The History of the Jews in the Greco-Roman World

by Peter Schäfer

The History of the Jews in the Greco-Roman World examines Judaism in Palestine throughout the Hellenistic period, from Alexander the Great's conquest in 334BC to its capture by the Arabs in AD 636. Under the Greek, Roman and finally Christian supremacy which Hellenism brought, Judaism developed far beyond its biblical origins into a form which was to influence European history from the Middle Ages to the present day. The book focuses particularly on the social, economic and religious concerns of this period, and the political status of the Jews as both active agents and passive victims of history.
The author provides a straightforward chronological survey of this important period through analysis and interpretation of the existing sources. With its accessible style and explanation of technical terms, the book provides a useful introduction to students and anybody with an interest in post-biblical Judaism.

Genres: History, Religion, Judaism, Ancient History, Nonfiction

231 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1983

About the author

Peter Schäfer is a prolific German scholar of ancient religious studies, who has made contributions to the field of ancient Judaism and early Christianity through monographs, co-edited volumes, numerous articles, and his trademark synoptic editions.

Reviews

[Jonathan]

This period in the history of the Jewish people, both in and outside of the Land of Israel, saw many drastic changes: the growth of a vibrant diaspora, the cultural and physical clashes between Judaism and Hellenism (as well as certain symbioses), the re-establishment of Jewish political independence and it's eventual loss to the Romans, the development of the country under the rule of Herod the Great, two failed revolts against the Romans, the destruction of the Temple and its cult and the rise of Rabbinic Judaism, and much more. All this and more is deftly handled in Professor Schäfer's concise and well-written work, whose emphasis is on the history of the Jews of the Land of Israel. Those who are looking for an introduction to the Hellenistic, Roman and Byzantine eras could do far worse than to read this outstanding contribution to Jewish history in antiquity. First rate.

[Ondřej Šefčík · Rating 3 out of 5]

A very good introduction.