LIFE OF FLAVIUS JOSEPHUS

Chapter 1. Family, education and early manhood
Chapter 2. Jewish revolt against Rome begins
Chapter 3. Factions among the Galilean rebels
Chapter 4. Josephus as defender of Galilee
Chapter 5. Risks he took for the sake of justice
Chapter 6. His intentions are misunderstood
Chapter 7. Josephus forestalls his enemies
Chapter 8. His strong leadership, in Galilee
Chapter 9. Various plots to depose him
Chapter 10. He gives his opponents an amnesty
Chapter 11. Tries to spare Sepphoris and Tiberias
Chapter 12. At Sepphoris he fights the Romans
Chapter 13. Taken prisoner and brought to Rome

Chapter 1. Family, education and early manhood of Josephus
1-16

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Genealogy

¹ Ἐμοὶ δὲ γένος ἐστὶν οὐκ ἄσημον, ἀλλ᾽ ἐξ ἱερέων ἄνωθεν καταβεβηκός. Ὥσπερ δ᾽ ἡ παρ᾽ ἑκάστοις ἄλλη τίς ἐστιν εὐγενείας ὑπόθεσις, οὕτως παρ᾽ ἡμῖν ἡ τῆς ἱερωσύνης μετουσία τεκμήριόνsign, proof ἐστιν γένους λαμπρότητος.
¹ The family from which I am derived is not an ignoble one, but hath descended all along from the priests; and as nobility among several people is of a different origin, so with us to be of the sacerdotal dignity, is an indication of the splendor of a family.	¹ The family from which I come is not ignoble, but is descended from priests away back, and as rank is reckoned differently among different peoples, among us the priestly rank is what makes a family illustrious.
¹ Now then, my family is not obscure, but has come down from a long line of priests. And just as there is among all others some other basis for noble birth, so among us the participation in the priesthood is the proof of a splendid lineage.

² Ἐμοὶ δ᾽ οὐ μόνον ἐξ ἱερέων ἐστὶν τὸ γένος, ἀλλὰ καὶ ἐκ τῆς πρώτης ἐφημερίδος τῶν εἰκοσιτεσσάρων, πολλὴ δὲ κἀν τούτῳ διαφορά, καὶ τῶν ἐν ταύτῃ δὲ φυλῶν ἐκ τῆς ἀρίστηςbest, most valiant. Ὑπάρχω δὲ καὶ τοῦ βασιλικοῦ γένους ἀπὸ τῆς μητρός· οἱ γὰρ ἈσαμωναίουHasmoneus παῖδες, ὧν ἔγγονος ἐκείνη, τοῦ ἔθνους ἡμῶν ἐπὶ μήκιστον χρόνον ἠρχιεράτευσαν καὶ ἐβασίλευσαν.
² Now, I am not only sprung from a sacerdotal family in general, but from the first of the twenty-four courses; and as among us there is not only a considerable difference between one family of each course and another, I am of the chief family of that first course also; nay, further, by my mother I am of the royal blood; for the children of Asamoneus, from whom that family was derived, had both the office of the high priesthood, and the dignity of a king, for a long time together.	² Not alone am I of a priestly clan but from the first of the twenty-four priestly ranks; and as there is considerable difference between the ranks, I come from the best family of them. I am of royal blood on my mother's side as the children of Hasmoneus, from whom her family springs, for a long time held both the office of high priest and king.
² But my family is not only from priests, but also from the first of the twenty-four priestly courses—and there is a great distinction even in this—and of the tribes within that course, from the best. Moreover, I am also of the royal family on my mother's side; for the descendants of Asamoneus, whose grandchild she was, were both high-priests and kings of our nation for a very long time.

³ Ἐρῶ δὲ τὴν‎ διαδοχήν· ὁ πρόπαππος ἡμῶν ΣίμωνSimon ὁ ΨελλὸςStammerer ἐπικαλούμενος. Οὗτος ἐγένετο καθ᾽ ὃν καιρὸν ἠρχιεράτευσεν ΣίμωνοςSimon ἀρχιερέως ὁ παῖς, ὃς πρῶτος ἀρχιερέων ὙρκανὸςHyrcanus ὠνομάσθη.
³ I will accordingly set down my progenitors in order. My grandfather’s father was named Simon, with the addition of Psellus: he lived at the same time with that son of Simon the high priest, who first of all the high priests was named Hyrcanus. This Simon Psellus had nine sons,	³ Let me list my ancestors. My grandfather's father was named Simon, nicknamed “the Stammerer” and he lived at the time of the son of Simon, who was first high priest to be called Hyrcanus.
³ But I will tell the succession/lineage: our great-grandfather was Simon, the one called Psellos (or the Stammerer). This happened during the time when the son of Simon the High Priest was High Priest, who was the first of the High Priests to be named Hyrcanus.

⁴ Γίνονται δὲ τῷ ΨελλῷStammerer ΣίμωνιSimon παῖδες ἐννέα· τούτων ἐστὶν ΜατθίαςMattathias, Matthias ὁ ἨφαίουEphaeus λεγόμενος· οὗτος ἠγάγετο πρὸς γάμον θυγατέρα ἸωνάθουJonathan ἀρχιερέως τοῦ πρώτου ἐκ τῶν ἈσαμωναίουHasmoneus παίδων γένους ἀρχιερατεύσαντος τοῦ ἀδελφοῦ ΣίμωνοςSimon τἀρχιερέως, καὶ γίνεται παῖς αὐτῷ ΜατθίαςMattathias, Matthias ὁ ΚυρτὸςCurtus ἐπικληθεὶς ἄρχοντος ὙρκανοῦHyrcanus τὸν πρῶτον ἐνιαυτόν.
⁴ one of whom was Matthias, called Ephlias; he married the daughter of Jonathan the high priest; which Jonathan was the first of the sons of Asamoneus, who was high priest, and was the brother of Simon the high priest also. This Matthias had a son called Matthias Curtus, and that in the first year of the government of Hyrcanus:	⁴ This Simon “the Stammerer&rdqo; had nine sons, one of whom was Matthias (known as Ephaeus) who married the daughter of the high priest Jonathan, the first of the sons of Hasmoneus to be high priest; and Simon's brother also became high priest. He had a son called Matthias Curtus, in the first year of the reign of Hyrcanus.
⁴ Now nine children/sons were born to Simon Psellos (the Stammerer); among these is Matthias, the one called (son of) Hephaios. This man (Matthias son of Hephaios) took as his wife the daughter of Jonathan the High Priest, the first from the lineage of the sons of Asamoneus (Hasmoneus) to hold the high priesthood, the brother of Simon the High Priest, and a son was born to him, Matthias, who was nicknamed 'the Bent/Crooked' (Kyrtos), in the first year of Hyrcanus' rule.

⁵ Τούτου γίνεται ἸώσηποςJoseph, Josephus ἐνάτῳ ἔτει τῆς ἈλεξάνδραςAlexandra ἀρχῆς, καὶ ἸωσήπουJoseph ΜατθίαςMattathias, Matthias βασιλεύοντος ἈρχελάουArchelaus τὸ δέκατον, ΜατθίαMatthias δὲ ἐγὼ τῷ πρώτῳ τῆς ΓαΐουCaius, Gaius ΚαίσαροςCaesar ἡγεμονίας. Ἐμοὶ δὲ παῖδές εἰσιν τρεῖς, ὙρκανὸςHyrcanus μὲν ὁ πρεσβύτατος ἔτει τετάρτῳ τῆς ΟὐεσπασιανοῦVespasianus ΚαίσαροςCaesar ἡγεμονίας, ἑβδόμῳ δὲ ἸοῦστοςJustus, ἐνάτῳ δὲ ἈγρίππαςAgrippa.
⁵ his son’s name was Joseph, born in the ninth year of the reign of Alexandra: his son Matthias was born in the tenth year of the reign of Archelaus; as was I born to Matthias in the first year of the reign of Caius Caesar. I have three sons: Hyrcanus, the eldest, was born in the fourth year of the reign of Vespasian, as was Justus born in the seventh, and Agrippa in the ninth.	⁵ His son's name was Joseph, born in the ninth year of the reign of Alexandra. His son Matthias was born in the tenth year of the reign of Archelaus, and to this Matthias I was born in the first regnal year of Gaius Caesar. I have three sons: Hyrcanus, the eldest, born in the fourth, Justus born in the seventh and Agrippa in the ninth year of the reign of Vespasian.
⁵ To this man (Matthias the Bent) was born Joseph in the ninth year of Alexandra's rule, and to Joseph was born Matthias in the tenth year of Archelaus' reign, and to Matthias I (Josephus) was born in the first year of Gaius Caesar's rule (37 AD). And to me, there are three sons: Hyrcanus, indeed, the eldest, in the fourth year of Vespasian Caesar's rule; and Justus in the seventh; and Agrippas in the ninth.

⁶ τὴν‎ μὲν τοῦ γένους ἡμῶν διαδοχήν, ὡς ἐν ταῖς δημοσίαις δέλτοις ἀναγεγραμμένηνto engrave and display εὗρον, οὕτως παρατίθεμαι τοῖς διαβάλλειν ἡμᾶς πειρωμένοις χαίρειν φράσας.
⁶ Thus have I set down the genealogy of my family as I have found it described in the public records, and so bid adieu to those who calumniate me [as of a lower original].	⁶ So have I set down the genealogy of our family as I have found it described in the public records, to put an end to any would-be detractors.
⁶ Now, the succession of our lineage, just as I found it recorded in the public records, I thus present to those who try to slander us, having told them goodbye.

Education and Upbringing

⁷ Ὁ πατὴρ δέ μου ΜατθίαςMattathias, Matthias οὐ διὰ μόνην τὴν‎ εὐγένειαν ἐπίσημος ἦν, ἀλλὰ πλέον διὰ τὴν‎ δικαιοσύνην ἐπῃνεῖτο, γνωριμώτατος ὢν ἐν τῇ μεγίστῃ πόλει τῶν παρ᾽ ἡμῖν τοῖς Ἱεροσολυμίταις(people of ) Jerusalem.
⁷ Now, my father Matthias was not only eminent on account of his nobility, but had a higher commendation on account of his righteousness; and was in great reputation in Jerusalem, the greatest city we have	⁷ Distinguished by his noble lineage, my father Matthias was further esteemed for his righteousness and was a person of note in Jerusalem, our greatest city.
⁷ Now my father Matthias was not famous for his noble birth alone, but was praised more for his righteousness, being most well-known in the greatest city among us, the people of Jerusalem.

⁸ Ἐγὼ δὲ συμπαιδευόμενος ἀδελφῷ ΜατθίᾳMatthias τοὔνομα, γεγόνει γάρ μοι γνήσιος ἐξ ἀμφοῖν τῶν γονέων, εἰς μεγάλην παιδείας προύκοπτον ἐπίδοσιν μνήμῃ τε καὶ συνέσει δοκῶν διαφέρειν,
⁸ I was myself brought up with my brother, whose name was Matthias, for he was my own brother, by both father and mother; and I made mighty proficiency in the improvements of my learning, and appeared to have both a great memory and understanding.	⁸ I was reared with Matthias, my legitimate brother by both parents and made great progress in my education, seeming to have an outstanding memory and intelligence.
⁸ And I, being educated together with my brother Matthias by name (for he was my full brother from both parents), advanced to a great pitch of education, appearing to excel in both memory and understanding.

⁹ ἔτι δ᾽ ἀντίπαις ὢν περὶ τεσσαρεσκαιδέκατον ἔτος διὰ τὸ φιλογράμματον ὑπὸ πάντων ἐπῃνούμην συνιόντων ἀεὶ τῶν ἀρχιερέων καὶ τῶν τῆς πόλεως πρώτων ὑπὲρ τοῦ παρ᾽ ἐμοῦ περὶ τῶν νομίμων ἀκριβέστερόν τι γνῶναι.
⁹ Moreover, when I was a child, and about fourteen years of age, I was commended by all for the love I had to learning; on which account the high priests and principal men of the city came then frequently to me together, in order to know my opinion about the accurate understanding of points of the law;	⁹ While still a young lad of fourteen years, I was commended by all for my love of letters, and the high priests and leading men of the city often asked for my opinion about particular points of the law.
⁹ Moreover, while I was still a youth, around the age of fourteen (51 AD), on account of my love of learning, I was praised by everyone, as the High Priests and the chief men of the city always gathered to learn something more accurate concerning the laws from me.

