 18.164-165; JA 19. 13, 19.66-69, 19.102-117, 19.162-166, 19.212-327, 19.343-366;
JA 20.7-15, 20.37, 20.104, 20.113, 20.131-151, 20.222.
64

80

lay down his office QA 19.239-244). Before the delegation met daudius,
Agrippa had had a private meeting with daudius, during which he informed
daudius about division in the Senate and advised him to speak to delegation
rather imperiously (JA 19.245). The second time, Agrippa urges daudius tospare the lives of senators who had been threatened by soldiers loyal to him(JA 19.264-265). For this service to daudius, Herod Agrippa I was confirmed aking not only of the territory previously given to him by Gaius, but daudius
also added Judea and Samaria, so becoming King of Judea with the kingdom,with territory similar to that ruled by Herod the Great (JA 19.274).
Additionally Herod Agrippa I received Abila (northern slope of Mount
Hermon)66, and the mountainous region of Lebanon (JA 19.275). daudius also
gave to Herod Agrippa I a portion of Olicia and the land of Commagene,which formally belonged to Antiochus IV, King of Commagene (JA 19.276)67•
The friendship between daudius and Agrippa was also formally secured by
the marriage of Beronice, the daughter of Agrippa to Marcus, the son of
Alexander (JA 18.159) a very close friend to daudius (JA 19.277). After thedeath of Marcus, Beronice was married to Agrippa's brother Herod, whoreceived from Herod Agrippa I, the kingdom of Chakis (land in Lebanon
valley). daudius sent to the governor of Syria and others governors an
instruction commending Herod Agrippa I to them as worthy of favorable
treatment (JA 19.292). When Herod Agrippa I was still in Rome, the conflict
between the Jews and Greeks in Alexandria, which during the reign of GaiusThis territory belonged to Lysanias, the tetrarch of Abilene, who is mentioned in JA
18.237 and Lk 3, 1.
67 The Josephus' information concerning Antioch IV, the king of Cmnmagene differs frmn
that in other sources. See: Josephus, Jewish Antiquities, Books XVIII-XX, Cambridge 1965,66

pp.342-342

81

was resolved in favor of Greeks, in reign of Oaudius, again became reason fora Jewish petition to the Emperor. Respecting the petition of King Agrippa I andhis brother king Herod of Cha.leis, Oaudius (contrary to Gaius) favored theJews with his edict, which had universal character and encompassed all Jews
living in the Roman Empire (JA 19.279-292).
Returning to Judea, Herod Agrippa I offered sacrifices in the Temple,
paying attention to the necessary rituals and gave a golden chain to the sacredtreasure-chamber (JA 19.293-296). He removed from the position of high priest
Theophilus, the son of Ananus, and bestowed the office on Simon (surnamed
Cantheras), the son of Boethus (JA 19.297-298), whose daughter was married to
Herod the Great (JA 15.320-322). However, later he removed Simon Cantheras
from the office of high priest and intended to bestow it on Jonathan, son of
Ananus, but since he declined the king appointed Jonathan's brother Matthias
as high priest (JA 19.313-316).
Herod Agrippa gained the trust and co-operation of the populace ofJerusalem by instituting tax remittances (JA 19.299). Later he fortified withwalls that part of the city called "New City'' without imposing new taxes. This
however raised the suspicion of Marsus, who reported the matter to Claudius.
Claudius, scenting the possible winds of revolt, ordered the halting of the
project, which Herod Agrippa I did forthwith (JA 19.326-327). Josephus alsomentions Herod Agrippa's generosity to the other nations68, so hinting that incontrast with Herod the Great, who showed generosity for the Gentiles but not
the Jews, Herod Agrippa was generous towards the Jews, and respected the68

Josephus mentions in particular Herod Agrippa's building activities in Berytus today
Beirut OA 19.335-337).

82

Law and the traditions of the ancestors (JA 19.328-331)69 . In military matters,
Herod Agrippa initially appointed Silas, his faithful friend, as commander of
the army (JA 19.299). However, he found Silas' frank manner, when he spokewith him,. lacking in respect, and having initially imprisoned him,. finally sent
him back to his home country (JA 19.317-326).

When Herod Agrippa I established his reputation among others
kings of the region, he invited them to Tiberias, where he entertained them
until Marsus came. Marsus when he arrived suspected a conspiracy anddismissed all the kings (JA 19.338-341)70• Since then, Agrippa and Marsus wereon unfriendly terms with each other (JA 19.342).
In 44 AD, Herod Agrippa I went to Caesarea on the occasion of a

festival of thanksgiving for the good health of Caesar. Wearing silver cloths,
which glittered in the rays of the sun, Herod Agrippa appeared to people as
being more than a man, and Herod Agrippa saw no reason to decline orundermine such public affirmation (JA 19.343-346). Shortly afterwards he saw
the owl, which according to a prophecy given by German prisoner during his
imprisonment was the sign of the end of his life. Five day letter Herod Agrippa
I died (44 AD) while experiencing severe abdominal pain (JA 19.347-349)71. Heleft behind a sixteen year old son, Agrippa, and three daughters; Beronice, who
69 Josephus' account on this matter is tendentious and it contains information, which iscontrary to his account concerning Herod the Great (restoration of the Temple). Further
evidence of the contrasting approach he has to the history of the Herodian dynasty,
always negatively evaluated, in comparison with the positive assessment given of the
Hasmonean dynasty.
70 Josephus also mentions Antiochus, king of Cimmagene; Sampsigeramus (his daughter
Jotape was married to Aristobulus, the brother of Agrippa), the king of Fmesa (modern
Homs in Syria Apamene on the Orantes River); Cotys, the king of Armenia Minor; Herodbrother of Agrippa, the king of CllaJds.
71 Josephus also records that the people of Caesarea and Sebaste celebrated with a feast
after hearing the news about Agrippa death OA 19.355-359).

