εἰ δή τις … συκοφαντοίη: Impiety and the fiscus Iudaicus in Josephus, War 1.11

Abstract The article discusses the meaning of εἰ δή τις … συκοφαντοίη (“If any critic carps,” or “recklessly impugns”) in Josephus, War 1.11. The overarching problem comprises the accusation the author imagines he may face and his nuanced response to it. The way Josephus and comparable authors use σ...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Journal for the study of Judaism
Main Author: Wassell, Blake 1991- (Author)
Format: Electronic Article
Language:English
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Published: Brill 2020
In: Journal for the study of Judaism
Standardized Subjects / Keyword chains:B Josephus, Flavius 37-100 / Josephus, Flavius 37-100, De bello Judaico / Josephus, Flavius 37-100, De bello Judaico 1 / Greek language
IxTheo Classification:HD Early Judaism
Further subjects:B Flavians
B The Jewish War
B impiety (maiestas)
B συκοφαντέω
B Josephus
B fiscus Iudaicus
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Summary:Abstract The article discusses the meaning of εἰ δή τις … συκοφαντοίη (“If any critic carps,” or “recklessly impugns”) in Josephus, War 1.11. The overarching problem comprises the accusation the author imagines he may face and his nuanced response to it. The way Josephus and comparable authors use συκοφαντέω is the initial issue. The larger one is if the author might be saying something about the fiscus Iudaicus and its potential maladministration. The proposal is that Josephus denounces the stereotyping of Judean identity in terms of cultic impiety, a stereotype that allowed the funnelling of maiestas accusations through the tax treasury . Josephus’ cynicism toward the Iudaea capta discourse, not least the Flavians’ looting the temple and hijacking its tax, darkens his expression of piety in War ’s prologue with irony and vitriole.
ISSN:1570-0631
Contains:Enthalten in: Journal for the study of Judaism
Persistent identifiers:DOI: 10.1163/15700631-12511296