Bibliography
| Title: The causes and the course of the Jewish revolt against Rome, 66-74 C.E., in recent scholarship Type: Thesis Year: 1982 Abstract: "This dissertation begins with a survey of the most significant scholarly treatments of the subject over the last two hundred years, assessing them in light of the literary and archaeological resources available for our understanding of the period, including recent discoveries. Political, economic, social, religious, and psychological causes are distinguished, while it is recognized that they were not necessarily separated in the mind or experience of first century individuals or groups. The survey notes how analysts through the years have been influenced by contemporary cultural or ideological currents, while leaving their personal imprint on their era. The study then focusses on certain critical issues. (1) The case is made that taken together, the Josephean record, the evidence of Clementine Recognitions 1.37.2 and 1.39.3, possible allusions in the New Testament, and recent archaeological evidence lend weight to the historical worth of the tradition of the flight of the Jerusalem Church to Pella during the Revolt. (2) It is argued that Josephus' initial anti-Roman role in the Revolt hinged on his expectation of substantive Parthian assistance; when it did not come, he was forced to revise his estimation of the possibilities of resisting Roman might. (3) The view is offered that Johanan ben Zakkai's move to Jabneh and his role there need reassessment in the light of Roman policies toward non-combatants, and Johanan's relationship to Simeon ben Gamaliel. (4) The conclusion is drawn that the burning of the Temple was not clearly intended by the Romans from the beginning; it was most likely the result of actions taken toward the end of the continuing battle for control of Jerusalem. (5) When the relative significance of the causes of the Revolt are considered, it is argued that theological and religious issues weigh more heavily than political, social and economic factors in explaining why it occurred". Keywords: History of the Judean War (66-73) |