Bibliography
| Title: Josephus as a Source for Economic History: Problems and Approaches Secondary Title: Making History: Josephus and Historical Method Pages: 334-346 Type: Conference Proceedings Year: 2007 Abstract: Tthere is an aspect of Josephus’ work which presents particular problems of methodology. Scattered throughout Josephus’ compositions is a wealth of anecdotal information on economy and economic matters. He at times describes prosperity and crises, mentions prices and wages, and now and again relates economic conditions with political and social developments. This information is generally not developed into well-elucidated narratives, but remains anecdotal. Much of this information is difficult to analyze, and even more difficult to confirm. Can we rely on this information in order to draw useful conclusions and gain insights to historical questions having economic aspects?
We intend to examine this problem and develop lines of research and suggested approaches towards Josephus as a source of economic history. We propose that the nuggets of economic information can be dealt with using the accepted approaches toward any literary historical source: internal and external analysis. We ask if the information contradicts other aspects of the internal evidence; whether the material has corroboration from independent sources; and what purpose the information serves in the greater scheme of Josephus’ composition.
Upon completion of the historical analysis we find ourselves with a body of economic information that can illuminate other historical questions. Keywords: Economic History |