83

was married to Herod the king of Cha.leis and two other children who were
underage Mariamme and Drusilla (JA 19.354-355)72. At the ti.me of death of his
father, the young Agrippa (Herod Agrippa II) was in Rome. Due to his youth
he was not appointed King of Judea (although Oaudius thought about thispossibility), resulting in the incorporation of Agrippa's kingdom into theprovince of Syria, and dispatched Cuspius Fadus (44-46 AD) as the procuratorof Judea and the whole kingdom of Herod Agrippa I (JA 19.360-363). At thesame ti.me Oaudius replaced Marsus with Cassius Longinus (45-55 AD) as ofgovernor of Syria (JA20.1)73•
When Fadus came to Judea, he found the city of Peraea at war withthe city of Philadelphia over the boundaries of the village of Zia (JA 20.2).
Because the action of the Peraeans was illegal (it was undertaken before Fadus'
arrival and without authorization) and brought much suffering upon thepeople of Philadelphia, Fadus punished the three leaders (JA 20.2-4)74. He also
put to an end the activities of bandit bands in Judea, which had drasticallyincreased after the death of Herod Agrippa I (JA 20.5). On another otheroccasion, Fadus suppressed a group who were following a false prophet (JA20.97-99). In Jerusalem, he asked the high priest to deposit the high priest's
vestments in the fortress Antonia, in accord with an earlier custom (JA 15.406;
18.93). However the Jews sent a delegation to Rome seeking a judgment from

72

Their marriage had a1ready been already arranged. Letter Mariamme married Julius
Archelaus, the scm of Helcias OA 20.140), but the marriage of Drusilla to Epiphanes, thescm of Antioch the king of Conunagene, never took place OA 19.354-355).
73 Herod Agrippa I was on unfriendly terms with Marsus, and many times asked Oaudius
for replacement, but this only happened after Herod's death to avoid giving Marsus
cause to seek revenge on the inhabitants of Judea
74 He put to death Anni.bas, and banished Amaramus and Eleazar OA 20.4).

84

Claudius (JA 20.6-8)75 • The young Herod Agrippa II, who was still present at
the court of Oaudius pleaded on their behalf, and obtained a judgment in theirfavour (JA 20.9- 14). Oaudius also granted Herod, King of Chalcis, authority
over the Temple, the holy vessels and the appointment of high priests (JA20.15-16). The first decision of the Herod was to remove the high priest
Canthers (more probably Elionaeus the son of Cantheras) and appointed
Joseph the son of Camei (JA20.16).
After Fadus, the procurator of Judea was one Tiberius Alexander (JA20.100), the son of Alexander from Alexandria (JA 18.159-169, 18.259;
19.276-277)76• During his office a great famine occurred in Judea (JA 20.49-53).
He crucified James and Simon the sons of Judas Galilaean (JA 18.4-23), whoprobably like their father militarily opposed Rome (JA 20.101-102). During theoffice of Tiberius Alexander, Herod, removed Joseph, the son of Camei fromthe office of high priest and appointed Ananias the son of Nedebaeus (JA20.103-104).
After two years in office, Tiberius Alexander was replaced by
Ventidius Cumanus (48-52 AD). During his time in office there were many civil
disturbances in Judea (JA 20.103). The first incident took place during the
Passover, when actions by a Roman soldier were considered insulting to God
and the Jews gathered in the Temple. A restless and violent mob roamed thecity and in the end saw the slaughter of twenty thousand Jews (JA 20.105-112).
The second incident concerns the destruction of a copy of the Law by a Romansoldier during the pacification of village, where robbers had attacked Stephen,a slave of Caesar and deprived him of his possessions (JA 20.113-117). Jews

75
76

It took place in 46 AD OA 20.11).
Procurator of Judea in 46-48 AD.

85

went to Caesarea, asking Cumanus to punish the soldier, and their petition
was granted due to procurator's fear of further possible uprisings among theJews (JA 20.116-117). The third incident was provoked by a conflict between
Galileans, who on the road to Jerusalem passed through the territory ofSamaria, and were killed by the Samaritans (JA 20.118). The Galileans' petition
to punish the Samaritans was neglected by Cumanus {because of a bribe),
which led the Jews under the command of a brigand, Eleazar, the son of
Deinaeus to take revenge on a Samaritans' village (JA 20.121). This provoked
Cumanu,. who marched against the Jewish forces and destroyed them (JA20.122). This action of the procurator further aroused nationalistic sentiments
which were ameliorate only with great difficulty (JA 20.123-124). The
Samaritans sent a delegation to Ummidius Quadratus, the governor of Syria(50-60 AD), seeking justice (JA 20.125-129), but didn't receive a prompt
judgment.
Later, Quadratus crucified the leaders of both sides, Jews andSamaritans, who were found guilty of fomenting the disturbances (JA20.129-130). Also, in the village Lydda, he put to the death Doetus and four of
his comrades, based on Samaritans' accusations concerning their activities

leading the revolt against Rome (JA 20.134-135). He arrested the high priest
Ananias, the captain Ananus and others and sent them to Rome forinterrogation before Claudius. Also Quadratus sent off to Rome, leaders ofSamaritans and Jews involved in conflict, as well as Cumanus, the procurator
and Celer, the military tribune, in order have a judgment of the imperial court
about the conflict (JA 20.131-133). The Emperor daudius, again influenced by
the young Herod Agrippa II, didn't find the Jews guilty of any crime, but put
the whole Samaritan delegation to death. daudius exiled Cumanus and sent

