Greek-speaking Jewry not only translated its Bible into Greek but also created a rich variety of literature directly based on the Bible. Though these texts are incomplete, they offer fascinating glimpses of preoccupations and concerns Jews felt as they interacted with Greek culture. Authors include Demetrius the Historian, Eupolemus, Artapanus, Aristeas the Historian, Cleodemus and Pseudo-Eupolemus. An important component of the course is a study of Greek word-building, focused on improving the student's reading skills. Texts to be read will be supplied at cost in photocopy.
Electronic copies are also available.
Included in this translated literature are some of the best-known romances of the Bible. The first book is a story of self-conscious piety and threatened love, and the second relates the tale of a woman whose beauty and cunning caused a mighty general to lose his head. An important component of the course is a study of Greek word-building, aimed at improving the student's reading skills. Rahlfs, A. Septuaginta vol. The primary texts relating the tale are the so-called first and second Books of the Maccabees, translated and composed, respectively, in Greek.