Josephus

Flavius Josephus, also known as Joseph ben Matthias, was a Jewish historian, priest, and commander born in Jerusalem in 37/38 CE. He was a descendant of the Hasmonean priestly and royal family, and was raised in a priestly family.

During the First Jewish-Roman War (66-70 CE), Josephus was appointed commander of Jewish forces in Galilee. After being defeated by the Romans, he defected to their side and was granted Roman citizenship. He became a trusted advisor to the Roman commander Vespasian, and accompanied him to Rome. After the fall of Jerusalem in 70 CE, Josephus wrote "The Jewish War," a detailed account of the conflict from a Jewish perspective. He also wrote "Antiquities of the Jews," a comprehensive history of the Jewish people from creation to the outbreak of the First Jewish-Roman War.

In addition to his historical writings, Josephus is known for his accounts of the Judean desert sect known as the Essenes and his mention of Jesus in "Antiquities of the Jews." While his accounts of Jesus have been subject to much debate and criticism, they are still important sources of information for scholars studying the historical Jesus and the early Christian movement. Josephus died in Rome in the early 100s CE. His works remain important sources of information on Jewish history, the Roman Empire, and the early Christian movement.