¹⁰ περὶ δὲ ἑκκαίδεκα ἔτη γενόμενος ἐβουλήθην τῶν παρ᾽ ἡμῖν αἱρέσεων ἐμπειρίαν λαβεῖν· τρεῖς δ᾽ εἰσὶν αὗται, ΦαρισαίωνPharisees μὲν ἡ πρώτη, καὶ ΣαδδουκαίωνSadducees ἡ δευτέρα, τρίτη δ᾽ ἘσσηνῶνEssenes, καθὼς πολλάκις εἴπομεν· οὕτως γὰρ ᾤμην αἱρήσεσθαι τὴν‎ ἀρίστηνbest, εἰ πάσας καταμάθοιμι.
¹⁰ and when I was about sixteen years old, I had a mind to make trial of the several sects that were among us. These sects are three:—The first is that of the Pharisees, the second that of the Sadducees, and the third that of the Essenes, as we have frequently told you; for I thought that by this means I might choose the best, if I were once acquainted with them all;	¹⁰ When I was about sixteen years old, I wished to gain experience of the several sects that were among us. These are three, of which the first is that of the Pharisees, the second that of the Sadducees and the third that of the Essenes, as we have mentioned several times. My idea was that only if I were acquainted with them all could I choose the best.
¹⁰ And when I was about sixteen years old (53 AD), I resolved to gain experience of the philosophical schools (sects) among us. There are three of these: the first is that of the Pharisees, the second that of the Sadducees, and the third that of the Essenes, as we have often said. For I thought that in this way I would choose the best, if I were to thoroughly examine all of them.

¹¹ Σκληραγωγήσας οὖν ἐμαυτὸν καὶ πολλὰ πονηθεὶς τὰς τρεῖς διῆλθον, καὶ μηδὲ τὴν‎ ἐντεῦθεν ἐμπειρίαν ἱκανὴν ἐμαυτῷ νομίσας εἶναι πυθόμενόςto ask, inquire τινα ΒάννουνBanus, Bannus ὄνομα κατὰ τὴν‎ ἐρημίαν διατρίβειν, ἐσθῆτι μὲν ἀπὸ δένδρων χρώμενον, τροφὴν δὲ τὴν‎ αὐτομάτως φυομένην προσφερόμενον, ψυχρῷ δὲ ὕδατι τὴν‎ ἡμέραν καὶ τὴν‎ νύκτα πολλάκις λουόμενον πρὸς ἁγνείαν, ζηλωτὴς ἐγενόμην αὐτοῦ‎.
¹¹ so I contented myself with hard fare, and underwent great difficulties and went through them all. Nor did I content myself with these trials only; but when I was informed that one, whose name was Banus, lived in the desert, and used no other clothing than grew upon trees, and had no other food than what grew of its own accord, and bathed himself in cold water frequently, both by night and by day, in order to preserve his chastity, I imitated him in those things,	¹¹ So I went through hard training and difficult exercises in all three. Not content with such experience, when I heard of a man named Banus who lived in the desert and used as clothing only what grew on trees and ate no other food than what grew of its own accord, and bathed often in cold water, night and day, for chastity's sake, I imitated him in those things and stayed three years with him.
¹¹ Therefore, having hardened myself and endured much hardship, I went through the three (sects), and considering that even the experience gained from them was not sufficient for me, when I learned of a certain man named Bannus living in the wilderness, using clothing made from trees, eating food that grew naturally, and bathing in cold water many times day and night for purity, I became his devoted follower.

¹² Καὶ διατρίψας παρ᾽ αὐτῷ ἐνιαυτοὺς τρεῖς καὶ τὴν‎ ἐπιθυμίαν τελειώσας εἰς τὴν‎ πόλιν ὑπέστρεφον. Ἐννεακαιδέκατον δ᾽ ἔτος ἔχων ἠρξάμην τε πολιτεύεσθαι τῇ ΦαρισαίωνPharisees αἱρέσει κατακολουθῶν, ἣ παραπλήσιός ἐστι τῇ παρ᾽ ἝλλησινGreek ΣτωϊκῇStoics λεγομένῃ.
¹² and continued with him three years. So when I had accomplished my desires, I returned back to the city, being now nineteen years old, and began to conduct myself according to the rules of the sect of the Pharisees, which is of kin to the sect of the Stoics, as the Greeks call them.	¹² When I had achieved my purpose, at the age of nineteen I returned to the city and began to live according to the rules of the Pharisees, a sect like what the Greeks call the Stoics
¹² And having spent three years with him and having completed my desire, I returned to the city. And being nineteen years old, I both began to engage in public life (politics) and to follow the sect of the Pharisees, which is very similar to what is called the Stoic school among the Greeks.

A Voyage to Rome

¹³ Μετ᾽ εἰκοστὸν δὲ καὶ ἕκτον ἐνιαυτὸν εἰς ῬώμηνRome μοι συνέπεσεν ἀναβῆναι διὰ τὴν‎ λεχθησομένην αἰτίαν· καθ᾽ ὃν χρόνον ΦῆλιξFelix τῆς ἸουδαίαςJudea ἐπετρόπευενadministrator ἱερεῖς τινας συνήθεις ἐμοὶ καλοὺς κἀγαθοὺς διὰ μικρὰν καὶ τὴν‎ τυχοῦσαν αἰτίαν δήσας εἰς τὴν‎ ῬώμηνRome ἔπεμψε λόγον ὑφέξοντας τῷ ΚαίσαριCaesar.
¹³ But when I was in the twenty-sixth year of my age, it happened that I took a voyage to Rome; and this on the occasion which I shall now describe. At the time when Felix was procurator of Judea, there were certain priests of my acquaintance, and very excellent persons they were, whom on a small and trifling occasion he had put into bonds, and sent to Rome to plead their cause before Caesar.	¹³ Then when I was in my twenty-sixth year I made a voyage to Rome, for reasons I shall presently describe. When Felix was procurator of Judea, on a small and trifling charge he chained up some excellent priests known to me, and sent them to Rome to plead their case before Caesar.
¹³ When I was twenty-six (63 AD), I happened to take a trip to Rome for the reason that I am about to mention: While Felix was governor of Judea, he arrested some priests who were friends of mine—excellent and honorable men—for a slight and ordinary reason, and sent them to Rome to give an explanation to Caesar.

¹⁴ Οἷς ἐγὼ πόρον εὑρέσθαι βουλόμενος σωτηρίας, μάλιστα δὲ πυθόμενος ὅτι καίπερ ἐν κακοῖς ὄντες οὐκ ἐπελάθοντο τῆς εἰς τὸ θεῖον εὐσεβείας, διατρέφοιντο δὲ σύκοιςfig καὶ καρύοις, ἀφικόμην εἰς τὴν‎ ῬώμηνRome πολλὰ κινδυνεύσας κατὰ θάλασσαν.
¹⁴ These I was desirous to procure deliverance for; and that especially because I was informed that they were not unmindful of piety towards God, even under their afflictions; but supported themselves with figs and nuts. Accordingly I came to Rome, though it were through a great number of hazards, by sea;	¹⁴ Wanting to save these men, especially as I was told that even in their plight they did not abandon piety toward God but ate only figs and nuts, I went to Rome, though the voyage proved a very dangerous one.
¹⁴ Since I wanted to find a way to save them, especially since I learned that despite their suffering they had not neglected their reverence for God, but were sustaining themselves on figs and nuts, I came to Rome, after facing many perils at sea.

¹⁵ Βαπτισθέντος γὰρ ἡμῶν τοῦ πλοίου κατὰ μέσον τὸν ἈδρίανAdriatic Sea περὶ ἑξακοσίους τὸν ἀριθμὸν ὄντες δι᾽ ὅλης τῆς νυκτὸς ἐνηξάμεθα, καὶ περὶ ἀρχομένηνto rule, reign ἡμέραν ἐπιφανέντος ἡμῖν κατὰ θεοῦ πρόνοιαν ΚυρηναϊκοῦCyrene πλοίου φθάσαντες τοὺς ἄλλους ἐγώ τε καί τινες ἕτεροι περὶ ὀγδοήκοντα σύμπαντες ἀνελήφθημεν εἰς τὸ πλοῖον.
¹⁵ for, as our ship was drowned in the Adriatic Sea, we that were in it, being about six hundred in number, swam for our lives all the night; when, upon the first appearance of the day, and upon our sight of a ship of Cyrene, I and some others, eighty in all, by God’s providence, prevented the rest, and were taken up into the other ship:	¹⁵ For our ship sank in the Adriatic Sea, and we the passengers, about six hundred of us, had to swim for our lives all night. Then at first light we saw a ship from Cyrene. By the providence of God, I and some eighty others got there ahead of the rest and were taken into the ship.
¹⁵ For our ship sank in the middle of the Adriatic. There were about six hundred of us and we kept swimming all through the night. Then, as day was breaking, a ship from Cyrene appeared to us by the providence of God. I and some eighty others in total got on board the ship ahead of the rest.

¹⁶ Διασωθεὶς δ᾽ εἰς τὴν‎ ΔικαιάρχειανDicaearchia, ἣν ΠοτιόλουςPuteoli ἸταλοὶItalian καλοῦσιν, διὰ φιλίας ἀφικόμην ἉλιτύρῳAliturus, μιμολόγος δ᾽ ἦν οὗτος μάλιστα τῷ ΝέρωνιNero καταθύμιος ἸουδαῖοςJew τὸ γένος, καὶ δι᾽ αὐτοῦ‎ ΠοππαίᾳPoppea τῇ τοῦ ΚαίσαροςCaesar γυναικὶ γνωσθεὶς προνοῶ ὡς τάχιστα παρακαλέσας αὐτὴν τοὺς ἱερεῖς λυθῆναι. Μεγάλων δὲ δωρεῶν πρὸς τῇ εὐεργεσίᾳ ταύτῃ τυχὼν παρὰ τῆς ΠοππαίαςPoppea ὑπέστρεφον ἐπὶ τὴν‎ οἰκείαν.
¹⁶ and when I had thus escaped, and was come to Dicearchia, which the Italians call Puteoli, I became acquainted with Aliturius, an actor of plays, and much beloved by Nero, but a Jew by birth; and through his interest became known to Poppea, Caesar’s wife; and took care, as soon as possible, to entreat her to procure that the priests might be set at liberty; and when, besides this favor, I had obtained many presents from Poppea, I returned home again.	¹⁶ When I had so escaped and had arrived at Dicaearchia, which the Italians call Puteoli, I got to know Aliturus, an actor much beloved by Nero and by birth a Jew. Through him I was introduced to Caesar's wife Poppea, and made it my business as soon as possible to ask her to intercede for the priests to be set free. After receiving this favour and many gifts from Poppea, I returned home.
¹⁶ And having been saved, I arrived at Dicaearchia, which the Italians call Puteoli. Through friendship, I came to Halityrus, who was a mime actor most pleasing to Nero, and a Jew by race. Through him, having become known to Poppaea, Caesar's wife, I quickly managed, by begging her, to have the priests released. Having received many gifts from Poppaea, in addition to this kind favour, I returned home.

Chapter 2 Beginnings of the Jewish revolt against Rome
17-42

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War Fever

¹⁷ Καταλαμβάνω δ᾽ ἤδη νεωτερισμῶν ἀρχὰς καὶ πολλοὺς ἐπὶ τῇ ῬωμαίωνRoman, Latin ἀποστάσει μέγα φρονοῦντας. Καταστέλλειν οὖν ἐπειρώμηνto attempt τοὺς στασιώδεις καὶ μετανοεῖν ἔπειθον ποιησαμένους πρὸ ὀφθαλμῶν πρὸς οὓς πολεμήσουσιν, ὅτι ῬωμαίωνRoman, Latin οὐ κατ᾽ ἐμπειρίαν μόνον πολεμικήνmilitary, ἀλλὰ καὶ κατ᾽ εὐτυχίαν ἐλαττοῦνται·
¹⁷ And now I perceived innovations were already begun, and that there were a great many very much elevated, in hopes of a revolt from the Romans. I therefore endeavored to put a stop to these tumultuous persons, and persuaded them to change their minds; and laid before their eyes against whom it was that they were going to fight, and told them that they were inferior to the Romans not only in martial skill, but also in good fortune;	¹⁷ There I noticed the beginnings of revolt and how many were eager for revolt from the Romans. I tried to get these agitators to change their minds, pointing out who it was that they wished to fight and that they fell short of the Romans not only in martial skill, but also in good fortune.
¹⁷ But I already saw the beginnings of revolution, and many were greatly boasting about the revolt from the Romans. Therefore I attempted to restrain the disgruntled and to persuade them to change their minds. I pointed out that they needed to realize whom they are fighting against. They are weaker than the Romans who are not warlike merely by experience, but also by good fortune.

¹⁸ καὶ μὴ προπετῶς καὶ παντάπασιν ἀνοήτως πατρίσι καὶ γενεαῖς καὶ σφίσιν αὐτοῖς τὸν περὶ τῶν ἐσχάτων κακῶν κίνδυνον ἐπάγειν.
¹⁸ and desired them not rashly, and after the most foolish manner, to bring on the dangers of the most terrible mischiefs upon their country, upon their families, and upon themselves.	¹⁸ I urged them not to rashly and foolishly bring the most terrible misfortune upon their country, their families and themselves.
¹⁸ and not recklessly and utterly foolishly bring upon their fatherland, their posterity, and themselves the danger of the ultimate evils.