86

Celer back to Jerusalem ordering that he first be humiliated and then put todeath (JA 20.134-136).
Oaudius Felix (52-60 AD) was the next to be appointed as
procurator (JA 20.137). He was the brother of Pallas (the freedman of Antonia),
and married to Drusilla, the sister of Herod Agrippa II (JA 20.141-144). Of theadministration of Judea by Felix, Josephus writes that he put an end to theactivities of brigand bands by executing them, and imprisoning Eleazar, theson of Dinaeus, one of the leading figure among brigands, and sent him toRome (JA20.160-161). However he also used a band of brigands, led by Dorsa,
to assassinate the high priest Jonathan, who opposed him, and even requested
from Nero that Felix be dismissed from the office (JA 20.162-167)77• Oaudius
Caesar had died in 54 AD, and the new Emperor Nero (54-68 AD), had
ascended to the imperial throne through devious actions of his mother
Agrippina and the support of the army (JA 20.151-152)78• In short order heeliminated all his potential rivals including Britanicus (son of Oaudius),
Agrippina (his mother), Octavia (his wife) and may others (JA 20.152-153).
Felix continued to suppress the brigands (JA20.167-168) as well as a movement
started by a certain Egyptian, a false prophet (JA 20.169-172). He also wasforced to intervene in Caesarea, where conflict between Jews and Syrians,
concerning civic rights, finally reached a state of a semi-war (JA 20.17-178).
Further hints of opposition and rebellion among the Jews were summarily
suppressed by military action on Felix's orders (JA20.177-178).
77 Josephus mentions that this way of solving problems became common during the rule of78

Felix OA 20.165-166).
Lucius Dmnitius Ahenobarbus (15.12.37 - 9.06.68 AD) was the son of Gnaeus Domitius
Ahenobarbus and Agrippina the Younger, the sister of Caesar Caligula, who later
married Caesar Claudius. His name was changed to Nero Oaudius Caesar Drusus
Gennanirus, after he was adopted by Caesar Oaudius.

87

However, the conflict did not end, and soon after Felix was replaced
by Porcius Festus (6~2 AD) in the office of procurator, and a delegation ofJews from Caesarea went to Rome seeking the judicial punishment of Felix (JA
20. 182). At the same time Syrians dwelling in Caesarea, by using Beryllus, thetutor of Nero, sent a petition to annul the grant of equal civic rights to the Jews
(JA 20.183). Felix was not punished, and equal rights for the Jews wereannulled (JA20.184)79.
Josephus after informing his readers that Herod Agrippa II had
conferred the high priesthood upon Ishmael, the son of Phabi (JA 20.179), gives
a short and very negative description of conflict within the Jerusalem Temple
between the high priest on one hand and the priests and leaders of Jerusalem
on other hand, which led to their drifting into enmity (JA 20.180-181). This
conflict led to social unrest, and created a favorable environment that once
more saw a flourishing of brigand activities. The first action which Festus had
to undertake was to pacify a group of brigands called sicarii (JA 20.185-187). He
also put down one other messianic movement (JA 20.188). Festus and Herod
Agrippa II faced further opposition from the Jews, who were annoyed by factthat the king from his palace in Jerusalem could watch the sacrifices offered in
the Temple, but had built a wall to block the view (JA 20.189-191). However,
because the wall blocked not only the king's view but also the view of the
Roman guards Festus ordered it to be pulled down (JA 20.192-193). The Jews
opposed this order and sent a delegation (including the high priest Ismael andHelcias, the keeper of treasury) to Nero with a petition to annul Festus' order.
Due to the intervention of Poppaea, the wife of Nero, who was sympathetic

79

According to Josephus, this decision of Nero escalated the problem, which in few years"kindled the flllme of war" OA 20.184).

88

towards Judaism, Nero granted their request (JA 20.194-195). Because of thisincident, Herod Agrippa II removed from the office of high priest Ishmael anddispatched Joseph (Kabi), the son of the high priest Simon (JA 20.196).
After the unexpected death of Festus, for three months Judea waswithout procurator, and then Albinus (62-64 AD) was appointed as procuratorof Judea (JA20.197). Before Albinus took office, appointed by the king Agrippa,
the high priest Ananus (follower of the Sadducees school) took advantage ofthe situation and put to death James and others followers of Jesus Christ (JA20.200). Jews in Jerusalem recognized Ananus' action as an offence against theLaw, and because of that they made petitions to king Agrippa II and Albinus,
who was still on his way to Judea (JA 20.201-202). Both authorities condemned
Ananus, and the king deposed him from the office, appointing to the officeJesus, the son of Damnaeus (JA 20.203).
Albinus, as with his processors, first had to face the problem ofbrigands (especially sicarii), who were roaming and terrorizing freely acrossJudea, and even in the Temple; at one point kidnapping the secretary of the
Temple's captain Eleazar (JA 20.204-210). After, the king removed the highpriest Jesus, the son of Damnaeus and appointed Jesus, the son of Gamaliel tothe high p riest office, the conflict between present high priest and his
predecessor divided the priests of the Temple8°. Within the city itself, Costobar
and Saul, brothers who were related to the king, established their own group,
which plundered the property of others (JA 20.214). At that point Josephus
concludes that Jerusalem was sinking into chaos. Also relations between the

king and the Temple became more and more complicated after the king's

110

Josephus mentions also some innovations concerning the rights of Levites OA
20.215-218).

89

refusal to raise the height of the east part of Solomon's portico GA 20.219-223).
Albinus, shortly before he was replaced, put to death all prisoners guilty ofserious offences but he released those with commonplace offences, whichconsequently enlarged the number of brigands (JA 20.215).
After Albinus, Gessius Flores became the procurator of Judea (64-66
AD), and is presented in a very negative light by Josephus (JA 20.252-258).
Josephus counts him as the worst of all procurators of Judea, accusing him ofcooperation with brigands (JA 20.255). According to Josephus, Florus was
responsible for many Jews choosing the path of emigration, as well as for the
Jewish war with Rome (JA 20.257).

