(J.W.4.491-663). The preparations for the siege and the detailed account of
the actual assault on Jerusalem constitute books 5 and 6. The capture and
destruction of the Temple dominate the narrative (J.W.6.233-442). Book 7
is a rather eclectic collection of subject matter: the return of Titus to Rome
and the subsequent triumph, which is described in detail (J.W.7.1-157), in-
terspersed with the description of several other revolts (J.W.7.75-95); the
aforementioned reference to the Temple of Peace; the capture of the re-
maining pockets of resistance (J.W.7.163-408), of which the assault on
Masada dominates (J.W.7.252-406); and a brief account of the suppression
of resistance in North Africa (J.W.7.409-53). Josephus concludes his ac-
count with a short epilogue commending the work to his readers (J.W.
7.454-55).Setting, Audience, and Purpose
The setting in which Josephus constructed the work is fundamental for
any interpretation of what he wrote. Rome had been a city of much up-
heaval in its recent past. Romans had fought one another in the actual city
in 69c.e.in the battle for control after the death of Nero, with the sym-
bolic temple of Jupiter destroyed in the process. The rebellion in Judea be-
came an extremely important propaganda tool for the new Flavian ruler,
Vespasian, to establish the credentials of his family to hold power, hence
the triumph, the commemorative arch, coinage, and public buildings
funded from the spoils. The decision of Titus and Domitian to continue to
issue coinage celebrating the victory, and Domitian’s construction of the
now existing Arch of Titus, further reinforced the ongoing significance of
the war. It is not surprising, therefore, that accounts of the conflict were in
circulation and that Josephus, as a participant, decided to write his own
version.
Josephus does not identify a target audience for his Greek version of
the work. He asserts that the account was written in order to offer an accu-
rate record of what took place (J.W.1.6-8) and, in the context of explaining
a long digression on the Roman army, that he wanted to discourage others
from taking up arms against the Romans (J.W.3.108-9). It is likely that
Josephus saw his target audience as including Jews and interested Romans.
Many Jews residing in Rome would have wanted to know more about what
took place, especially given the public celebration and display of victory
spoils from the war. At the same time, the numerous explanatory notes re-297JosephusEERDMANS -- Early Judaism (Collins and Harlow) final text
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