¹⁹ Ταῦτα δ᾽ ἔλεγον καὶ λιπαρῶς ἐνεκείμην ἀποτρέπων, δυστυχέστατον ἡμῖν τοῦ πολέμου τὸ τέλος γενήσεσθαι προορώμενος. Οὐ μὴν ἔπεισαto persuade· πολὺ γὰρ ἡ τῶν ἀπονοηθέντων ἐπεκράτησεν μανία.
¹⁹ And this I said with vehement exhortation, because I foresaw that the end of such a war would be most unfortunate to us. But I could not persuade them; for the madness of desperate men was quite too hard for me.	¹⁹ This I said earnestly and often, foreseeing that such a war would be dreadful for us in the end. But I failed, for the madness of these desperate men was much too strong for me.
¹⁹ This I said, and earnestly persisted in dissuading them, foreseeing that the end of the war would be utterly disastrous for us. However, I did not prevail; for the madness of those who were utterly desperate greatly overpowered me (i.e., my efforts).

²⁰ Δείσας οὖν, μὴ ταῦτα συνεχῶς λέγων διὰ μίσους ἀφικοίμην καὶ ὑποψίαςsuspicion, jealousy ὡς τὰ τῶν πολεμίων φρονῶν καὶ κινδυνεύσω ληφθεὶς ὑπ᾽ αὐτῶν ἀναιρεθῆναι, ἐχομένηςto have, hold ἤδη τῆς ἈντωνίαςAntonia, ὅπερ ἦν φρούριον, εἰς τὸ ἐνδοτέρωinner ἱερὸν ὑπεχώρησα.
²⁰ I was then afraid, lest, by inculcating these things so often, I should incur their hatred and their suspicions, as if I were of our enemies’ party, and should run into the danger of being seized by them and slain, since they were already possessed of Antonia, which was the citadel; so I retired into the inner court of the temple;	²⁰ I was afraid that by often saying such things I would be hated and suspected of being on our enemies' side and risk being taken and killed by them, as they already held the Antonia citadel; so I retreated to inside the temple.
²⁰ Fearing, therefore, that by continually speaking this way I might incur their hatred and suspicion as one who favored the cause of the enemy, and be taken by them and put to death—for the Antonia fortress was now being seized—I withdrew into the inner sanctuary of the temple.

²¹ μετὰ δὲ τὴν‎ ἀναίρεσιν ΜαναήμουManahem καὶ τῶν πρώτων τοῦ λῃστρικοῦ στίφους ὑπεξελθὼν τοῦ ἱεροῦ πάλιν τοῖς ἀρχιερεῦσιν καὶ τοῖς πρώτοις τῶν ΦαρισαίωνPharisees συνδιέτριβον.
²¹ yet did I go out of the temple again, after Manahem and the principal of the band of robbers were put to death, when I abode among the high priests and the chief of the Pharisees;	²¹ After Manahem and the leaders of the gang of brigands were put to death, I came out of the temple and then I lived among the high priests and the chief of the Pharisees.
²¹ After the slaying of Menahem and the leading men of the robber band, I left the Temple and began once again to associate with the chief priests and the leading men among the Pharisees.

²² Φόβος δ᾽ οὔτι μέτριος εἶχεν ἡμᾶς ὁρῶντας τὸν μὲν δῆμον ἐν τοῖς ὅπλοις, αὐτοὶ δ᾽ ὄντες ἐν ἀπόρῳ, τί ποιήσομεν, καὶ τοὺς νεωτεριστὰς παύειν οὐ δυνάμενοι, προδήλου δ᾽ ἡμῖν τοῦ κινδύνου παρεστῶτος, συγκατανεύειν μὲν αὐτῶν ταῖς γνώμαις ἐλέγομεν, συνεβουλεύομεν δὲ μένειν ἐφ᾽ αὑτῶν, καὶ τοὺς πολεμίους ἐπελθόντας ἐᾶν, ἵνα τοῦ δικαίως ἀνταίρειν ὅπλα πίστιν εὕρωνται.
²² but no small fear seized upon us when we saw the people in arms, while we ourselves knew not what we should do, and were not able to restrain the seditious. However, as the danger was directly upon us, we pretended that we were of the same opinion with them; but only advised them to be quiet for the present, and to let the enemy go away,	²² We were very afraid when we saw the people in arms, unsure of what to do and unable to restrain the rebellious. But as the danger was very obvious, we pretended to be of the same mind as they, advising them to keep the peace until the enemy came, and to take arms only in self-defence.
²² No moderate fear held us, seeing that the populace was under arms, while we ourselves were at a loss as to what we should do, and being unable to stop the revolutionaries. Since the danger was clearly imminent for us, we said that we agreed with their plans, but we advised them to remain in place and let the enemy approach, so that they might find a plausible excuse for justly taking up arms.

²³ Ταῦτα δ᾽ ἐπράττομεν ἐλπίζοντες οὐκ εἰς μακρὰν ΚέστιονCestius μετὰ μεγάλης δυνάμεως ἀναβάντα παύσειν τὸν νεωτερισμόν.
²³ still hoping that Gessius [Florus] would not be long ere he came, and that with great forces, and so put an end to these seditious proceedings.	²³ We did this, hoping that it would not be long before Cestius came with a large force to put an end to this revolt.
²³ But we did these things hoping that Gessius [Florus], having marched up with a large (Roman) force, would not long delay in putting an end to the revolution.

The Sufferings of the Jews

²⁴ Ὁ δ᾽ ἐπελθὼν καὶ συμβαλὼν μάχῃ ἐνικήθη πολλῶν τῶν μετ᾽ αὐτοῦ‎ πεσόντων. Καὶ γίνεται τὸ ΚεστίουCestius πταῖσμα συμφορὰ τοῦ σύμπαντος ἡμῶν ἔθνους· ἐπήρθησαν γὰρ ἐπὶ τούτῳ μᾶλλον οἱ τὸν πόλεμον ἀγαπήσαντες καὶ νικήσαντες τοὺς ῬωμαίουςRomans εἰς τέλος ἤλπισαν προσγενομένηςto attach oneself to καὶ ἑτέρας τινὸς τοιαύτης αἰτίας·
²⁴ But, upon his coming and fighting, he was beaten, and a great many of those that were with him fell; and this disgrace which Gessius [with Cestius] received, became the calamity of our whole nation; for those that were fond of the war were so far elevated with this success, that they had hopes of finally conquering the Romans. Of which war another occasion was ministered; which was this:—	²⁴ But when he came and fought, he was defeated and many of his men died. The debacle of Cestius proved the disaster of our whole nation, for those who had a love of warfare were so exalted by this success that they were hopeful of finally conquering the Romans. Another cause of the war was this:
²⁴ But he (Cestius Gallus, the Roman governor of Syria), having advanced and engaged in battle, was defeated, many of those with him having fallen. And the disaster of Cestius became a misfortune for our whole nation; for by this, those who loved the war were still more encouraged, and having conquered the Romans, they hoped for final victory if some other such event should occur.

²⁵ οἱ τὰς περὶ τῆς ΣυρίαςSyria πόλεις κατοικοῦντες τοὺς παρ᾽ ἑαυτοῖς ἸουδαίουςJews συλλαμβάνοντες σὺν γυναιξὶ καὶ τέκνοις ἀνῄρουν οὐδεμίαν αὐτοῖς αἰτίαν ἐπικαλεῖν ἔχοντες· οὔτε γὰρ ἐπὶ ῬωμαίωνRoman, Latin ἀποστάσει νεώτερόν τι πεφρονήκεσαν οὔτε πρὸς αὐτοὺς ἐκείνους ἐχθρὸν ἢ ἐπίβουλον.
²⁵ Those that dwelt in the neighboring cities of Syria seized upon such Jews as dwelt among them, with their wives and children, and slew them, when they had not the least occasion of complaint against them; for they did neither attempt any innovation or revolt from the Romans, nor had they given any marks of hatred or treacherous designs towards the Syrians:	²⁵ Those who lived in the nearby cities of Syria seized and killed the Jews living among them, with their wives and children, without the least grievance against them; for they neither attempted any revolt from the Romans, nor gave them any signs of hatred or treachery.
²⁵ The inhabitants of the cities around Syria seized the Jews among them, along with their wives and children, and killed them, although they had no accusation to bring against them; for they had neither entertained any revolutionary idea regarding a revolt against the Romans, nor any hostility or treachery toward those very people.

²⁶ ΣκυθοπολῖταιScythopolis δὲ πάντων ἀσεβέστατα καὶ παρανομώτατα διεπράξαντο· ἐπελθόντων γὰρ αὐτοῖς ἸουδαίωνJews ἔξωθεν πολεμίων τοὺς παρ᾽ αὐτοῖς ἸουδαίουςJews ἐβιάσαντο κατὰ τῶν ὁμοφύλωνof the same race ὅπλα λαβεῖν, ὅπερ ἐστὶν ἡμῖν ἀθέμιτον, καὶ μετ᾽ ἐκείνων συμβαλόντες ἐκράτησαν τῶν ἐπελθόντων· ἐπειδὴ δ᾽ ἐνίκησαν, ἐκλαθόμενοιto escape notice τῆς πρὸς τοὺς ἐνοίκους καὶ συμμάχους πίστεως πάντας αὐτοὺς διεχρήσαντο πολλὰς μυριάδας ὄντας.
²⁶ but what was done by the inhabitants of Scythopolis was the most impious and most highly criminal of all; for when the Jews, their enemies, came upon them from without, they forced the Jews that were among them to bear arms against their own countrymen, which it is unlawful for us to do; and when, by their assistance, they had joined battle with those who attacked them, and had beaten them, after that victory they forgot the assurances they had given these their fellow citizens and confederates, and slew them all; being in number many ten thousands [13,000].	²⁶ But the people of Scythopolis did the most heinous crime of all; for when attacked from outside by their Jewish enemies, they forced the Jews in their midst to turn their weapons on their own people, which it is unlawful for us to do; and when, with their help, they had fought and defeated their attackers, after the victory they forgot their assurances to these fellow citizens and allies and killed them all, many thousands of them.
²⁶ The people of Scythopolis acted in the most impious and lawless way of all: for when external Jewish enemies marched against them, they compelled the Jews among them to take up arms against their own people, which is unlawful for us, and joining battle with them, they overcame the invaders; but after they had won, forgetting the loyalty they owed to their own inhabitants and allies, they massacred them all, though they were many tens of thousands.

²⁷ Ὅμοια δ᾽ ἔπαθον καὶ οἱ ΔαμασκὸνDamascus ἸουδαῖοιJews κατοικοῦντες. Ἀλλὰ περὶ μὲν τούτων ἀκριβέστερον ἐν ταῖς περὶ τοῦ ἸουδαϊκοῦJewish πολέμου βίβλοις δεδηλώκαμεν· νῦν δ᾽ αὐτῶν ἐπεμνήσθην βουλόμενος παραστῆσαι τοῖς ἀναγινώσκουσιν, ὅτι οὐ προαίρεσις ἐγένετο τοῦ πολέμου πρὸς ῬωμαίουςRomans ἸουδαίοιςJews, ἀλλὰ τὸ πλέον ἀνάγκη.
²⁷ The like miseries were undergone by those Jews that were the inhabitants of Damascus; but we have given a more accurate account of these things in the books of the Jewish war. I only mention them now, because I would demonstrate to my readers that the Jews’ war with the Romans was not voluntary, but that, for the main, they were forced by necessity to enter into it.	²⁷ The Jews who lived in Damascus met a similar fate. But we have given a more detailed account of these things in the books on the Jewish War. I only mention them now to show my readers that the war of the Jews with the Romans did not arise so much from voluntary choice as from necessity.
²⁷ The Jews inhabiting Damascus suffered similar things. But concerning these matters, we have shown a more exact account in the books concerning the Jewish War. But I have now mentioned them because I wish to demonstrate to my readers that the war with the Romans was not a matter of choice for the Jews, but rather, mostly one of necessity.