2.2. Galilea

Herod Antipas, the tetrarch of Galilee and Peraea fortified Sephorisand changed its name to Autocratoris and he built the walls around the city ofBetharamphtha, which was renamed Julias (JA 18.27).
When Tiberius became Emperor, Herod Antipas built a city in
Galilee on the shore of Lake Gennesaret and named it Tiberias. The city wasbuilt on the site of tombs, making impossible for Jews to live in such the place,since the Law prohibits it (JA 18.36-38). In order to inhabit the city, everyone
despite their origin, status, and past were accepted and received house on the
one condition: that they will not leave the city (JA 18.38).
When Vitellius on the order of Caesar Tiberius made a treaty with
Artabanus the king of Parthia, which took place on the bridge on the river
Euphrates, Herod Antipas laid out for them a rich feast in a luxury pavilion

90

built in the middle of the river especially for this occasion (JA 18.102)81•
Herod Antipas, who was married to the daughter of Aretas, the kingof Petra, fell in love with Herodias (JA 18.109), the wife of his half-brother(different mothers) Herod Philip I (son of Herod the Great and daughter ofSimon the high priest)82• In order to marry her, he was planning to divorce his
wife, however she discovered all about the affair when Herod was paying avisit to Rome, and using the opportunity she ran away to her father (JA18.110-112). King Aretas declared war on Herod Antipas and defeated him (JA18.113-114) 83 • Herod Antipas reported the affair to Caesar Tiberius, whoordered Vitellius, the governor of Syria to take military action against the kingof Petra and send him alive or dead to Rome (JA 18.115). The army of Vitellius
could not march through Judea due to Jewish opposition to the images
attached to the military standards (JA 18.120-122), and they were forced tomarch through the passage between Galilee and Samaria called Great Plain (JA18.122). While on the road, he went to Jerusalem to offer sacrifices to God
during the Passover (JA 18.122-123). During this visit Vitellius removed theThis event took place in 35 AD, and because of that it should be placed in Josephus'
writing before the account of Pilate's action in Samaria. Concerning the treaty between
the Romans and Parthians, see JA 18.96-104. Herod Antipas sent ahead of Vitellius thereport ooni:erning the meeting to Caesar Tiberius, which highly annoyed the governor,
who would take his revenge on Herod Antipas during the region of Gaius QA 18.105).
82 The name Philip is questionable, since in some manuscripts (codex D, Latin version ofMt) of Mt and Lk it is missing. Scholars think that Mark in his gospel is confusing thename of Herodias' son-in-law with the unknown name of her husband.Josephus, Jewish
Antiquities, Books XVIII-XX, Cambrdge 1965, pp. 76-77. This Herod Philip I is different
from the Philip the tetrarch.
M Josephus writes that, according to Jews, the defeat of Herod Antipas was divine
vengeance for beheading Jolm the Baptist QA 18.116-119). Josephus writes that Herodwas afraid of Jolm's influence on the Jews, that it might lead to an uprising against him.
He also gives the name of place of Jolm's execution, the stronghold Macltaerus, on theborder between Herod's territory and that of King Aretas - JA 18.112).
81

91high priest Jonathan from his office and appointed his brother Theophilus (JA18.123). In Jerusalem, he learned about the death of Tiberius, forcing him toabandon his campaign against the king of Petra (JA 18.124)84.
In the first year of his reign (54 AD), Nero granted to Aristobulus,

the son of Herod and the king of Cha.leis the government of Armenia Minor,
with some part of Galilee including the city of Tiberias and Tarichaeae, as wellas the city of Julias in Peraea (JA 20.158-159).

2.3. 'Ii'achonitis

Philip, the tetrarch renovated the city of Paneas and renamed it
Caesarea. He also raised the village of Bethsaida to the status of city, which was
fortified and renamed Julia (JA 18.28).
Philip died in 34 AD, childless, leaving any successor to his tetrarchy,
what resulted in his tetrarchy being incorporated by Tiberius into the provinceof Syria (JA 18.108). He died in Julias, where he was buried (JA 18.108). He
ruled his tetrarchy for twenty seven years with moderation because of his
easy-going disposition (JA 18.106). He did not travel outside his territory, he
had only a few friends and every time he was ready to judge the cases of his
subjects (JA 18.107). Josephus evaluated Philip as a modest and just ruler.
In 53 AD, Caesar Claudius granted Herod Agrippa II the tetrarchyof Philip, Batanaea, Trachonitis and the tetrarchy of Abila (north-west ofDamascus), but at the same time Oaudius deprived him of the kingdom of
Cha.leis (JA20.138)85• After arriving in his tetrarchy, Herod Agrippa II, arranged
84
85

The Emperor Tiberius died on 15 March 37 AD.
The kingdom of Chal.cis was granted to Herod Agrippa II by Oaudius in 48 AD, after
the death of Herod the king of Chal.cis. At that time, he also received all prerogatives

92

family matters. First, he gave his sister Drusilla in marriage to Azizus, the kingof Emesa, who converted to Judaism (JA 20.139)86• His daughter Mariamme
was married to Archelaus, the son of Helicias, and she gave birth to a daughter
Beronice (JA 20.140).
When Albinus was the procurator of Judea (62-64 AD), King Herod
Agrippa II enlarged Caesarea Philippi and renamed it Neronias (JA 20.211). In
the city Berytus, the king built a theatre at great expense. The fact that the kingadorned the foreign city more than any of the Jewish cities gave birth to strong
resentment towards him (JA 20.212).

Conclusion: Characteristic of Josephus' account in the Jewish Antiquities

Josephus successfully attempted to write the great history of his
nation, which not only in style but also in general approach making it worthy
to stand alongside the historical works of the Greeks and the Roman. He wrote
a magnificent history of the Jews, who in any other account are inferior to the
Romans or the Greeks. This approach is seen also in the period of Jewish
history from the Herod the Great's death till the war against Rome. The Jewish
nation is peaceful and loyal to Rome, is the main message, which despite
obvious counterarguments Josephus constantly proclaims. This message is true
concerning the royal elites, who always sought Roman favour and tried tosecure their power by securing links, of friendship and marriage with theconcerning the Jerusalem Temple, which were granted to Herod the king of Chal.cis ijA
20.15-16).
86 The marriage of Drusilla to Azizus was dissolved because Felix, the procurator of Judea,
persuaded her to divorce her husband and to marry him. They had son Agrippa,. who
died during the eruption of Vesuvius ijA 20.141-144).

