Josephus: Thrones of Blood

by Flavius Josephus, William Whiston

231 pages - writings of Josephus during Christian times. - Multiple printing years.

Genres: History, Nonfiction, Historical, Christian, Reference, Classics

240 pages, Paperback

First published February 1, 1988

About the author

Titus Flavius Josephus was a 1st-century Romano-Jewish historian and hagiographer who was born in Jerusalem - then part of Roman Judea - to a father of priestly descent and a mother who claimed royal ancestry.

He initially fought against the Romans during the First Jewish–Roman War as the head of Jewish forces in Galilee, until surrendering in 67 to Roman forces led by Vespasian after the six-week siege of Jotapata. Josephus claims the Jewish Messianic prophecies that initiated the First Roman-Jewish War made reference to Vespasian becoming Emperor of Rome. In response Vespasian decided to keep Josephus as a hostage and interpreter. After Vespasian did become Emperor in 69, he granted Josephus his freedom, at which time Josephus assumed the emperor's family name of Flavius.

Flavius Josephus fully defected to the Roman side and was granted Roman citizenship. He became an advisor and friend of Vespasian's son Titus, serving as his translator when Titus led the Siege of Jerusalem, which resulted -- when the Jewish revolt did not surrender -- in the city's destruction and the looting and destruction of Herod's Temple (Second Temple).

Josephus recorded Jewish history, with special emphasis on the 1st century AD and the First Jewish–Roman War, including the Siege of Masada, but the imperial patronage of his work has sometimes caused it to be characterized as pro-Roman propaganda.

His most important works were The Jewish War (c. 75) and Antiquities of the Jews (c. 94). The Jewish War recounts the Jewish revolt against Roman occupation (66–70). Antiquities of the Jews recounts the history of the world from a Jewish perspective for an ostensibly Roman audience. These works provide valuable insight into 1st century Judaism and the background of Early Christianity.

Alternate spelling:
Flávio Josefo (Romance languages)

Reviews

[Yibbie · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is my first attempt at reading anything by Josephus. It made a good start point as this particular edition has been updated for the ‘average layman’. It details the intrigues of the kings, queens, and emperors that fought for control of the Holy Land. It covers Herod’s rise to power through the fall of Jerusalem. So if you would like to learn about the politically volatile and violent times that surrounded Jesus during his life and the life of the early Church let me recommend this book.
I was a little disappointed that it didn’t include the fall of Masada. The abrupt ending at the fall of Jerusalem seemed a rather strange point to quit a history. I would have also really appreciated maps.

[Jeannette · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thrones of Blood is a chronological narrative by an involved contemporary that begins in 37 B.C. with Rome helping Herod defeat Antigonus,the last of the Hasmonean kings of Judea and ends with the destruction of the temple in Jerusalem in 70 A.D.
It is, as history so oft proves to be, a time of base murderous power shifts, constant lies and betrayals that make misery and peril certain for the subjects of the greedy- lustful-anxious rulers for whom trust and contentment are impossible. Settlements and countries are given away like party favors, wives are stolen, once friends and brothers murdered. It is the wild, wild middle east.

While not a subject or the focus of this chronicle, how radical the teachings of the son of the carpenter are against this context of the time and place in which he spoke and lived.

[Bud Russell · Rating 3 out of 5]

A convenient, abridged paraphrase of two Josephus histories. Some parts are fascinating, other parts a bit tedious. Still better than reading the massive originals. The paraphrase uses some modern idioms which are rather humorous.

[Heather Turiello · Rating 3 out of 5]

I didn’t realize when I grabbed this book that it’s an abridged summary of Josephus’ much larger books. This summary is so high level and feels like a bland reading of a timeline. Think I need to invest the significant time into the original.

[Jason Farris · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a basic history book -- with no fluff or commentary added and a LOT of names to keep track of! Not terribly engaging, but interesting nonetheless. Just take it for what it is, a factual history of people and events from 37 B.C. to 70 A.D.

[S.D. (Davy) Ellison · Rating 3 out of 5]

This history was a fascinating read. As a popular translation of two Josephus works (Antiquities and The Jewish War) set in a flowing narrative, it’s not one for the purists. But a useful orientation to the wider historical background to parts of the New Testament.

[Jeanette Lukens · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was kind of a simplified translation of Josephus. It was interesting and a bit confusing just because of my unfamiliarity with the Roman Empire.

[Brittany]

Christian library recommendation

[Rain Lemming · Rating 3 out of 5]

In an effort to read some literature contemporaneous with the Bible, I started here. It was interesting, but quick. Looking for more options...

[Joseph · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not sure if its the translation/editing, or Josephus himself; but this is a very strange 'history'. And quite repetitive.

[Marie Carmean · Rating 4 out of 5]

For its historical significance this book means a lot. Twisted, disturbing years of Roman rule! Reference to the divinity of Jesus.

[Andrew Murch · Rating 2 out of 5]

Until reading Thrones of Blood I have only ever utilized Josephus as a reference. After reading this book, I will probably revert back to this type of usage exclusively. It may be translation related, but the book wasn't a swift read. The content and stories are compelling, but the way it was written leaves a lot to be desired. On the content side, it was a compelling narrative. The sordid tales of the 'thrones of blood' are a testament of the depraved nature of the ruling class in the first century. Josephus is a great primary source historically, someone to be familiar with if first-century history is an area of study you covet.

[Carl Hurst]

All I can say about Flavius Josephus eye witness account of the great tribulation with the fall of Jerusalem and its temple is WOW !! when I think of the world war three holocaust it simply peals in comparison. After reading this historical account of the Jewish wars I was left undone. This book single handily bring to light in visual imagery that which took place in the times of apostles and the first century church. To say that the great tribulation is yet ahead of us is pure fiction.

[Priscilla]

amazon.com

[Julie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Ok, not exactly a page turner, but it is interesting to read alongside the Bible, to get some historical perspective.

[Chris · Rating 5 out of 5]

amazing historical knowledge!

[Marla McCoid]

Audible