Mission to Galilee

²⁸ Νικηθέντος οὖν, ὡς ἔφαμεν, τοῦ ΚεστίουCestius, τῶν ἹεροσολυμιτῶνJerusalem οἱ πρῶτοι θεασάμενοι τοὺς μὲν λῃστὰς ἅμα τοῖς νεωτερισταῖς εὐπορουμένους ὅπλων, δείσαντες δ᾽ αὐτοὶ μὴ ἄνοπλοι καθεστηκότες ὑποχείριοι γένωνται τοῖς ἐχθροῖς, ὃ καὶ μετὰ ταῦτα συνέβη, καὶ πυθόμενοιto ask, inquire τὴν‎ ΓαλιλαίανGalilee οὔπω πᾶσαν ῬωμαίωνRoman, Latin ἀφεστάναι, μέρος δ᾽ αὐτῆς ἠρεμεῖν ἔτι,
²⁸ So when Gessius had been beaten, as we have said already, the principal men of Jerusalem, seeing that the robbers and innovators had arms in great plenty, and fearing lest they, while they were unprovided with arms, should be in subjection to their enemies, which also came to be the case afterward,—and, being informed that all Galilee had not yet revolted from the Romans, but that some part of it was still quiet,	²⁸ When Cestius had been defeated, as already said, since the brigands and rebels had plenty of weapons the notables of Jerusalem feared that they, being unarmed, would be at the mercy of their enemies, as was later the case. And seeing that not all of Galilee had rebelled from the Romans, but that some of it was still at peace,
²⁸ When Cestius, therefore, was defeated, as we said, the leading men of the people of Jerusalem, seeing that the bandits, along with the revolutionaries, were acquiring abundant arms, and fearing themselves that, having been left unarmed, they would fall under the control of the enemies (which did indeed happen afterward), and learning that not all of Galilee had yet revolted from the Romans, but that a part of it was still quiet,

²⁹ πέμπουσιν ἐμὲ καὶ δύο ἄλλους τῶν ἱερέων καλοὺς κἀγαθοὺς ἄνδρας, ἸώζαρονJoazar καὶ ἸούδανJudas, πείσοντας τοὺς πονηροὺς καταθέσθαι τὰ ὅπλα καὶ διδάξοντας, ὡς ἔστιν ἄμεινον τοῖς κρατίστοις τοῦ ἔθνους αὐτὰ τηρεῖσθαι. Ἔγνωστο δὲ τούτοις ἀεὶ μὲν ἔχειν τὰ ὅπλα πρὸς τὸ μέλλον ἕτοιμα, περιμένειν δέ, τί πράξουσιν ῬωμαῖοιRomans, μαθεῖν.
²⁹ they sent me and two others of the priests, who were men of excellent characters, Joazar and Judas, in order to persuade the ill men there to lay down their arms, and to teach them this lesson,—That it were better to have those arms reserved for the most courageous men that the nation had [than to be kept there]; for that it had been resolved, That those our best men should always have their arms ready against futurity; but still so, that they should wait to see what the Romans would do.	²⁹ they sent me and two others of the priests, Joazar and Judas—good and virtuous men, to persuade the hotheads there to disarm, for it would be better to reserve those weapons for the bravest of the nation, as they felt that these should always have weapons ready for future needs, while waiting to see what the Romans would do.
²⁹ they sent me and two other men, good and noble priests, Joazar and Judas, to persuade the wicked men to lay down their arms and to instruct them that it is better for the arms to be kept by the most powerful men of the nation. It was decided by them always to keep their arms ready for the future, but to wait and see what the Romans would do.

The Galilean Plot Against Sepphoris

³⁰ Λαβὼν οὖν ἐγὼ τὰς ὑποθήκαςprecept ταύτας ἀφικόμην εἰς τὴν‎ ΓαλιλαίανGalilee. Καὶ ΣεπφωρίταςSepphoris μὲν οὐκ ἐν ὀλίγῳ περὶ τῆς πατρίδος ἀγῶνι καθεστῶτας εὗρον, διαρπάσαι κεκρικότων αὐτὴν τῶν ΓαλιλαίωνGalilee διὰ τὴν‎ πρὸς ῬωμαίουςRomans ἐκείνων φιλίαν καὶ ὅτι ΚεστίῳCestius ΓάλλῳGallus τῷ τῆς ΣυρίαςSyria ἡγεμονεύοντι δεξιάν τε καὶ πίστιν προτείνειαν.
³⁰ When I had therefore received these instructions, I came into Galilee, and found the people of Sepphoris in no small agony about their country, by reason that the Galileans had resolved to plunder it, on account of the friendship they had with the Romans; and because they had given their right hand and made a league with Cestius Gallus, the president of Syria:	³⁰ On receiving these instructions, I came to Galilee and found the people of Sepphoris in anguish about their area, as the Galileans had resolved to plunder it in retaliation for their friendship with the Romans and because they had made a firm pact with Cestius Gallus, the governor of Syria.
³⁰ So, taking these instructions, I came to Galilee. And I found the people of Sepphoris in no small struggle concerning their native city, since the Galileans had resolved to plunder it on account of their (the Sepphorites') friendship toward the Romans, and because they (the Sepphorites) had offered a pledge and fidelity to Cestius Gallus, who was governing Syria.

³¹ Ἀλλὰ τούτους μὲν ἐγὼ πάντας ἀπήλλαξα τοῦ φόβου πείσας ὑπὲρ αὐτῶν τὰ πλήθη καὶ ἐπιτρέψας ὅσα καὶ θέλουσι διαπέμπεσθαι διὰ τοὺς ἐν ΔώροιςDōra οἰκείους ὁμηρεύοντας ΚεστίῳCestius. Τὰ δὲ Δῶρα πόλις ἐστὶν τῆς ΦοινίκηςPhoenicia. Τοὺς ἐν ΤιβεριάδιTiberians δὲ κατοικοῦντας εὗρον ἐφ᾽ ὅπλα κεχωρηκότας ἤδη δι᾽ αἰτίαν τοιαύτην·
³¹ but I delivered them all out of the fear they were in, and persuaded the multitude to deal kindly with them, and permitted them to send to those that were their own hostages with Gessius to Dora, which is a city of Phoenicia, as often as they pleased; though I still found the inhabitants of Tiberias ready to take arms, and that on the occasion following:	³¹ But I allayed their fears and persuaded the people to deal kindly with them and let them send messages to their friends as often as they pleased, who were hostages with Cestius at Dora, a city of Phoenicia. But I found the Tiberians were already up in arms, for the following reason.
³¹ But I, by persuading the multitudes on their behalf, relieved all these men of their fear, and allowed them to send across whatever they wished, on account of their relatives in Dor who were being held as hostages by Cestius. Now Dor is a city in Phoenicia. I found the residents of Tiberias already resorting to arms for the following reason:

Tiberias Opts for War

³² Στάσεις τρεῖς ἦσαν κατὰ τὴν‎ πόλιν, μία μὲν ἀνδρῶν εὐσχημόνων, ἦρχε δ᾽ αὐτῆς ἸούλιοςJulius ΚάπελλοςCapella.
³² There were three factions in this city. The first was composed of men of worth and gravity; of these Julius Capellus was the head.	³² In the city there were three factions; the first being respectable citizens, headed by Julius Capella.
³² There were three factions in the city, one of which was composed of respectable men, and its leader was Julius Capellus.

³³ Οὗτος δὴ καὶ οἱ σὺν αὐτῷ πάντες, ἩρώδηςHerod ὁ ΜιαροῦMiarus καὶ ἩρώδηςHerod ὁ τοῦ ΓαμάλουGamalus καὶ ΚομψὸςCampsus ὁ τοῦ ΚομψοῦCompsus· ΚρίσποςCrispus γὰρ ἀδελφὸς αὐτοῦ‎ τοῦ μεγάλου βασιλέως γενόμενός ποτε ἔπαρχος ἐν ταῖς ἰδίαις κτήσεσινportion, possession ἐτύγχανεν πέραν τοῦ ἸορδάνουJordan·
³³ Now he, as well as all his companions, Herod the son of Miarus, and Herod the son of Gamalus, and Compsus the son of Compsus (for as to Compsus’s brother Crispus, who had once been governor of the city under the great king [Agrippa], he was beyond Jordan in his own possessions);	³³ He and all his friends, Herod the son of Miarus and Herod the son of Gamalus and Compsus the son of Compsus, and his brother Crispus, who had once been governor under the great king, who lived on his own land beyond the Jordan,
³³ This man, along with all those who were with him—Herod son of Miarus, and Herod son of Gamalus, and Compsus son of Compsus—[belonged to this faction]; for Crispus, his brother, who had once been a governor in his own estates beyond the Jordan, happened to be of the great king's lineage [i.e., Agrippa, 63 BC-12 BC].

³⁴ πάντες οὖν οἱ προειρημένοι κατὰ τὸν καιρὸν ἐκεῖνον ἐμμένειν συνεβούλευον τῇ πρὸς τοὺς ῬωμαίουςRomans καὶ τὸν βασιλέα πίστει. Τῇ γνώμῃ δ᾽ οὐ συνηρέσκετο Πιστὸς παραγόμενος ὑπὸ ἸούστουJustus τοῦ παιδός· καὶ γὰρ ἦν φύσει πως ἐπιμανής.
³⁴ all these persons before named gave their advice, that the city should then continue in their allegiance to the Romans and to the king; but Pistus, who was guided by his son Justus, did not acquiesce in that resolution, otherwise he was himself naturally of a good and virtuous character:	³⁴ advised that the city should continue loyal to the Romans and to the king. But Pistus, urged by his son Justus, did not agree with that view, for he was of an impulsive nature.
³⁴ All those who were previously mentioned, therefore, advised at that time to remain faithful to the Romans and the king. But Pistus did not agree with this view, being led on by his son Justus; for he was somewhat inclined to madness by nature.

³⁵ ἡ δευτέρα δὲ στάσις ἐξ ἀσημοτάτων συνεστηκυῖα πολεμεῖν ἔκρινεν.
³⁵ but the second faction was composed of the most ignoble persons, and was determined for war.	³⁵ The second faction consisted of the most ignoble persons and was decided for war.
³⁵ The second faction, however, being composed of the most undistinguished men, decided to go to war.

³⁶ ἸοῦστοςJustus δ᾽ ὁ Πιστοῦ παῖς ὁ τῆς τρίτης μερίδος πρῶτος ὑπεκρίνετο μὲν ἐνδοιάζειν πρὸς τὸν πόλεμον, νεωτέρων δ᾽ ἐπεθύμει πραγμάτων ἐκ τῆς μεταβολῆς οἰόμενος δύναμιν ἑαυτῷ περιποιήσειν.
³⁶ But as for Justus, the son of Pistus, who was the head of the third faction, although he pretended to be doubtful about going to war, yet was he really desirous of innovation, as supposing that he should gain power to himself by the change of affairs.	³⁶ Justus, the son of Pistus, who led the third faction, although he pretended to be doubtful about going to war, really was eager for revolution, expecting to gain power by the change of affairs.
³⁶ Justus, the son of Pistus, the leader of the third faction, pretended indeed to be hesitant regarding the war, but he desired revolution, believing that through the change in government he would acquire power for himself.

³⁷ Παρελθὼν οὖν εἰς μέσους διδάσκειν ἐπειρᾶτο τὸ πλῆθος, ὡς ἡ πόλις ἀεὶ τῆς ΓαλιλαίαςGalilee ἄρξειεν ἐπί γε τῶν ἩρώδουHerod χρόνων τοῦ τετράρχου καὶ κτίστου γενομένου, βουληθέντος αὐτοῦ‎ τὴν‎ ΣεπφωριτῶνSepphoris πόλιν τῇ ΤιβεριέωνTiberias ὑπακούειν, ἀποβαλεῖνto throw off δὲ τὸ πρωτεῖονof first quality, preeminence αὐτοὺς μηδὲ ἐπὶ τοῦ βασιλέως ἈγρίππαAgrippa τοῦ πατρὸς, διαμεῖναι δὲ καὶ μέχρι ΦήλικοςFelix προεσταμένου τῆς ἸουδαίαςJudea.
³⁷ He therefore came into the midst of them, and endeavored to inform the multitude, “The city Tiberias had ever been a city of Galilee; and that in the days of Herod the tetrarch, who had built it, it had obtained the principal place; and that he had ordered that the city Sepphoris should be subordinate to the city Tiberias: that they had not lost this preeminence even under Agrippa the father; but had retained it until Felix was procurator of Judea;	³⁷ Therefore he came forward and tried to tell the people that Tiberias had always been the capital of Galilee and that in the days of its builder, Herod the tetrarch, it had held the first place and that he had intended the city of Sepphoris to be subordinate to Tiberias; that they had not lost this preeminence even under Agrippa the elder, but had kept it until Felix became procurator of Judea.
³⁷ Advancing, therefore, into the middle of the crowd, he attempted to instruct the multitude that the city had always been the capital of Galilee, at least during the time of Herod the Tetrarch, who founded it, and that he had wished the city of Sepphoris to be subject to Tiberias; and that they had not lost this primacy even during the time of King Agrippa the Elder, but had retained it even until the governorship of Felix over Judaea.

