Category Archives: Judaism
Manuscripts of The Jewish War by Josephus
The seven-book composition by the historian Josephus describing the sacking of Jerusalem goes by different names in the Greek manuscript copies: In the Latin tradition, these books were known to Jerome as captituitas Iudaicae (Comm. in Isaiam 17), but the … Continue reading
The So-called Bust of Josephus
I recently had occasion to spend some time revisiting the works of the Jewish historian Josephus, which was a real pleasure. When working on Josephus, I occasionally come across the “bust of Josephus” that so often serves as an illustration … Continue reading
More on the mikveh at Ostia and Other Jewish Materials
In March I noted the announcement that a mikveh, a Jewish ritual bath, had reportedly been found in Ostia, the port city of ancient Rome. I had missed an article from the Times of Israel that adds some details to … Continue reading
A Newly Discovered mikveh at Ostia
At a press conference this afternoon in the archaeological park at Ostia Antica, it was announced that a mikveh, a Jewish ritual bath, has been discovered in the center of the ancient city. Ostia is well known to students of … Continue reading
A Figurine of Venus Found in an Ancient Synagogue
The ancient synagogue in Rome’s port city of Ostia was uncovered by accident in the early 1960s during the construction of a highway between Rome and the newly built international airport in Fiumicino. The discovery of a Roman-era synagogue was … Continue reading
Ancient Jewish Fish Sauce?
When I visit museums, I always keep an eye out for ancient Jewish and Christian artifacts. I recently (may have) encountered one that I had overlooked on previous visits to the British Museum. The museum holds a coarse ware jar … Continue reading
Variant Readings 