93

Roman elite. For this reason Josephus pays much attention to a full accountconcerning relationships of each of the Herod's Caesar' court and influential
people of Rome. Although, Josephus gives an extensive account of each of the
Roman Emperors (with the exception of Nero), the most extensive account isgiven of Caesar Gaius (Caligula), the friend and benefactor of Herod Agrippa I,
who was the creator of Herod's way to the throne of Judea, granted to Agrippa
by Caesar Oaudius. Accordingly, Herod Agrippa I received special attention
by Josephus, who admired his extraordinary good fortune. This treatment
comes from the fact that Herod Agrippa for four years (41-44 AD) was the kingof Judea kingdom, with territory was equal to that of Herod the Greta's
kingdom, but most probably to the fact that his genealogical roots go back to
the Hasmonean Dynasty; his grandmother was Mariamme, a Hasmonean.
Josephus favours the Hasmoneans rather than the Herodians through all his
works, and because of that he held in high esteem Herod Agrippa I, despite hissometimes reprehensible conduct, which Josephus records honestly and indetail.
It is much more difficult to proof the truth of the Josephus'statements regarding events in Jewish society, and the chronology of numerous
civil disturbances and riots that took place before finally the build-up ofenmity led to the war. Concerning this problem, Josephus points to the attitudeof Roman prefects and procurators, as the reason for uneasiness of the nation.
Although Josephus mentions all the prefects (from 6-41 AD), he wrote
extensively only about Pilate's offences against the Law and the tradition.
However, he casts much more negative light on the procurators of Judea (44-67
AD), who are usually presented as the officials in constant conflict with theirsubjects. In all cases the lack of understanding of the Jewish way of living and94lack of respect toward the Law and tradition create a situation that becomes
impossible to bear for the Jews. Nationalist brigands rode this wave ofresentment, but often were uncontrollable, constantly led the nation into
conflict with the Roman authorities and the army. Indirectly Josephus blamed
the Temple's authorities, and directly he blamed the procurators, who allowed
the nationalists to light the flame of war.

Appendix 1

Chronological chart of rulers

In this chart we present the list of the Roman Emperor, the membersof the Herodian Dynasty, the prefects and procurators in charge of theprovince of Judea, and the high priest of the Jerusalem Temple, inchronological order.
Concerning the list of the Herodian Dynasty, the three sons of Herod take thesame number but with added different letter. Concerning Herod Agrippa I, hetakes the same number with different letter to indicate a different benefactor(the Emperor of Rome). The same concerns Herod Agrippa II.
Concerning the Roman prefects and procurators of Judea province
they takes the numbers, which in those cases where the procurators reign in
Judea extends into to the reign of another Emperor the name of theprefect/procurator is repeated with the same number.

Roman Emperors andHerodRoman Prefects

High priests ofthe governors of Syria

Dynastyandthe Jerusalem

Procurators

Temple1. Coponius

1. Antigonus,

province
1. Augustus

1. Herod the95

Life: 23.09.63

Great~ King

(6/7-9AD)

son of

BC-19.08.14AD

of Judea

2. Marcus

Aristobulus II,

Reign: 16.01.27

Kingdom:

Ambibulus

40-37BC

BC-19.08.14 AD(40-4 Bq

(9-12AD)

2. Anaelus,

2a. Herod

3.Annius

37-36 BC

Archelaus the

Rufus (12-15

3. Aristobus III,ethnarch (23

AD)

36BC

BC- 18AD),

4. Ananelus,

the ethnarch

36-30 BCof Judea (45. Joshua ben

BC-6AD)

Fabus, 30-23 BC

2b. Herod

6. Simonben

Philip I, theBoethus, 23-5

tetrarch(?

BC

BC-34AD),7. Matthias ben

the tetrarch of

Theiphilus, 54

Gaulanitis andBC

Paneas

8. Joazar ben(4BC-34AD)

Boethus, 4 BC

2c. Herod

9. Eleazar ben

Antipas (20Boethus, 4-3 BC

BC- ?, after 39

10. Joshua benAD), theSie, 3-?BC

tetrarch of

11. Joazar ben

Galilee andBoethus, ? BC -Perea (4 BC-39

6AD

96

AD)

12. Ananus ben
Seth, 6-15 AD

2. Tiberius

3. Herod

3.Annius

13. Ishmael ben

Life:16.11.41

Agrippa I (11Rufus (12-15

Fabus, 15-16 AD

BC-16.03.37 AD

BC-44AD),AD)

14. Eleazar ben

Reign: 18.09.14-16.03.37

since34AD

4. Valerius

Ananus, 16-17

AD

the ruler ofGratus (15-26

AD

Philip's

AD)

15. Simon ben

tetrarchy

5. Pontius

Camithus, 17-18(34-41 AD)

Pilate 26-36

AD

AD)

16. Josephus
Caiaphas, 18-36
AD
17. Jonathan
benAnanus,
36-37 AD

3. Caligula

3a. Herod

5. Pontius

18. Theophilus

Life:31.08.12 -24.01.41

Agrippa I (11Pilate (26-36

benAnanus,AD

BC-44AD),AD)

37-41AD

Reign: 18.03.37-24.01.41

since34AD

6. MarcellusAD

the ruler of(36-37 AD)

Philip's

7.Marullus

tetrarchy(37-41 AD)(34-41 AD)

