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The Fall of Jerusalem
Led by the mighty Titus, the Roman army besieges Jerusalem.
This edition starts with 'book 5' of Josephus' Jewish War, the moment Titus marches on Jerusalem. It describes the Jewish internal faction war as well as the siege, the famine and the fights between Jews and Romans.
The book gives the integral text of several books of Josephus' Jewish War. This is therefore not an abridged version. Is is a selection. It consists of the consecutive chapters/scrolls focusing on the events at Jerusalem in 69 AD.
This edition starts with 'book 5' of Josephus' Jewish War, the moment Titus marches on Jerusalem. It describes the Jewish internal faction war as well as the siege, the famine and the fights between Jews and Romans.
The book gives the integral text of several books of Josephus' Jewish War. This is therefore not an abridged version. Is is a selection. It consists of the consecutive chapters/scrolls focusing on the events at Jerusalem in 69 AD.
102 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 75
9 people are currently reading
189 people want to read
About the author
Flavius Josephus
1,537 books211 followersTitus 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)
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)
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Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
May 7, 2019
I didn’t particularly enjoy the read but mostly because I had different expectations of it. I had expected it to cover also the part before the definite capture, where there was a temporary peace as the Romans left suddenly... only to come back later.
I do think it’s a very interesting read if you want to know how Jerusalem met its end, and especially how the war developed, how terrible the situation inside the City got; it’s awful to imagine this really happened. It was also interesting to read both the Jewish and the Roman perspective as Josephus was shortly said a Jew on the Roman side, but at the same time I wondered how objective his account was as Titus is being portrayed as a nice emperor who tries to spare as much of the City and as many people as possible. But whether it’s true or not, it was an interesting idea that the Roman emperor respected the Sanctuary to the extent of wanting to preserve it.
The translation and the writing style were both good, so my only reason for not liking it was because this adaptation focuses on descriptions of the attacks and other horrible deeds.
I do think it’s a very interesting read if you want to know how Jerusalem met its end, and especially how the war developed, how terrible the situation inside the City got; it’s awful to imagine this really happened. It was also interesting to read both the Jewish and the Roman perspective as Josephus was shortly said a Jew on the Roman side, but at the same time I wondered how objective his account was as Titus is being portrayed as a nice emperor who tries to spare as much of the City and as many people as possible. But whether it’s true or not, it was an interesting idea that the Roman emperor respected the Sanctuary to the extent of wanting to preserve it.
The translation and the writing style were both good, so my only reason for not liking it was because this adaptation focuses on descriptions of the attacks and other horrible deeds.
August 27, 2022
I loved this book! In the Old Testament God often used foreign enemies to discipline His Jewish people when they grew rebellious. There had been a Jewish rebellion brewing in 64-69AD and the Romans had to quell it. In this battle, Josephus (author and Jewish member of the rebellion) had been caught early on and was used of the Romans to try to convince the Jews to surrender in an amazingly intelligent and heartfelt appeal. But the Jews would not give up the walled city nor the temple God had given them. In the blindness of their rebellion, the Jewish people even started turning against one another. Hundreds of thousands of Jews died, shockingly, many at their own hands! The fall of the temple was prophesied by Jesus and symbolic of a new way to worship God. The fall caused the Jews who survived to scatter over the face of the known world. This was the beginning of the church age and the beginning of the Kingdom Of God within the heart of those who believed in Jesus' message and resurrection. Wonderful to get an eye-witness account of fulfillment of what Jesus promised.
March 19, 2019
The fall of Jerusalem is taken from Josephus’ description of The Jewish War. It accounts for the Siege of Jerusalem which occurred in the year 70 CE and holds its place as the most decisive event of the First Jewish–Roman War.
The book starts with the Romans’ brutal and ruthless siege of Jerusalem under the command of their future king-Titus and ends with the sack of holy city and complete destruction of the Second Temple.
The war was crucial for both the parties. For Romans, it was a matter of self-esteem, reputation and a need to assert authority. They fought since they little knew about defeat. For Jews, it was blind ego and over confidence of the leaders whereas a simple do or die situation for the soldiers.
The author being an eyewitness to this violent episode vividly describes the horrible and gory chain of events which unfolded in a prolonged span of almost seven months.
