First published in 1914. Josephus (c. 37-100 CE) was born to a Jewish priestly family who served in the Holy Temple. He later became commander of Jewish forces in the Galilee in the revolt against Rome that began in 66 CE. Josephus spent his later life in Rome under the patronage of the Flavian emperors, where he wrote his classic histories, our major account of the events and figures of the first century and the destruction of the Second Temple in 70 CE.