97

andsince39
AD ruler of
Herod Antipas
tetrarchy(39-41 AD)
4. Claudius

3b. Herod

8. Cuspius

19. Sim.on

Life:l.08.10 BC-13.10.54

Agrippa I (11Fadus (44-46

CantatherasAD

BC-44AD),AD)

ben Boethus,

Reign:26.01.41-13.10.54

the King of

9. Tiberius

41-43ADAD

Judea

Alexander

20. Matthias

Kingdom:(46-48AD)

ben Ananus, 43(41-44AD)

10. Ventidius

AD

4. Herod

Cumanus21. Elioneus

Agrippa II(48-52AD)

benSim.on(27/28 AD-92

11. Felix (52-60

Cantatheras,

orlOOAD),AD)

43-44 AD (samethe ruler of theas Simonkingdom ofCantatheras ben

Chalcis (48-53

Boethus)AD);

22. Jonathan

4a. Herod

ben Ananus, 44

Agrippa II,

AD

since53AD

23. Josephus

theruler of

ben Camydus,

Philip's

44-46ADtetrarchy and

24. Ananias ben

98

the kingdom

Nebedeus,ofLysanias

46-58AD(53-92 or 100
AD)
5. Nero4b. Herod

11. Felix (52-60

25. Jonathan, 58

Life: 15.12.37-9.06.68

Agrippa II,

AD)

AD

AD

since 55 AD he

12. Porcius

26. Ishmael ben

Reign: 13.10.54-9.06.68

received

Festus (60-62

Fabus, 58-62 AD

AD

territory of :AD)

27. Joseph Cabi

Tiberias and

13. Albinus

ben Simon,

Taricheae in(62-64AD)

62-63AD

Galilee and

14. Gessius

28. Ananus ben

Libias (Iulias),

Florus (64-66

Ananus, 63 AD

with fourteen

AD)

29. Joshuaben

villages in

Damneus,63

PeraeaAD
30. Joshua ben
Gamaliel, 63-64
AD
31. MattathiasbenTheophilus,
65-66AD
32. Phannis ben
Samuel, 67-70
AD99

Appendix2

Index of Names

In this index we will provide all names included in the chart of therulers (Appendix 1) as they appeared in the writings of Josephus (the Jewish
Wars and the Jewish Antiquities, the Greek text provided by The LOEBClassical Library).

1. The Roman Emperor

Augustus ]W 1.20, 118, 225, 283, 285, 286-389, 391, 293-395, 398-400,
403-404, 407, 412, 414-415, 447, 451-452, 454, 457, 459, 465,
474, 483, 510, 523, 531, 535-536, 538, 554, 566, 573-575, 607,
620,623,625,633,640,645-646,661,669

JW 2. 2, 17, 19, 23-26, 28, 32, 34-35, 37, 39, 77-78, 81-83, 93,
98-99, 106, 109-112, 117, 167-168, 215]A 14. 280, 283, 301, 388, 407]A 15.109, 121, 161, 164, 167, 183, 187, 189, 194, 196-198, 200,

215, 217-218, 221, 268, 272, 307, 317-318, 328, 330, 336, 339,
342-343, 345, 348,350, 352, 354-355, 357-364]A 16. 6, 26, 74, 85-86, 90-93, 98, 100, 103-104, 116, 118, 121,
124, 127-128, 132, 138-139, 141, 147, 157, 161-162, 165-166,
169, 171-173, 253, 270-273, 277, 287, 289-291, 293, 295-299,
323,333-335,338,340-341,343,346,349,351-355,358,365]A 17. 10, 42, 52, 54, 87, 93, 103, 133, 141-142, 144, 146, 182,

190, 195, 202, 208-209, 221-223, 227-228, 230-232, 235-236,
239, 241, 244-248, 252, 297-298, 301-302, 312, 317, 319, 321-

100

322, 324, 332-333, 336-337, 342-344, 348, 355]A 18. 1, 26, 28, 32, 33, 180]A 19. 87, 282-283, 289, 307, 310
Tiberius JW2. 168-169, 173, 178-180]A 15. 404-405]A 18. 33, 36, 51, 55, 57, 79, 83, 89, 96-97, 101, 103-106, 108,
115, 124, 126, 143, 145-146, 158, 161-169, 177, 179-183, 185186, 188, 190-191, 202, 205, 211, 214, 216, 224-225, 228, 231232, 234, 236, 250, 292, 294

JA19. 209
Caligula JW2. 178, 181-184, 193-194, 196-197, 199, 201-205, 208]A 18. 105, 124, 166-168, 185, 187-188, 192-194, 206, 213-214,
219, 223-224, 234, 236, 238, 247-248, 250, 256-262, 265-266,
268-269, 271, 274-275, 277, 281-282, 287, 289-291, 296, 298299, 302, 305-306, 308]A 19. 1, 10, 13, 17, 19-23, 25, 27-29, 31, 33-37, 40-43, 49-51,
57, 62, 64-66, 68-69, 71, 73-74, 78-80, 83, 86-88, 91, 93, 96-98,
100-101, 105-107, 109, 113-115, 117, 119, 121-122, 125, 127128, 130, 133, 144, 146-149, 152, 156, 158, 160-161, 175, 185,
190, 192-193, 195, 197-198, 201, 209, 212, 214, 218-219, 221,
230, 232, 237, 251-252, 255, 257, 261, 267, 270, 274, 276, 278,
284-285, 294, 351

Claudius

JW2. 204-206, 209, 211-214, 220, 223, 228, 243-245

101

JW3.5
JWS.152

JA3. 320
JA15. 407
]A 18. 164-165]A 19. 13, 66-69, 102-103, 117, 162, 164-166, 212, 216-218,
221-223, 225, 228-229, 234, 236, 238-239, 243-247, 250, 252,258-263, 265-268, 273-274, 277, 279-280, 287, 292, 300, 303305, 326, 343, 351, 360-362, 366]A 20. 1, 7, 9-11, 15, 37, 104, 113, 131, 135-137, 139, 148-149,
151, 222