However, it is rightly said that history is written by the hands of the victor. This is conspicuous in this account which is heavily biased on the Romans’ side as throughout the book Josephus’ manages to absolve Titus of any blame for the destruction of the city and the temple and the massacre of thousands of people while simultaneously portraying Jews as fanatics and terrorists who were solely responsible for the bloodbath of their own people. This is quite shocking as Josephus himself was a Jew and originally a rebel but then he was captured by the Romans and appointed a negotiator. So, this could only be explained by the fact that Josephus did this merely for his utter desire to procure favours and to be in the good light of his masters- The Flavian Dynasty of Romans..
The exaggeration of Romans being the Heroes and Jews being the villains is no doubt a fallacy and an insult to the bravery of those who fought and fell on the battlefield. But then you come across where Titus when he eventually enters the Temple admonishes the Jews. During the long speech, while many other things he also says “you were incited by kindness. First we gave you land to occupy and set over you kings of your own race……….then enjoying such advantages……..like beasts you bit hand that fed you”. Now this paragraph catapults you from first century CE to twenty first century CE and makes you ponder what if????
Overall, the book delves into the very psyche of human species and their relentless efforts to achieve something even at the cost of their lives. Josephus’ account brings out the extreme human madness, the itch to prove ones might, the juggernaut ego, the everlasting greed, the blood thirst, the oblivion of imminent danger, the life threatening adamant behavior, the beastly cruelty and above all that – the deranged fad that-- ‘God is with us’.
The book starts with the Romans’ brutal and ruthless siege of Jerusalem under the command of their future king-Titus and ends with the sack of holy city and complete destruction of the Second Temple.
The war was crucial for both the parties. For Romans, it was a matter of self-esteem, reputation and a need to assert authority. They fought since they little knew about defeat. For Jews, it was blind ego and over confidence of the leaders whereas a simple do or die situation for the soldiers.
The author being an eyewitness to this violent episode vividly describes the horrible and gory chain of events which unfolded in a prolonged span of almost seven months.
However, it is rightly said that history is written by the hands of the victor. This is conspicuous in this account which is heavily biased on the Romans’ side as throughout the book Josephus’ manages to absolve Titus of any blame for the destruction of the city and the temple and the massacre of thousands of people while simultaneously portraying Jews as fanatics and terrorists who were solely responsible for the bloodbath of their own people. This is quite shocking as Josephus himself was a Jew and originally a rebel but then he was captured by the Romans and appointed a negotiator. So, this could only be explained by the fact that Josephus did this merely for his utter desire to procure favours and to be in the good light of his masters- The Flavian Dynasty of Romans..
The exaggeration of Romans being the Heroes and Jews being the villains is no doubt a fallacy and an insult to the bravery of those who fought and fell on the battlefield. But then you come across where Titus when he eventually enters the Temple admonishes the Jews. During the long speech, while many other things he also says “you were incited by kindness. First we gave you land to occupy and set over you kings of your own race……….then enjoying such advantages……..like beasts you bit hand that fed you”. Now this paragraph catapults you from first century CE to twenty first century CE and makes you ponder what if????
Overall, the book delves into the very psyche of human species and their relentless efforts to achieve something even at the cost of their lives. Josephus’ account brings out the extreme human madness, the itch to prove ones might, the juggernaut ego, the everlasting greed, the blood thirst, the oblivion of imminent danger, the life threatening adamant behavior, the beastly cruelty and above all that – the deranged fad that-- ‘God is with us’.
June 22, 2014
This gave me a clearer view of ancient Jerusalem. (I read this in 1998 but this edition is much later.)
April 21, 2022
In seminary and Bible college, I had AD 70 set in my mind as the date for the destruction of Jerusalem. However, I had never listened to a full account of how it fell.
Josephus, while writing centuries ago tells a compelling story. It reads like a novel!
I think that he tends to favor Titus and while he certainly grieves the loss of his beloved Jerusalem. He does not fault the Romans but rather the Jewish defenders for it's fall.
This makes me wonder if his account is at times biased a bit. However, as the only extant account of the fall of Jerusalem it is fascinating!
It's really interesting to think about the growth of the NT church with this history in mind! Jerusalem fell just as Jesus predicted in the triumphal entry. Josephus credits God with punishing Jerusalem (Ironically agreeing with Jesus' opinion about this!)
Josephus, while writing centuries ago tells a compelling story. It reads like a novel!
I think that he tends to favor Titus and while he certainly grieves the loss of his beloved Jerusalem. He does not fault the Romans but rather the Jewish defenders for it's fall.
This makes me wonder if his account is at times biased a bit. However, as the only extant account of the fall of Jerusalem it is fascinating!
