Review of Josephus and Early Christian History

These flashcards cover the key historical figures, texts, and concepts related to Josephus and early Christian history as discussed in the lecture notes.

Josephus

A Jewish historian who lived from 37 CE to around 100 CE, best known for his writings including 'The Jewish War' and 'Antiquities'.

The Jewish War

A historical work written by Josephus between June 79 and September 81 CE detailing the Jewish revolt against Roman rule.

Antiquities of the Jews

A comprehensive history of the Jewish people written by Josephus, published around 93-94 CE.

Hellenization

The spread of Greek culture, language, and civilization that occurred after Alexander the Great's conquests.

Pharisees

A religious group during the Second Temple period known for their strict adherence to Jewish law and beliefs in the afterlife.

Sadducees

An ancient Jewish sect that denied the existence of an afterlife and was associated with the Temple priesthood.

Essenes

A Jewish sect focused on purity and asceticism, believed to have lived in Qumran and authored the Dead Sea Scrolls.

Messiah

In Judaism, a savior or liberator figure expected to bring peace and restore Israel.

Tacitus

A Roman historian who wrote 'Annals', providing crucial historical context related to Jesus and early Christianity.

Epiphanius

An early Church Father known for his writings and interpretations of Christian doctrine and heresies.

Pseudo-Clementines

Works attributed to Clement of Rome, which are pseudonymous and provide insights into early Christian thought.

Irenaeus

An early Church Father born around 130 CE, known for his work 'Against All Heresies', which outlines early Christian orthodoxy.

Pliny the Younger

A Roman lawyer whose letters provide significant historical insights relevant to early Christianity and Jesus.

Chrestus

A term in Suetonius' writings used to refer to a figure associated with causing unrest among Jews in Rome, likely referencing Christ.

Resurrection

The Christian belief in Jesus rising from the dead, a central tenet of Christian faith as recorded in various sources.

Destruction of Jerusalem

The event in 70 CE when the Roman Empire destroyed the Second Temple, significantly impacting Jewish and Christian history.

Josephus

A Jewish historian who lived from 37 CE to around 100 CE, best known for his writings including 'The Jewish War' and 'Antiquities'.

The Jewish War

A historical work written by Josephus between June 79 and September 81 CE detailing the Jewish revolt against Roman rule.

Antiquities of the Jews

A comprehensive history of the Jewish people written by Josephus, published around 93-94 CE.

Hellenization

The spread of Greek culture, language, and civilization that occurred after Alexander the Great's conquests.

Pharisees

A religious group during the Second Temple period known for their strict adherence to Jewish law and beliefs in the afterlife.

Sadducees

An ancient Jewish sect that denied the existence of an afterlife and was associated with the Temple priesthood.

Essenes

A Jewish sect focused on purity and asceticism, believed to have lived in Qumran and authored the Dead Sea Scrolls.

Messiah

In Judaism, a savior or liberator figure expected to bring peace and restore Israel.

Tacitus

A Roman historian who wrote 'Annals', providing crucial historical context related to Jesus and early Christianity.

Epiphanius

An early Church Father known for his writings and interpretations of Christian doctrine and heresies.

Pseudo-Clementines

Works attributed to Clement of Rome, which are pseudonymous and provide insights into early Christian thought.

Irenaeus

An early Church Father born around 130 CE, known for his work 'Against All Heresies', which outlines early Christian orthodoxy.

Pliny the Younger

A Roman lawyer whose letters provide significant historical insights relevant to early Christianity and Jesus.

Chrestus

A term in Suetonius' writings used to refer to a figure associated with causing unrest among Jews in Rome, likely referencing Christ.

Resurrection

The Christian belief in Jesus rising from the dead, a central tenet of Christian faith as recorded in various sources.

Destruction of Jerusalem

The event in 70 CE when the Roman Empire destroyed the Second Temple, significantly impacting Jewish and Christian history.

Second Temple Period

The era in Jewish history from around 516 BCE to 70 CE, marked by the reconstruction and destruction of the Second Temple.

Dead Sea Scrolls

A collection of ancient Jewish manuscripts discovered in the Qumran caves, providing insights into Judaism and early Christianity.

Qumran

An archaeological site in the West Bank near the Dead Sea, widely believed to be the home of the Essenes and where the Dead Sea Scrolls were found.

Roman Empire

A vast empire that played a crucial role in biblical history, notably through its rule over Judea, the destruction of Jerusalem in 70 CE, and its interactions with early Christian communities.

Suetonius

A Roman historian and biographer who wrote 'De vita Caesarum' (The Lives of the Caesars), mentioning 'Chrestus' in relation to Jewish unrest in Rome.