³⁸ Νῦν δὲ ἔλεγεν αὐτοὺς ἠτυχηκέναι τῷ νεωτέρῳ δωρεὰν ἈγρίππᾳAgrippa δοθέντας ὑπὸ ΝέρωνοςNerō· ἄρξαι γὰρ εὐθὺς τὴν‎ μὲν ΣέπφωρινSepphoris, ἐπειδὴ ῬωμαίοιςRomans ὑπήκουσεν, τῆς ΓαλιλαίαςGalilee, καταλυθῆναι δὲ παρ᾽ αὐτοῖς τήν τε βασιλικὴν τράπεζαν καὶ τὰ ἀρχεῖα.
³⁸ but he told them, that now they had been so unfortunate as to be made a present by Nero to Agrippa, junior; and that, upon Sepphoris’s submission of itself to the Romans, that was become the capital city of Galilee, and that the royal treasury and the archives were now removed from them.”	³⁸ But, he told them, now they had been so unfortunate as to be presented by Nero to Agrippa the younger; and when Sepphoris submitted to the Romans it had become the capital of Galilee and now the royal library and the archives were removed from them.
³⁸ But now, he said, they had become unfortunate by having been given as a gift to the younger Agrippa by Nero; for immediately, since Sepphoris had submitted to the Romans, it began to rule Galilee, and among them (Tiberias), both the royal treasury and the public records were abolished.

³⁹ Ταῦτα καὶ πρὸς τούτοις ἕτερα πολλὰ κατὰ βασιλέως ἈγρίππαAgrippa λέγων ὑπὲρ τοῦ τὸν δῆμον εἰς τὴν‎ ἀπόστασινa revolt ἐρεθίσαι, προσετίθει νῦν εἶναι καιρὸν ἀραμένουςto take up, raise ὅπλα καὶ ΓαλιλαίουςGalilean συμμάχους προσλαβόντας, ἄρξειν γὰρ αὐτῶν ἑκόντων διὰ τὸ πρὸς τοὺς ΣεπφωρίταςSepphoris μῖσος ὑπάρχειν αὐτοῖς, ὅτι τὴν‎ πρὸς ῬωμαίουςRomans πίστιν διαφυλάσσουσιν, μεγάλῃ χειρὶ πρὸς τὴν‎ ὑπὲρ αὐτῶν τιμωρίαν τραπέσθαι.
³⁹ When he had spoken these things, and a great many more against king Agrippa, in order to provoke the people to a revolt, he added, “This was the time for them to take arms, and join with the Galileans as their confederates (whom they might command, and who would now willingly assist them, out of the hatred they bare to the people of Sepphoris; because they preserved their fidelity to the Romans), and to gather a great number of forces, in order to punish them.”	³⁹ When he had said these things and much more against king Agrippa, he added, in order to provoke the people to revolt, that this was the time for them to take arms and join with the Galileans as their allies who would now willingly join them, from their hatred toward the Sepphorites for keeping faithful to the Romans
³⁹ Saying these things and many other things besides against King Agrippa [Herod Agrippa II, 28 AD - 100 AD] in order to provoke the populace to revolt, he added that now was the time to take up arms, and having secured the Galileans as allies—for they would willingly follow their leadership because of the hatred they held toward the people of Sepphoris for maintaining their loyalty to the Romans—to turn with a mighty hand toward exacting vengeance on their behalf.

⁴⁰ Ταῦτα λέγων προετρέψατο τὸ πλῆθος· ἦν γὰρ ἱκανὸς δημαγωγεῖν καὶ τῶν ἀντιλεγόντων τὰ βελτίω περιεῖναι γοητείᾳ καὶ ἀπάτῃ τῇ διὰ λόγων· καὶ γὰρ οὐδ᾽ ἄπειρος ἦν παιδείας τῆς παρ᾽ ἝλλησινGreek, ᾗ θαρρῶν ἐπεχείρησεν καὶ τὴν‎ ἱστορίαν τῶν πραγμάτων τούτων ἀναγράφειν, ὡς τῷ λόγῳ τούτῳ περιεσόμενος τῆς ἀληθείας.
⁴⁰ And, as he said this, he exhorted the multitude [to go to war]; for his abilities lay in making harangues to the people, and in being too hard in his speeches for such as opposed him, though they advised what was more to their advantage, and this by his craftiness and his fallacies, for he was not unskilful in the learning of the Greeks; and in dependence on that skill it was that he undertook to write a history of these affairs, as aiming, by this way of haranguing, to disguise the truth;	⁴⁰ This speech stirred the people; for his abilities lay in demagoguery and in overcoming by his craftiness and fallacies those who opposed him, even when they advised what was more advantageous. He was not unskilled in the learning of the Greeks; and using that skill he undertook to write a history of these matters, aiming to disguise the truth in this way.
⁴⁰ Saying these things, he urged on the crowd; for he was competent at leading the people (demagoguery) and at overcoming the better arguments of his opponents by charm and deceit through words. For he was not inexperienced in the education (culture) of the Greeks, and trusting in this, he undertook to write an account (history) of these events, as though he would overcome the truth with this speech (account).

⁴¹ Ἀλλὰ περὶ μὲν τούτου τοῦ ἀνδρός, ὡς φαῦλος τὸν βίον ἐγένετο καὶ ὡς σὺν τῷ ἀδελφῷ μικροῦ δεῖν καταστροφῆς αἴτιος ὑπῆρξεν, προϊόντος τοῦ λόγου δηλώσομεν.
⁴¹ but as to this man, and how ill were his character and conduct of life, and how he and his brother were, in great measure, the authors of our destruction, I shall give the reader an account in the progress of my narration.	⁴¹ As my narrative progresses I shall tell about this man's wicked character and lifestyle and how he and his brother were the main authors of our destruction.
⁴¹ But concerning this man, how contemptible his life was, and how he and his brother were almost the cause of ruin, we shall make clear as the narrative proceeds.

⁴² Τότε δὲ πείσας ὁ ἸοῦστοςJustus τοὺς πολίτας ἀναλαβεῖν τὰ ὅπλα πολλοὺς δὲ καὶ μὴ θελήσαντας ἀναγκάσας, ἐξελθὼν σὺν πᾶσιν τούτοις ἐμπίπρησιν τάς τε ΓαδαρηνῶνGadarenes καὶ ἹππηνῶνHippos κώμας, αἳ δὴ μεθόριοι τῆς ΤιβεριάδοςTiberias καὶ τῆς τῶν ΣκυθοπολιτῶνScythopolis γῆς ἐτύγχανον κείμεναι.
⁴² So when Justus had, by his persuasions, prevailed with the citizens of Tiberias to take arms, nay, and had forced a great many so to do against their wills, he went out, and set the villages that belonged to Gadara and Hippos on fire; which villages were situated on the borders of Tiberias, and of the region of Scythopolis.	⁴² So when, at his persuasion, Justus got the citizens of Tiberias to take arms, and had even forced many to do so against their wills, he went out and set fire to the villages belonging to Gadara and Hippos, along the borders of Tiberias and of the region of Scythopolis.
⁴² Then Justus, having persuaded the citizens to take up arms, and having compelled many who were unwilling, went forth with all these and set fire to the villages belonging to Gadara and Hippos, which happened to lie on the border of Tiberias and the territory of the people of Scythopolis.

Chapter 3 Factions among the Galilean rebels
43-76

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The Destruction of Gischala

⁴³ Καὶ ΤιβεριὰςTiberias μὲν ἐν τοιούτοις ἦν. Τὰ περὶ ΓίσχαλαGischala δὲ εἶχε τὸν τρόπον τοῦτον· ἸωάννηςJohn ὁ τοῦ ΛηουεῖLevi τῶν πολιτῶν τινας ὁρῶν διὰ τὴν‎ ἀποστασίαν τὴν‎ ἀπὸ ῬωμαίωνRoman, Latin μέγα φρονοῦντας κατέχειν αὐτοὺς ἐπειρᾶτο καὶ τὴν‎ πίστιν ἠξίου διαφυλάττειν.
⁴³ And this was the state Tiberias was now in; but as for Gischala, its affairs were thus:—When John, the son of Levi, saw some of the citizens much elevated upon their revolt from the Romans, he labored to restrain them; and entreated them that they would keep their allegiance to them;	⁴³ Such was the situation in Tiberias. At Gischala, matters were as follows: When John, the son of Levi, saw some of the citizens exulting at their revolt from the Romans, he tried to restrain them and implored them to maintain their allegiance to them.
⁴³ And so Tiberias was in this state. The situation in Gischala was as follows: John, the son of Levi, seeing that some of the citizens were arrogant because of the revolt against the Romans, attempted to restrain them and urged them to maintain their loyalty.

⁴⁴ Οὐ μὴν ἠδυνήθη καίτοι πάνυ προθυμούμενος· τὰ γὰρ περὶ ἔθνη, ΓαδαρηνοὶGadara καὶ βαραγαναῖοιGabara and Sogana καὶ ΤύριοιTyrians, πολλὴν ἀθροίσαντες δύναμιν καὶ τοῖς ΓισχάλοιςGischala ἐπιπεσόντες λαμβάνουσι τὰ ΓίσχαλαGischala κατὰ κράτος, καὶ πυρπολήσαντες εἶτα δὲ προσκατασκάψαντες εἰς τὴν‎ οἰκείαν ἀνέζευξαν.
⁴⁴ but he could not gain his purpose, although he did his endeavors to the utmost; for the neighboring people of Gadara, Gabara, and Sogana, with the Tyrians, got together a great army, and fell upon Gischala, and took Gischala by force, and set it on fire; and when they had entirely demolished it, they returned home.	⁴⁴ But he could not achieve this, although he tried his utmost; for the neighbouring people of Gadara, Gabara and Sogana, and the Tyrians, mustered a great force and stormed and took Gischala and set it on fire; and when they had entirely demolished it, they returned home.
⁴⁴ However, he was not able to do so, even though he was very eager; for the surrounding nations, the Gadarenes, the Vaganaeans, and the Tyrians, having gathered a large force and fallen upon the people of Gischala, took Gischala by force, and after setting fire to it and then completely demolishing it, they returned to their own land [late fall of 66 AD and the early spring of 67 AD].

⁴⁵ ἸωάννηςJohn δὲ ἐπὶ τούτῳ παροξυνθεὶς ὁπλίζει πάντας τοὺς μετ᾽ αὐτοῦ‎ καὶ συμβαλὼν τοῖς προειρημένοις ἔθνεσιν τά τε ΓίσχαλαGischala κρείττονα πάλιν ἀνακτίσας τείχεσιν ὑπὲρ ἀσφαλείας τῆς εἰς ὕστερον ὠχύρωσεν.
⁴⁵ Upon which John was so enraged, that he armed all his men, and joined battle with the people forementioned; and rebuilt Gischala after a manner better than before, and fortified it with walls for its future security.	⁴⁵ At this John was so enraged that he armed all his men and attacked those people; he rebuilt Gischala better than before and fortified it with walls for its future security.
⁴⁵ John, being enraged by this (the attack), armed all those with him, and engaging in battle with the nations previously mentioned, and having rebuilt Gischala stronger than before, he fortified it with walls for the sake of future security.

Gamala Remains Loyal to Rome

⁴⁶ ΓάμαλαGamala δὲ πίστει τῇ πρὸς ῬωμαίουςRomans ἐνέμεινε δι᾽ αἰτίαν τοιαύτην· ΦίλιπποςPhilip ὁ ἸακείμουJacimus παῖς ἔπαρχος δὲ τοῦ βασιλέως ἈγρίππαAgrippa, σωθεὶς παρὰ δόξαν ἐκ τῆς ἐν ἹεροσολύμοιςJerusalem βασιλικῆς αὐλῆς πολιορκουμένηςto besiege καὶ διαφυγών, εἰς ἕτερον ἐνέπεσε κίνδυνον, ὥστε ὑπὸ ΜαναήμουManahem καὶ τῶν σὺν αὐτῷ λῃστῶν ἀναιρεθῆναι.
⁴⁶ But Gamala persevered in its allegiance to the Romans for the reason following:—Philip, the son of Jacimus, who was their governor under king Agrippa, had been unexpectedly preserved when the royal palace at Jerusalem had been besieged; but, as he fled away, had fallen into another danger; and that was, of being killed by Manahem, and the robbers that were with him;	⁴⁶ But Gamala persevered in its allegiance to the Romans, for this reason: Philip, the son of Jacimus, who was their governor under king Agrippa, had miraculously survived when the royal palace at Jerusalem was besieged; but as he fled away, he also ran the risk of being killed by Manahem and his brigands.
⁴⁶ Gamala, however, maintained its loyalty to the Romans for the following reason: Philip, the son of Jacimus and governor of King Agrippa, who unexpectedly survived the siege of the royal court in Jerusalem and escaped, fell into another danger, with the result that he was killed [66 AD] by Menahem and the bandits with him.