Nero

JW 1. 5, 20-21, 23
JW 2. 248-250, 270, 283-284, 293-294, 309, 342, 252, 403, 406,
409,415,490,555,558

JW3. 1,8,339,398,401,540
JW 4. 440, 491, 497, 623
JW 6. 337, 341, 422
JA15. 391
JA18. 140
]A 20. 149-150, 152-155, 158-159, 162, 182-184, 193-195, 197,
211, 252, 257, 259

102

2. The Roman prefects and procurators

Coponius JW2.117]A 18. 2, 29, 31

Marcus Ambibulus ]A 18. 31
Annius Rufus ]A 18. 32-33
Valerius Gratus ]A 18. 177
Pontius Pilate JW 2. 169, 171-175]A 18. 35, 55-56,59, 62, 64, 87-89, 177

Marcellus ]A 18. 89
Marullus]A 18. 237

Cuspius Fadus JW 2. 220]A15. 406

]A 19. 363-364]A 20. 2-3, 5, 7, 9, 14, 97-100

Tiberius Alexander JW 2. 220, 223, 309, 492-493, 497

JW4. 616-617
JW 5. 45, 205, 510
JW 6. 237, 242]A 20. 100, 102-203

Ventidius Cumanus JW 2. 223, 225-226, 229-230, 233, 236, 240-241, 244245]A 20. 103, 105-106, 108-109, 114, 116-117, 119, 121-122, 127,
129, 132, 134-136

Felix

JW 2. 247, 252, 260, 263, 270]A20. 137, 142-143, 161-163, 168, 171, 177-178, 182

103

Porcius FestusJW2. 271-272]A 20. 182, 185, 188, 193-194, 197, 200
AlbinusJW 2. 272, 274, 277]A 20. 197, 200, 202-205, 209, 215, 252-253

Gessius Florus JW 2. 277, 280-282, 287, 292-295, 297, 300-302, 306, 308,
310, 314-317, 324-325, 328, 330-331, 333, 336, 339-340, 342343, 402, 404, 406-407, 418, 420, 457, 531, 558

JA18. 25
JA19. 366
]A 20. 215, 252, 254, 257

3. The Herod Dynasty

Herod the GreatJW 1. 19-20, 87, 156, 181, 203, 205, 208-112, 214-215, 221,224-225, 227, 230-231, 234-236, 238-240, 242, 244, 246, 251253, 255, 258, 261, 263, 265, 267-268, 271-272, 274-278, 282286, 290-292, 294-295, 298, 301, 303, 306, 309, 311-314, 316321, 323, 326-328, 332, 334, 336, 339-341, 346, 351, 354, 358,
360, 362, 364-369, 372, 384, 386, 394-395, 399-400, 442, 452,

454, 457, 469, 471, 473, 477, 479, 484-485, 487, 490, 492, 499,
502, 504, 506-508, 511-512, 514-515, 518, 520-521, 523, 527,
529-530,533, 538, 542-543, 548, 550, 553, 556, 569-570, 575581, 586, 589-590, 592, 636-640, 642, 673

JW 2. 5, 7, 16, 21, 25, 27, 46, 55-56, 68-69, 76, 78, 83-84, 86,
88-89,94,99-101, 106, 114, 178,215,222,266,434
JW3.36

104

JVV5. 161,238,245,398
JVV6.436

JVV 7. 172, 179, 285, 300-301, 303]A 7. 394
]A 13. 275, 357]A 14. 9, 76, 121, 158, 161, 165, 167-171, 173-177, 180, 184,
274, 278, 280, 282-284, 286-289, 291-292, 295-296, 298, 302303, 324, 326-329, 331, 335-336, 338-339, 341-342, 344, 348349, 351-352, 355-356, 364, 369-370, 372, 375, 381-386, 388,
390, 394-395, 397, 400, 402-403, 407, 410, 413, 419-420, 430,
433-436, 442,445,447,450,455,457,469-470,472,476,479,
482, 489-491]A 15. 1-4, 8-12, 16, 18, 23, 28-29, 39-41, 47, 53, 55, 60, 62-64,

67-68, 70-71, 74, 77, 82, 96-98, 106-109, 111-112, 115-116, 119121, 147, 150, 155, 159, 162, 164, 166-170, 173-174, 178, 181183, 195, 205, 207-208, 210, 213, 217, 221, 226, 232, 249-250,
254-255, 257-258, 260, 262-265, 277-278, 281, 284-285, 290291, 299, 307-308, 321, 343, 345, 348-351, 353-357, 359-361,
373,377-378,380,388,402-404,409,420]A 16. 10, 13, 16, 22, 56, 60-61, 73, 75, 83-84, 87, 90, 100, 121,

125, 128, 131-132, 141, 159, 179, 188, 195, 199, 203, 206-208,
214,219,221,223-225,233,235,251,254,259,261,264,267,
269-272, 276-290, 293, 298, 301, 307, 312, 314-215, 319, 325,
328, 332, 335, 338, 340-341, 344-345, 347, 350, 352-354, 356,
358,368,370,385,392]A 17. 3-5, 7, 10-11, 18-19, 22, 27, 29, 32, 36-37, 43, 46, 50, 52-

105

53, 55, 57-59, 61, 65, 78, 80, 83, 87, 89, 92, 94, 106, 116, 125,
132, 136, 139-140, 142-143, 151, 167-168, 183, 187, 199, 204,
206-207, 211, 220-221, 224-225, 228, 245, 247, 249, 257, 266,
270-271, 273, 281, 287, 290, 294, 298, 304, 309-312, 315, 317318, 321, 324, 326, 328, 332, 349]A 18. 31, 92, 112, 127-128, 130, 133-134, 136-137, 139, 141143]A 19. 274, 297, 328, 351, 359]A 20. 13, 173, 246-247, 249-251

