Definition of josephus flavius in English English dictionary
(AD 37-100?, born as Joseph Ben Matthias) Jewish historian and military man who participated in the Jewish rebellion against Rome, author of "History of the Jewish War
orig. Joseph Ben Matthias born AD 37/38, Jerusalem died 100, Rome Jewish priest, scholar, and historian. Born of a priestly family, Josephus joined the Pharisees. While on a diplomatic mission he was impressed by the culture and sophistication of Rome, and in the Jewish revolt of AD 66-70 he eventually attached himself to the Roman cause. Favoured in the courts of emperors Vespasian, Titus, and Domitian, he wrote valuable historical works. His History of the Jewish War (79) is the principal source on the revolt and includes much on Roman tactics and strategy. The Antiquities of the Jews (93), his greatest work, traces Judaism from creation up to the revolt. Against Apion defends Judaism against Hellenism