⁴⁷ Διεκώλυσαν δὲ ΒαβυλώνιοίBabylonians τινες συγγενεῖς αὐτοῦ‎ ἐν ἹεροσολύμοιςJerusalem ὄντες πρᾶξαι τοὺς λῃστὰς τὸ ἔργον. Ἐπιμείνας οὖν ἡμέρας τέσσαρας ὁ ΦίλιπποςPhilip ἐκεῖ τῇ πέμπτῃ φεύγει περιθετῇ χρησάμενος κόμῃ τοῦ μὴ κατάδηλος γενέσθαι, καὶ παραγενόμενος εἴς τινα τῶν ἑαυτοῦ κωμῶν κατὰ τοὺς ὅρους ΓάμαλαGamala τοῦ φρουρίου κειμένην πέμπει πρός τινας τῶν ὑπ᾽ αὐτὸν προστάσσων ὡς αὐτὸν ἀφικέσθαι τὴν‎ ΦιλίππουPhilip.
⁴⁷ but certain Babylonians, who were of his kindred, and were then in Jerusalem, hindered the robbers from executing their design. So Philip staid there four days, and fled away on the fifth, having disguised himself with fictitious hair, that he might not be discovered; and when he was come to one of the villages to him belonging, but one that was situated at the borders of the citadel of Gamala, he sent to some of those that were under him, and commanded them to come to him;	⁴⁷ However, these were prevented from this by some Babylonians, relatives of his who were then in Jerusalem. So Philip stayed there four days and fled on the fifth, wearing a wig so as not be recognized. when he reached one of his villages near the Gamala fortress, he sent to some of those under his command, ordering them to come to him.
⁴⁷ But certain Babylonians, who were relatives of his [Philip's], being in Jerusalem, prevented the bandits from accomplishing the deed. Therefore, Philip, having remained there for four days, on the fifth day he fled, using a false head of hair (a wig) so that he might not be recognized, and having arrived at one of his own villages situated near the boundaries of the fortress of Gamala, he sent [a message] to some of those under his command, ordering that his [Philip's] men/force should come to him.

⁴⁸ Ταῦτα δ᾽ αὐτὸν ἐννοούμενονto have in mind ἐμποδίζει τὸ θεῖον ἐπὶ συμφέροντι· μὴ γὰρ τούτου γενομένου πάντως ἂν ἀπωλώλει· πυρετοῦa fever δὴ κατασχόντος αὐτὸν ἐξαίφνης γράψας ἐπιστολὰς τοῖς παισὶν ἈγρίππᾳAgrippa καὶ ΒερενίκῃBerenice δίδωσιν τῶν ἐξελευθέρων τινὶ κομίζειν πρὸς ΟὔαρονVarus.
⁴⁸ but God himself hindered that his intention, and this for his own advantage also; for had it not so happened, he had certainly perished; for a fever having seized upon him immediately, he wrote to Agrippa and Berenice, and gave them to one of his freedmen to carry them to Varus	⁴⁸ Fortunately for him, providence blocked that intention of his and if this had not happened, he would certainly have died. For suffering a sudden attack of fever, he wrote letters to the younger Agrippa and Berenice and gave them to one of his freedmen to convey to Varus,
⁴⁸ But as he was contemplating these things, the Divine power hindered him for his own good; for if this had not happened, he certainly would have perished. When a fever suddenly seized him, he wrote letters and gave them to one of his freedmen to take to Agrippa and Berenice, and to deliver them to Varus.

⁴⁹ Ἦν δ᾽ οὗτος κατὰ τὸν καιρὸν ἐκεῖνον ὁ τὴν‎ βασιλείαν διοικῶν καταστησάντων αὐτὸν τῶν βασιλέων· αὐτοὶ γὰρ εἰς ΒηρυτὸνBerytus ἀφικνοῦντο ὑπαντῆσαι βουλόμενοι ΚεστίῳCestius.
⁴⁹ who at this time was procurator of the kingdom, which the king and his sister had intrusted him withal, while they were gone to Berytus with an intention of meeting Gessius.	⁴⁹ who at this time was administering the kingdom, which the king and his sister had entrusted to him, while they had gone to Berytus intending to wait upon Cestius.
⁴⁹ Now, this Varus was the one administering the kingdom at that time, since the rulers had appointed him; for they themselves [Agrippa and Berenice] were traveling to Berytus, intending to meet Cestius.

⁵⁰ Λαβὼν οὖν ΟὔαροςVarus τὰ παρὰ ΦιλίππουPhilip γράμματα καὶ πυθόμενος αὐτὸν διασεσῶσθαι βαρέως ἤνεγκεν, ἀχρεῖος τὸ λοιπὸν αὐτὸς νομίζων φανεῖσθαι τοῖς βασιλεῦσιν ἀφικομένουto arrive at τοῦ ΦιλίππουPhilip. Προαγαγὼν οὖν εἰς τὸ πλῆθος τὸν τὰς ἐπιστολὰς κομίζοντα καὶ πλαστογραφίαν ἐπικαλέσας ψεύδεσθαί τε φήσας αὐτὸν ἀπαγγείλαντα ΦίλιππονPhilip ἐν τοῖς ἹεροσολύμοιςJerusalem μετὰ τῶν ἸουδαίωνJews ῬωμαίοιςRomans πολεμεῖν ἀπέκτεινεν.
⁵⁰ When Varus had received these letters of Philip, and had learned that he was preserved, he was very uneasy at it, as supposing that he should appear useless to the king and his sister, now Philip was come. He therefore produced the carrier of the letters before the multitude, and accused him of forging the same; and said, that he spake falsely when he related that Philip was at Jerusalem, fighting among the Jews against the Romans. So he slew him.	⁵⁰ When Varus received these letters of Philip and learned of his escape, he was irritated, thinking that at Philip's coming their majestions would have no further use for him. So he brought the carrier of the letters before the people and accused him of forging them, alleging that he spoke falsely when he reported that Philip was at Jerusalem, fighting with the Jews against the Romans. So he killed him.
⁵⁰ When Varus received the letters from Philip and learned that he had been saved, he took it heavily, believing that he himself would appear useless to the kings for the remainder of the time, now that Philip had arrived. Therefore, having led forward into the crowd the man who was carrying the letters, and having accused him of forgery, and stating that he was lying by announcing that Philip was waging war against the Romans with the Jews in Jerusalem, he executed him.

⁵¹ Μὴ ὑποστρέψαντος δὴ τοῦ ἐξελευθέρου ΦίλιπποςPhilip ἀπορῶν τὴν‎ αἰτίαν δεύτερον ἐκπέμπει μετ᾽ ἐπιστολῶν πάλιν τὸν ἀπαγγελοῦντα πρὸς αὐτόν, τί τὸ συμβεβηκὸς εἴη τῷ ἀποσταλέντι, δι᾽ ὃ βραδύνειεν.
⁵¹ And when this freedman of Philip did not return again, Philip was doubtful what should be the occasion of his stay, and sent a second messenger with letters, that he might, upon his return, inform him what had befallen the other that had been sent before, and why he tarried so long.	⁵¹ When Philip, puzzled that this freedman did not return again, sent another with letters, to bring him word what had happened the other and why he delayed so long.
⁵¹ Since the freedman did not return, Philip, being at a loss for the reason, sent out a second messenger with letters again, to report to him what had happened to the first one who was sent that caused him to delay.

⁵² Καὶ τοῦτον δὲ παραγενόμενον ὁ ΟὔαροςVarus συκοφαντήσας ἀνεῖλεν· καὶ γὰρ ὑπὸ τῶν ἐν ΚαισαρείᾳCaesarea ΣύρωνSyrian ἐπῆρτο μέγα φρονεῖν, ἀναιρεθήσεσθαι μὲν λεγόντων ὑπὸ ῬωμαίωνRoman, Latin τὸν ἈγρίππανAgrippa διὰ τὰς ὑπὸ ἸουδαίωνJews ἁμαρτίας, λήψεσθαι δ᾽ αὐτὸν τὴν‎ ἀρχὴν ἐκ βασιλέων ὄντα· καὶ γὰρ ἦν ὁμολογουμένως ὁ ΟὔαροςVarus βασιλικοῦ γένους ἔγγονος ΣοέμουSohemus τοῦ περὶ τὸν ΛίβανονLibanus τετραρχοῦντος.
⁵² Varus accused this messenger also, when he came, of telling a falsehood, and slew him; for he was puffed up by the Syrians that were at Caesarea, and had great expectations; for they said that Agrippa would be slain by the Romans for the crimes which the Jews had committed, and that he should himself take the government, as derived from their kings; for Varus was, by the confession of all, of the royal family, as being a descendant of Sohemus, who had enjoyed a tetrarchy about Libanus;	⁵² Varus also killed him when he came, on some baseless charge. For he had been filled with great expectations by the Syrians in Caesarea, who said that the Romans would execute Agrippa for the crimes alleged by the Jews and that he himself, being descended from their kings, would take over as ruler. All acknowledged that Varus was of royal blood, being a descendant of Sohemus, who had been tetrarch in the area of Libanus.
⁵² And Varus, when this man (Philip's freedman) arrived, falsely accused and killed him; for he had been incited by the Syrians in Caesarea to be very ambitious, saying that Agrippa would be killed by the Romans on account of the sins committed by the Jews, and that he himself, being of royal lineage, would take over the rule. Varus was the descendant of a royal lineage, the grandson of Soemus, who ruled as tetrarch over the region around Lebanon.

⁵³ Διὰ τοῦτ᾽ οὖν ὁ ΟὔαροςVarus τυφούμενος τὰς μὲν ἐπιστολὰς παρ᾽ ἑαυτῷ κατέσχεν μηχανώμενος μὴ ἐντυχεῖν τοῖς γράμμασι τὸν βασιλέα, τὰς ἐξόδους δὲ πάσας ἐφρούρει, μὴ διαδράς τις ἀπαγγείλειε τῷ βασιλεῖ τὰ πραττόμενα. Καὶ δὴ χαριζόμενος τοῖς κατὰ τὴν‎ ΚαισάρειανCaesarea ΣύροιςSyrians πολλοὺς τῶν ἸουδαίωνJews ἀπέκτεινεν.
⁵³ for which reason it was that he was puffed up, and kept the letters to himself. He contrived also that the king should not meet with those writings, by guarding all the passes, lest any one should escape, and inform the king what had been done. He moreover slew many of the Jews, in order to gratify the Syrians of Caesarea.	⁵³ For this reason he was puffed up and kept the letters from the king; and he guarded all the town exits, so that no one could escape and tell the king what he had done. Moreover he killed many of the Jews, in order to gratify the Syrians of Caesarea.
⁵³ Because of this, therefore, Varus, being blinded by arrogance, kept the letters to himself, contriving that the king should not encounter the writings, and he guarded all the exits, lest someone should escape and report to the king what was being done. And indeed, showing favor to the Syrians in Caesarea, he killed many of the Jews.

⁵⁴ Ἐβουλήθη δὲ καὶ μετὰ τῶν ἐν ΒατανέᾳBatanea ΤραχωνιτῶνTrachonites ἀναλαβὼν τὰ ὅπλα ἐπὶ τοὺς ἐν ἘκβατάνοιςEcbatane ΒαβυλωνίουςBabylonians ἸουδαίουςJews, ταύτην γὰρ τὴν‎ προσηγορίαν ἔχουσιν, ὁρμῆσαι.
⁵⁴ He had a mind also to join with the Trachonites in Batanea, and to take up arms and make an assault upon the Babylonian Jews that were at Ecbatana; for that was the name they went by.	⁵⁴ He had another plan to join with the Trachonites in Batanea and take up arms and attack the Babylonian Jews in Ecbatana, as they were called.
⁵⁴ He also wanted to take arms with the Trachonites in Batanea, to march against the Babylonian Jews in Ecbatana, for they held this appellation [which means “from out of the cooking pot; from out of the kettle”].

⁵⁵ Καλέσας οὖν τῶν κατὰ τὴν‎ ΚαισάρειανCaesarea ἸουδαίωνJews δώδεκα τοὺς δοκιμωτάτους προσέτασσεν αὐτοῖς ἀφικομένοιςto arrive at εἰς ἘκβάταναEcbatana πρὸς τοὺς ἐκεῖ κατοικοῦντας αὐτῶν ὁμοφύλους εἰπεῖν, ὅτι ΟὔαροςVarus ἀκούσας «ὑμᾶς ἐπὶ βασιλέα μέλλειν ὁρμᾶν καὶ μὴ πιστεύσας πέπομφεν ἡμᾶς πείσοντας ὑμᾶς τὰ ὅπλα καταθέσθαι· τοῦτο γὰρ αὐτῷ τεκμήριον ἔσεσθαι καὶ τοῦ καλῶς μὴ πιστεῦσαι τοῖς περὶ ὑμῶν λέγουσιν.»
⁵⁵ He therefore called to him twelve of the Jews of Caesarea, of the best character, and ordered them to go to Ecbatana, and inform their countrymen who dwelt there, That Varus hath heard that “you intend to march against the king; but, not believing that report, he hath sent us to persuade you to lay down your arms; and that this compliance will be a sign that he did well not to give credit to those that raised the report concerning you.”	⁵⁵ Therefore he called twelve of the most distinguished Caesarean Jews and told them to go to Ecbatana to say to their countrymen there: Varus has heard that you intend to march against the king, but not believing it, has sent us to persuade you to lay down your arms; this compliance will be a sign that he was right not to believe what was said about you.
⁵⁵ Therefore, calling twelve of the most reputable Jews in Caesarea, he commanded them to go to Ecbatana to their kinsmen dwelling there, and to tell them that Varus, having heard that you intend to march against the king and not believing it, has sent us to persuade you to lay down your arms; for this would be proof to him that he was right not to believe those who speak ill of you.

⁵⁶ Ἐκέλευε; δὲ καὶ τοὺς πρώτους αὐτῶν ἄνδρας ἑβδομήκοντα πέμπειν ἀπολογησομένους περὶ τῆς ἐπενηνεγμένης αἰτίας. Ἐλθόντες οὖν οἱ δώδεκα πρὸς τοὺς ἐν ἘκβατάνοιςEcbatane ὁμοφύλους καὶ καταλαβόντες αὐτοὺς μηδὲν ἐπὶ νεωτερισμῷ φρονοῦντας ἔπεισαν καὶ τοὺς ἑβδομήκοντα πέμπειν.
⁵⁶ He also enjoined them to send seventy of their principal men to make a defense for them as to the accusation laid against them. So when the twelve messengers came to their countrymen at Ecbatana, and found that they had no designs of innovation at all, they persuaded them to send the seventy men also;	⁵⁶ He also required them to send seventy of their leading men to answer the accusation made against them. When the twelve came and found that their countrymen in Ecbatana had no rebellious plans, they persuaded them to send the seventy men.
⁵⁶ And he also ordered them to send seventy of their chief men to make a defense concerning the charge brought against them. Therefore, the twelve, having gone to their kinsmen in Ecbatana and finding that they were entertaining no thought of a revolution (or innovation or change), persuaded them to send the seventy as well.

⁵⁷ Οἱ δὲ μηδὲν ὑποπτεύσαντες τοιοῦτον οἷον ἔμελλεν ἀποβήσεσθαι ἐξαπέστειλαν. Καταβαίνουσιν δ᾽ οὗτοι μετὰ τῶν δώδεκα πρέσβεων εἰς τὴν‎ ΚαισάρειανCaesarea. Ὑπαντήσας οὖν ὁ ΟὔαροςVarus μετὰ τῆς βασιλικῆς δυνάμεως σὺν τοῖς πρέσβεσιν πάντας ἀπέκτεινεν καὶ τὴν‎ πορείαν ἐπὶ τοὺς ἐν ἘκβατάνοιςEcbatane ἸουδαίουςJews ἐποιεῖτο.
⁵⁷ who, not at all suspecting what would come, sent them accordingly. So these seventy went down to Caesarea, together with the twelve ambassadors; where Varus met them with the king’s forces, and slew them all together with the [twelve] ambassadors, and made an expedition against the Jews of Ecbatana.	⁵⁷ Not at all suspecting the fate awaiting them, these sent them off, and these seventy went down with the twelve envoys to Caesarea, where Varus met them with the king's forces and killed them all, including the envoys, and proceeded to march against the Jews of Ecbatana.
⁵⁷ They (the Babylonian Jews), suspecting nothing of the kind that was about to happen, sent them (the seventy chief men) forth. And these (the seventy chief men) traveled down to Caesarea with the twelve envoys. Varus, along with the royal force and the envoys, killed them all (the seventy chief men) and continued his march against the Jews in Ecbatana.

⁵⁸ φθάσας δέ τις ἐκ τῶν ἑβδομήκοντα σωθεὶς ἀπήγγειλεν αὐτοῖς, κἀκεῖνοι τὰ ὅπλα λαβόντες σὺν γυναιξὶ καὶ τέκνοις εἰς ΓάμαλαGamala τὸ φρούριον ὑπεχώρησαν, καταλιπόντες τὰς κώμας πολλῶν ἀγαθῶν πλήρεις καὶ βοσκημάτων πολλὰς μυριάδας ἐχούσας.
⁵⁸ But one there was of the seventy who escaped, and made haste to inform the Jews of their coming; upon which they took their arms, with their wives and children, and retired to the citadel at Gamala, leaving their own villages full of all sorts of good things, and having many ten thousands of cattle therein.	⁵⁸ One of the seventy, however, escaped and hurried to tell them; so they took their arms, with their wives and children, and retreated to the citadel at Gamala, leaving their villages full of all sorts of goods with many thousand heads of cattle.
⁵⁸ However, one of the seventy, having escaped and arrived, reported the news to them (the remaining people in Ecbatana), and they, taking up arms with their wives and children, retreated into the fortress of Gamala, leaving behind their villages full of many goods and containing many tens of thousands of livestock.

⁵⁹ ΦίλιπποςPhilip δὲ πυθόμενος ταῦτα καὶ αὐτὸς εἰς ΓάμαλαGamala τὸ φρούριον ἧκεν. Παραγενομένου δὲ κατεβόα τὸ πλῆθος, ἄρχειν αὐτὸν παρακαλοῦντες καὶ πολεμεῖν πρὸς ΟὔαρονVarus καὶ τοὺς ἐν τῇ ΚαισαρείᾳCaesarea ΣύρουςSyrians. Διαδέδοκτο γὰρ ὑπὸ τούτων τὸν βασιλέα τεθνάναι.
⁵⁹ When Philip was informed of these things, he also came to the citadel of Gamala; and when he was come, the multitude cried aloud, and desired him to resume the government, and to make an expedition against Varus and the Syrians of Caesarea; for it was reported that they had slain the king.	⁵⁹ When Philip learned this, he also came to the Gamala fortress; and when he arrived the people called loudly for him to command them again, and to make an expedition against Varus and the Syrians of Caesarea; for it was reported that they had killed the king.
⁵⁹ Philip, having learned these things, also came himself to the fortress of Gamala. When he arrived, the multitude shouted against him, urging him to take command and wage war against Varus and the Syrians in Caesarea. For it had been reported by these people (the Syrians/Varus's faction) that the king was dead.

⁶⁰ ΦίλιπποςPhilip δ᾽ αὐτῶν κατεῖχε τὰς ὁρμὰς ὑπομιμνήσκωνto draw attention to τῶν τε τοῦ βασιλέως εἰς αὐτοὺς εὐεργεσιῶν, καὶ τὴν‎ ῬωμαίωνRoman, Latin διηγούμενος ὅση τίς ἐστι δύναμις συμφέρειν οὐκ ἔλεγεν ἄρασθαι πρὸς τούτους πόλεμον, καὶ τέλος ἔπεισεν.
⁶⁰ But Philip restrained their zeal, and put them in mind of the benefits the king had bestowed upon them; and told them how powerful the Romans were, and said it was not for their advantage to make war with them; and at length he prevailed with them.	⁶⁰ But Philip restrained their eagerness, reminding them of the benefits the king had bestowed upon them; and he explained about the power of the Romans and how inopportune it was to make war with them; and finally he won them over.
⁶⁰ But Philip restrained their impulses, by reminding them of the king's benefits to them, and by explaining the great power of the Romans, he said it was not expedient to undertake a war against them, and finally he persuaded them.

⁶¹ Ὁ δὲ βασιλεὺς πυθόμενος, ὅτι ΟὔαροςVarus μέλλει τοὺς ἐπὶ τῆς ΚαισαρείαςCaesarea ἸουδαίουςJews σὺν γυναιξὶ καὶ τέκνοις πολλὰς ὄντας μυριάδας ἀναιρεῖν ἡμέρᾳ μιᾷ, μεταπέμπεται πρὸς αὐτὸν ΑἴκουονAequus ΜονόδιονModius πέμψας αὐτῷ διάδοχον, ὡς ἐν ἄλλοις ἐδηλώσαμεν. Ὁ δὲ ΦίλιπποςPhilip ΓάμαλαGamala τὸ φρούριον κατέσχεν καὶ τὴν‎ περὶ χώραν πίστει τῇ πρὸς ῬωμαίουςRomans ἐμμένουσαν.
⁶¹ But now, when the king was acquainted with Varus’s design, which was to cut off the Jews of Caesarea, being many ten thousands, with their wives and children, and all in one day, he called to him Equiculus Modius, and sent him to be Varus’s successor, as we have elsewhere related. But still Philip kept possession of the citadel of Gamala, and of the country adjoining to it, which thereby continued in their allegiance to the Romans.	⁶¹ When the king knew of Varus' plan to massacre in a single day the Jews of Caesarea, who were many thousands, along with their wives and children, he recalled him and sent Aequus Modius as his successor, as we have elsewhere reported. But Philip still kept possession of the Gamala fortress and the country adjoining it, which continued in allegiance to the Romans.
⁶¹ But the King, having learned that Varus intended to kill the many tens of thousands of Jews in Caesarea, along with their wives and children, in a single day, sent Aequus Modius to him, having dispatched him as a successor, as we have indicated in other accounts. Philip, meanwhile, took possession of the fortress of Gamala and the surrounding territory which remained loyal to the Romans.

Trouble in Tiberias

⁶² Ἐπεὶ δ᾽ εἰς τὴν‎ ΓαλιλαίανGalilee ἀφικόμην ἐγὼ καὶ ταῦτα παρὰ τῶν ἀπαγγειλάντων ἔμαθον, γράφω τῷ συνεδρίῳ τῶν ἹεροσολυμιτῶνJerusalem περὶ τούτων καὶ τί με πράττειν κελεύουσιν ἐρωτῶ. Οἱ δὲ προσμεῖναι παρεκάλεσαν καὶ τοὺς συμπρέσβειςco-legates. Εἰ θέλοιεν, κατασχόντα πρόνοιαν ποιήσασθαι τῆς ΓαλιλαίαςGalilee.
⁶² Now, as soon as I was come into Galilee, and had learned this state of things by the information of such as told me of them, I wrote to the sanhedrin at Jerusalem about them, and required their direction what I should do. Their direction was, that I should continue there, and that, if my fellow legates were willing, I should join with them in the care of Galilee.	⁶² When I arrived in Galilee and learned these things from informants, I wrote about them to the Sanhedrin in Jerusalem, asking what they wanted me to do. Their direction was to stay there and if my fellow legates were willing, join with them in caring for Galilee.
⁶² But when I (Josephus) arrived in Galilee and learned these things from those who reported them, I wrote to the Council (Sanhedrin) of the people of Jerusalem concerning these matters and asked what they commanded me to do. And they urged me to remain, and (if the co-legates wished) to take charge and make provision for Galilee.

⁶³ Οἱ δὲ συμπρέσβειςco-legates εὐπορήσαντες πολλῶν χρημάτων ἐκ τῶν διδομένων αὐτοῖς δεκατῶν, ἃς ὄντες ἱερεῖς ὀφειλομένας ἀπελάμβανονto take from another, εἰς τὴν‎ οἰκείαν ὑποστρέφειν ἔκριναν. Ἐμοῦ δ᾽ αὐτοὺς προσμεῖναι παρακαλέσαντος ἕως οὗ τὰ πράγματα καταστήσωμεν, πείθονται.
⁶³ But those my fellow legates, having gotten great riches from those tithes which as priests were their dues, and were given to them, determined to return to their own country. Yet when I desired them to stay so long, that we might first settle the public affairs, they complied with me.	⁶³ My colleagues, who had become very rich from the tithes which they got as their priestly due, decided to return home, but I persuaded them to stay on until we had restored things to order.
⁶³ The co-legates, however, having acquired many funds from the tithes given to them—which, being priests, they were entitled to receive—decided to return to their own land. But when I urged them to remain until we should settle the affairs, they were persuaded.

⁶⁴ Ἄρας οὖν μετ᾽ αὐτῶν ἀπὸ τῆς ΣεπφωριτῶνSepphoris πόλεως εἰς κώμην τινὰ ΒηθμαοῦςBethmaus λεγομένην ἀπέχουσαν ΤιβεριάδοςTiberias στάδια τέσσαρα παραγίνομαι, καὶ πέμψας ἐντεῦθεν πρὸς τὴν‎ ΤιβεριέωνTiberias βουλὴν καὶ τοὺς πρώτους τοῦ δήμου παρεκάλουν ἀφικέσθαι πρός με.
⁶⁴ So I removed, together with them, from the city of Sepphoris, and came to a certain village called Bethmaus, four furlongs distant from Tiberias; and thence I sent messengers to the senate of Tiberias, and desired that the principal men of the city would come to me:	⁶⁴ So with them I moved from the city of Sepphoris to a village called Bethmaus, four furlongs from Tiberias; and from there sent messengers to the council of Tiberias and leading men of the city asking them to come to me.
⁶⁴ Setting out therefore with them (the co-envoys) from the city of Sepphoris, I arrive at a certain village called Bethmaus, four stades [=0.63 km] distant from Tiberias, and sending from there to the Council of the Tiberians and the chief men of the populace, I urged them to come to me.

