Flavius Josephus was a first-century Jewish historian and military leader born in Jerusalem around 37 CE. He is best known for his works, including The Antiquities of the Jews and The Jewish War, which provide valuable insights into Jewish history and the context of the Roman Empire. Josephus was initially a commander in the Jewish revolt against Rome but later surrendered and became a Roman citizen.
His writings are significant for their detailed accounts of the Jewish people, their customs, and the events leading up to the destruction of the Second Temple in 70 CE. Josephus's perspective as both a Jew and a Roman offers a unique view of the cultural and political dynamics of his time.