It's really interesting to think about the growth of the NT church with this history in mind! Jerusalem fell just as Jesus predicted in the triumphal entry. Josephus credits God with punishing Jerusalem (Ironically agreeing with Jesus' opinion about this!)
February 26, 2019
BRUTAL, play-by-play description of the fall of Jerusalem in 70 C.E.
I have to wonder about its accuracy since Josephus was a Jew who deserted near the beginning of the Roman siege. Titus put him to work as an interpreter and spokesperson trying to persuade the rebels to surrender. Josephus became a distinguished Roman citizen so I wonder if Titus was as nice a guy as Josephus makes him out to be.
Nevertheless the fall of Jerusalem was horrific with over one million dead inside the city to say nothing of the Roman losses.
I have to wonder about its accuracy since Josephus was a Jew who deserted near the beginning of the Roman siege. Titus put him to work as an interpreter and spokesperson trying to persuade the rebels to surrender. Josephus became a distinguished Roman citizen so I wonder if Titus was as nice a guy as Josephus makes him out to be.
Nevertheless the fall of Jerusalem was horrific with over one million dead inside the city to say nothing of the Roman losses.
February 24, 2018
As I was daunted by the entire Jewish War, I decided to read this extract containing book 5 and 6, that held the story of the sack of Jerusalem (no mention of stealing the arc of the covenant by name, but si much was looted that the rice of gold was half the price of before the fall of Jerusalem. I also looked forward to the fall of Masada, having been impressed by the series with Peter O'Toole as Flavius Silva.
May 15, 2024
A sobering and, at times, disturbing read. Josephus is a very fascinating figure in history as he holds one of the few accounts regarding the Destruction of Jerusalem which has survived the centuries. While not infallible, he verifies claims of places and figures mentioned throughout the New Testament. This book is a must read for any historian and/or individual, like myself, who holds to the view of partial preterism.
January 28, 2023
Lots of description of hunger and eating here, which I think can work as an overall theme to the events. Was there too much "eating?" Not enough? What lead to the utter destruction? Starvation? Gluttony? There must be a reason the feeling of hunger, the desire for food and the satiation of appetite runs constant in the telling. Can history be determined by the stomach rather than the mind?
March 13, 2024
Fascinating read. I had no idea about Titus’s repeated attempts to make peace. Nor was I aware of how much self-inflicted pain the scheming, factionalism, and internal warring between three parties led to their downfall. Hearing about their own desecration of the temple and then Titus trying to preserve it is just sad. An important piece of history.
May 7, 2022
I'd say this is like a 3.5 ish.
Written by a Jewish historian that was part of the Roman military when it destroyed Jerusalem. Part propaganda, part self-justification, part eyewitness account. Some details are quite moving.
Written by a Jewish historian that was part of the Roman military when it destroyed Jerusalem. Part propaganda, part self-justification, part eyewitness account. Some details are quite moving.
October 4, 2019
This was not an easy read, but very interesting.
April 19, 2025
I thought I'd try this as a warm-up for The Jewish Wars. It was great. The translation is an easy read and I will look for the version of The Jewish Wars with this translator.
April 25, 2020
Just a quick copy of the Jewish Wars. Unfortunately we have to hear once again about Mary chopping her baby in ½ and eating it.
Can we say people are heroes when we let other human starve. I say NO.
Can we say people are heroes when we let other human starve. I say NO.
November 26, 2010
If there were half stars, I would give this 3 and a half. Since Josephus is so often quoted, I enjoyed reading this and seeing the quotes in context and seeing for myself his perspective of first-century Israel. There were lots of people whose names I did not recognize and it was a little hard to keep everyone straight. It is a fascinating picture of Herod the Great and all the intrigue of his court. Given the murderous schemes within his household, there is little wonder he was paranoid.
September 8, 2015
Horrible beyond imagination compared to any known past history in any nation, “The Fall of Jerusalem” by Josephus (translated by G.A. Williamson) would suggest us some panoramic glimpses of the city’s eventual decline due to its people’s rebellion trying desperately to fight and save themselves from the formidable Roman army led by Titus.
July 25, 2008
This is a must read for anyone who reads the 24th chapter of Mathew in the new testament where Jesus foretells of the destruction that will come upon Jerusalem. The death and carnage described by Josephus is unbelievable.
September 17, 2015
Very interesting to listen to someone from history writing their viewpoint of happenings
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews