The Jewish War: Second half of Book 2

[cahn]

Last week: Lots of discussion of various contemporary Roman emperors and their families: Claudius, Agrippina, Nero, Britannicus. Quinctilius Varus and Arminius make an appearance as well. Also Josephus wants to tell you ALL about the Essenes, and none of us knows why but maybe we will find out sometime in the future?? (ugh, I haven't finished replying to comments yet on this either, sorry! -- hopefully will get to that tomorrow)

This week: The Jewish war starts! It's a mess. We do finally meet our hero Josephus, who is just the most heroic, clever, and brave guy. (Probably devilishly handsome too, although this is admittedly not in the text.)

Next week: where shall we read to in Book 3? ETA: All of book 3 for this week!

Comments

[zdenka]

Meanwhile, I guess for Jewish readers the primary association would be with Esther, pleading for her people to foreign rulers.

That reminds me that I wrote a snippet about Berenike going to plead to Gessius Florus for Purimgifts one year, partly based on a very quick dip into Josephus, and I did in fact compare her to Esther! So you're completely correct, for at least one Jewish reader . . .

[selenak]

I remember your story! (Just looked for it and read it again, and saw I did kudos back in the day.) And I do believe you're right, and Berenice must have been keenly aware of Esther while she prepared for and made her plea.

Being a Jewish and a Hellenistic princess at the same time, culturally imprinted by both - Berenike and the other Herodian women are so interesting!

[zdenka]

I'm complimented that you remember it! :D

[cahn]

Oooooh cool! Be right back :D