Herod Archelaus ]W 1. 562, 602, 646, 664, 668, 670-671]W 2. 1, 8-9, 11-13, 15-24, 26, 32, 34, 37, 39-40, 64, 74, 80, 8283, 88, 92-94, 96]A 17. 20, 80, 146, 188-189, 194-196, 200, 204-205, 207-208,
212, 215, 217-224, 226-228, 230, 235, 240-243, 248-251, 284,
299,301-302,311,316-321,339,342-352,355]A 18. 2, 26, 93]A 20. 249, 251

Herod Philip I ]W 1. 562, 602, 646, 668]W 2. 14, 83, 94-95, 167-168, 181, 247]W 3. 443, 512
JW7.23]A 17. 21, 27, 80, 146, 189, 219, 303, 318-319]A 18. 27-28, 106, 114, 137, 237]A19. 351

106

]A 20. 138, 211

Herod Antipas ]W 1. 562, 646, 664, 668]W2. 20, 22-23, 94, 167-168, 178, 181, 183]A 17. 20, 188, 224, 227, 229, 238, 318]A 18. 27, 36, 102, 104-106, 109, 111-112, 114-119, 122, 136,
148, 150,240,243,247-248,250-251,255

Herod Agrippa I ]W 1. 552

JW 2. 178, 180-183, 206, 209-210, 213, 215, 218, 223
JW 5. 148, 152
JA15. 405
]A 17. 28,31]A 18. 110, 126, 129, 131-135, 137, 142-144, 148, 150-154, 156-

158, 160-161, 163-164, 166, 168-169, 179, 183-185, 187-191,
195-1%, 202, 204, 228, 230-233, 235-236, 238, 240, 242, 247,
250, 252-253, 255, 273, 289, 291-292, 299-301]A 19. 236, 242, 265, 274-277, 279, 288, 292, 295, 297, 301,
309-310,313,327,330,342,354,356,359,361]A 20. 1, 15, 104, 140

Herod Agrippa II ]W 2. 220, 223, 245, 247, 252, 284, 309, 335, 337, 337340, 343-344, 403, 406, 418, 421, 426, 429, 481, 483, 500, 502,
520,523,525,556,595,605,632
JW3.29,37,56,68,443,445,456,514,540

JW 4. 2, 4, 10, 14, 81, 498, 500

107

JW5.36

JW7.97
JA15. 407
]A 18. 132, 194]A 19. 354, 360, 362]A 20. 9-10, 12, 104, 135, 138-139, 159, 179, 189, 193, 203, 211,
214

4. The High Priest of Jerusalem Temple

Antigonus, son of Aristobulus II JW 1. 158, 173, 186, 195, 198, 239-240,
248-250, 254, 257, 259, 269, 272-273, 282, 284, 286-191, 294,
296-297, 300, 302-303, 314, 317-319, 323, 325-327, 333, 335,
339, 342, 352-353, 357, 364-365
JW5.398]A 14. 79, 96, 126, 140-141, 297, 299, 330-334, 340, 343, 346,
365,368, 379, 382, 384,390-395,399,403,405-406,409,412414, 418, 431, 435, 437-438, 450, 457, 461, 469, 476, 478, 481,
488, 489, 490]A 15. 1, 6, 8-9, 17, 181, 262-263, 323]A 17. 92, 191]A20. 245
Anaelus ]A 15. 22, 34, 39-40, 56
Aristobus III JW 1. 437]A 20. 247-248
Ananelus (restored) ]A 15. 22, 34, 39-40, 56

108

Joshua ben Fabus JA 15. 322
Simon ben Boethus JA 15. 320, 322
JA17. 78
JA 18. 109, 136

Matthias hen Theiphilus JA 17. 78, 164-167
Joazar ben Boethus JA 17. 164, 339
JA 18. 3,26

Eleazar hen Boethus JA 17. 339, 341
Joshua hen Sie JA 17. 341
Joazar ben Boethus JA 17. 164, 339
JA 18. 3,26

Ananus ben Seth JW 2. 240
JW4.160

JW5.506
JA 18. 26, 34, 95
JA 19. 297, 313
JA 20. 197-198

Ishmael hen Fabus JA 18. 34
Eleazar hen Ananus JA 18. 34
Simon hen Camithus JA 18. 34
Josephus Caiaphas JA 18. 35, 95
Jonathan hen Ananus JW 2. 240, 243, 256
JA 18. 95, 123
JA 19. 313, 316
JA 20. 162-164

Theophilus hen Ananus JA 18. 123

109

JA19. 297
JAW. 223
Simon Cantatheras ben Boethus ]A 19. 297-298, 313]A20.16
Matthias ben Ananus ]A 19. 316, 342
Elioneus ben Simon Cantatheras ]A 19. 342
Jonathan ben Ananus (restored) ]W 2. 240, 243, 256]A 18. 95, 123]A 19. 313, 316]A 20. 162-164

Josephus ben Camydus ]A 20. 16, 103
Ananias ben Nebedeus]W2. 243, 409, 426, 429, 441-442]A 20. 103, 131, 205, 208-210, 213

Jonathan (ben Ananus - restored) ]W 2. 240, 243, 256]A 18. 95, 123]A 19. 313, 316]A 20. 162-164

Ishmael ben Fabus (diferent) ]A 3. 320]A 20. 179, 194-194

Joseph Cabi ben Simon ]A 20. 196-197
Ananus ben Ananus ]W 2. 563, 648, 651, 653

JW 2. 151, 160, 162, 193, 196-197, 203, 205, 209, 210, 215-216,
218-219, 224, 226, 228-229, 236, 238, 288, 296-297, 301, 316,
318,321,325,249,504,508]A 20. 197, 199-203

Joshua ben Damneus ]A 20. 203, 213

110

Joshua ben Gamaliel JA 20. 213, 223
Mattathias ben Theophilus ]A 20. 223
Phannis ben Samuel JW 4. 155

JA20. 227