⁶⁵ Καὶ παραγενομένων, ἐληλύθει δὲ σὺν αὐτοῖς καὶ ΙοῦστοςJustus, ἔλεγον ὑπὸ τοῦ κοινοῦ τῶν ἹεροσολυμιτῶνJerusalem πρεσβεύσων μετὰ τούτων πεπόμφθαιto send πρὸς αὐτούς, ΠείσωνPiso καθαιρεθῆναι τὸν οἶκον τὸν ὑπὸ ἩρώδουHerod τοῦ τετράρχου κατασκευασθέντα ζῴων μορφὰς ἔχοντα τῶν νόμων οὕτως τι κατασκευάζειν ἀπαγορευόντων, καὶ παρεκάλουν αὐτοὺς ἐᾶν ἡμᾶς ᾗ τάχος τοῦτο πράττειν.
⁶⁵ and when they were come, Justus himself being also with them, I told them that I was sent to them by the people of Jerusalem as a legate, together with these other priests, in order to persuade them to demolish that house which Herod the tetrarch had built there, and which had the figures of living creatures in it, although our laws have forbidden us to make any such figures; and I desired that they would give us leave so to do immediately.	⁶⁵ When they arrived, and Justus himself along with them, I told them that I and my colleagues were sent to them by the council of Jerusalem, to persuade them to demolish that house built there by Herod the tetrarch, which contained representations of living creatures, such as our laws forbade us to make; and I asked them to let us do so immediately.
⁶⁵ And when they (the Tiberian leaders) arrived—Justus also had come with them—I said that I had been sent to them by the community of the Jerusalemites as an envoy with these (co-envoys), persuading them that the house constructed by Herod the Tetrarch, which contained figures of living creatures, should be demolished, since the Laws prohibit the making of such things, and I urged them to allow us to do this as quickly as possible.

⁶⁶ Ἐπὶ πολὺ μὲν οὖν οἱ περὶ τὸν ΚαπέλλανCapella καὶ τοὺς πρώτους αὐτῶν ἐπιτρέπειν οὐκ ἤθελον, βιαζόμενοι δ᾽ ὑφ᾽ ἡμῶν συγκατατίθενται. Φθάνει δ᾽ ἸησοῦςJesus, Joshua ὁ τοῦ ΣαπφίαSapphias παῖς, ὃν τῆς τῶν ναυτῶν καὶ τῶν ἀπόρωνto be at loss, be in doubt στάσεως πρῶτον ἔφαμεν ἄρξαι, παραλαβών τινας ΓαλιλαίουςGalilean καὶ τὴν‎ πᾶσαν αὐλὴν ἐμπρήσας, πολλῶν οἰόμενος εὐπορήσειν ἐξ αὐτῆς χρημάτων, ἐπειδή τινας οἴκων ὀροφὰς κεχρυσωμένας εἶδεν.
⁶⁶ But for a good while Capellus and the principal men belonging to the city would not give us leave, but were at length entirely overcome by us, and were induced to be of our opinion. So Jesus the son of Sapphias, one of those whom we have already mentioned as the leader of a seditious tumult of mariners and poor people, prevented us, and took with him certain Galileans, and set the entire palace on fire, and thought he should get a great deal of money thereby, because he saw some of the roofs gilt with gold.	⁶⁶ For a good while, Capella and the leading men of the city did not want to let us, but at last were entirely won over and agreed with us. But Joshua the son of Sapphias, whom we have already mentioned as the leader of a faction of mariners and poor people, anticipated us and along with certain Galileans he set the entire palace on fire, expecting a large amount of loot from it, as he had seen some of the roofs inlaid with gold.
⁶⁶ For a long time, then, those around Capellus and their chief men were unwilling to grant permission, but being compelled by us, they consented. Then Joshua (Jesus), the son of Sapphias—whom we mentioned previously had led the faction of the sailors and the destitute—arrived, and taking some Galileans, he burned the entire palace, believing he would acquire much money from it, since he saw some of the roofs of the houses were gilded.

⁶⁷ Καὶ διήρπασαν πολλὰ παρὰ γνώμην τὴν‎ ἡμετέραν πράξαντες· ἡμεῖς γὰρ μετὰ τὴν‎ πρὸς ΚαπέλλανCapella καὶ τοὺς πρώτους ΤιβεριέωνTiberias ὁμιλίαν εἰς τὴν‎ ἄνω ΓαλιλαίανGalilee ἀπὸ ΒηθμαῶνBethmaus ἀνεχωρήσαμεν. Ἀναιροῦσιν δ᾽ οἱ περὶ τὸν ἸησοῦνJesus, Joshua πάντας τοὺς ἐνοικοῦντας ἝλληναςGreeks ὅσοι τε πρὸ τοῦ πολέμου γεγόνεισαν αὐτῶν ἐχθροί.
⁶⁷ They also plundered a great deal of the furniture, which was done without our approbation; for, after we had discoursed with Capellus and the principal men of the city, we departed from Bethmaus, and went into the Upper Galilee. But Jesus and his party slew all the Greeks that were inhabitants of Tiberias, and as many others as were their enemies before the war began.	⁶⁷ They also plundered much of the furniture, contrary to our wishes; for after our talks with Capella and the leading men of the city we had left Bethmaus and gone into Upper Galilee. But Joshua and his party killed all the Greeks living in Tiberias and many others who were their enemies before the war began.
⁶⁷ And they plundered many things, having acted contrary to our judgment; for we, after the conversation with Capellus and the chief men of the Tiberians, withdrew from Bethmaus to upper Galilee. Moreover, those around Joshua (Jesus) killed all the Greeks residing there, as many as had been their enemies before the war began.

Contact with John

⁶⁸ Πυθόμενος δ᾽ ἐγὼ ταῦτα παρωξύνθην σφόδρα, καὶ καταβὰς εἰς ΤιβεριάδαTiberias πρόνοιαν εἰσηνεγκάμην τῶν βασιλικῶν σκευῶν ὅσα δυνατὸν ἦν τοὺς ἁρπάσαντας ἀφελέσθαι· λυχνίαι δ᾽ ἦσαν ΚορίνθιαιCorinthian ταῦτα καὶ τράπεζαι τῶν βασιλικῶν καὶ ἀσήμου ἀργυρίου σταθμὸς ἱκανός· πάντα δ᾽, ὅσα παρέλαβον, φυλάσσειν ἔκρινα τῷ βασιλεῖ.
⁶⁸ When I understood this state of things, I was greatly provoked, and went down to Tiberias, and took all the care I could of the royal furniture, to recover all that could be recovered from such as had plundered it. They consisted of candlesticks made of Corinthian brass, and of royal tables, and of a great quantity of uncoined silver; and I resolved to preserve whatsoever came to my hand for the king.	⁶⁸ When I learned of this, I was highly indignant and went down to Tiberias and took what care I could of the royal furniture, recovering whatever I could from those who had plundered it. There were candlesticks of Corinthian brass and royal tables and a large amount of uncoined silver; and I resolved to keep for the king whatever I received.
⁶⁸ But I (Josephus), having learned these things, was greatly provoked, and going down to Tiberias, I brought in a measure for the royal furnishings—as much as it was possible to take away from those who had seized them. These items were Corinthian lamps and tables belonging to the royal household, and a sufficient weight of uncoined silver. I decided to guard everything I received for the king.

⁶⁹ Μεταπεμψάμενος οὖν τοὺς τῆς βουλῆς πρώτους δέκα καὶ ΚαπέλλανCapella τὸν ἈντύλλουAntyllus τὰ σκεύη παρέδωκα, μηδενὶ παραγγείλας ἑτέρῳ πλὴν ἐμοῦ δοῦναι.
⁶⁹ So I sent for ten of the principal men of the senate, and for Capellus the son of Antyllus, and committed the furniture to them, with this charge, That they should part with it to nobody else but to myself.	⁶⁹ So I sent for ten of the leading men of the council and for Capella the son of Antyllus and committed the furniture to them, with instructions to deliver it to no one but myself.
⁶⁹ Therefore, having summoned ten of the chief men of the Council and Capellus, the son of Antyllus, I handed over the furnishings, ordering them to give them to no one else but me.

⁷⁰ Κἀκεῖθεν εἰς τὰ ΓίσχαλαGischala πρὸς τὸν ἸωάννηνJohn μετὰ τῶν συμπρέσβεωνco-legates ἀφικόμην βουλόμενος γνῶναι, τί ποτε φρονεῖ. Κατεῖδον δ᾽ αὐτὸν ταχέως νεωτέρων ὀρεγόμενονto reach, stretch πραγμάτων καὶ τῆς ἀρχῆς ἐπιθυμίαν ἔχοντα·
⁷⁰ From thence I and my fellow legates went to Gischala, to John, as desirous to know his intentions, and soon saw that he was for innovations, and had a mind to the principality,	⁷⁰ From there I and my fellow legates went to Gichala, to John, wanting to know his intentions, and soon saw that he was for revolution and wished to rule the place.
⁷⁰ And from there with my co-legates I went to Gischala to John, wishing to know what he was planning. But I quickly perceived that he was striving for revolution and possessed a desire for power.

⁷¹ παρεκάλει γάρ με τὸν ΚαίσαροςCaesar σῖτον κείμενον ἐν ταῖς τῆς ἄνωθεν ΓαλιλαίαςGalilee κώμαις ἐξουσίαν αὐτῷ δοῦναι ἐκφορῆσαι· θέλειν γὰρ ἔφασκεν εἰς ἐπισκευὴν τῶν τῆς πατρίδος τειχῶν αὐτὸν ἀναλῶσαι.
⁷¹ for he desired me to give him authority to carry off that corn which belonged to Caesar, and lay in the villages of Upper Galilee; and he pretended that he would expend what it came to in building the walls of his own city.	⁷¹ He asked me for authority to seize the imperial corn stored in the villages of Upper Galilee, wishing to spend the proceeds of it in restoring the ramparts of his own town.
⁷¹ For he was urging me to give him authority to transport the grain of Caesar which was stored in the villages of upper Galilee; for he claimed he wanted to spend it (i.e., its proceeds) on the repair of the walls of his native city.

⁷² Κατανοήσας δὲ ἐγὼ τὴν‎ ἐπιχείρησινan attempt, attack αὐτοῦ‎ καὶ τί διανοοῖτο πράσσειν, οὐκ ἔφην αὐτῷ συγχωρεῖν· ἢ γὰρ ῬωμαίοιςRomans αὐτὸν ἐνενοούμην φυλάττειν ἢ ἐμαυτῷ διὰ τὸ καὶ τὴν‎ ἐξουσίαν τῶν ἐκεῖ πραγμάτων αὐτὸς παρὰ τοῦ κοινοῦ τῶν ἹεροσολυμιτῶνJerusalem πεπιστεῦσθαι.
⁷² But when I perceived what he endeavored at, and what he had in his mind, I said I would not permit him so to do; for that I thought either to keep it for the Romans or for myself, now I was entrusted with the public affairs there by the people of Jerusalem:	⁷² But perceiving his scheme and what he planned to do, I did not give consent, since, entrusted by the Jerusalem council with that whole area, I intended to reserve it either for the Romans or for my own use.
⁷² But when I understood his plans and what he intended to do, I refused to concede to him; for I intended to guard it (the grain) either for the Romans or for myself, because I myself had been entrusted with the authority over the affairs there by the community of the Jerusalemites.

⁷³ Μὴ πείθων δὲ περὶ τούτων ἐπὶ τοὺς συμπρέσβειςco-legates ἐτράπετοto turn toward· καὶ γὰρ ἦσαν ἀπρονόητοι τῶν ἐσομένωνto be καὶ λαβεῖν ἑτοιμότατοι· φθείρει δὲ χρήμασιν αὐτοὺς ψηφίσασθαι πάντα τὸν σῖτον αὐτῷ παραδοθῆναι τὸν ἐν τῇ αὐτοῦ‎ ἐπαρχίᾳ κείμενον. Κἀγὼ μόνος ἡττώμενος ὑποδὺς τὴν‎ ἡσυχίαν ἤγαγον. Καὶ δευτέραν ἸωάννηςJohn ἐπεισέφερεν πανουργίαν·
⁷³ but, when he was not able to prevail with me, he betook himself to my fellow legates; for they had no sagacity in providing for futurity, and were very ready to take bribes: so he corrupted them with money to decree, That all that corn which was within his province should be delivered to him; while I, who was but one, was outvoted by two, and held my tongue.	⁷³ When he failed to persuade me, he turned to my fellow legates, who showed no foresight of coming events and were very ready to accept money. These he bribed to vote that all that corn stored within his province should be handed over to him; while I, on my own, was outvoted by the other two and held my tongue.
⁷³ Failing, however, to persuade me concerning these matters, he turned to my co-legates; for they were improvident of the future and most ready to take bribes. He corrupted them with money to vote that all the grain lying in his own province should be handed over to him. And I, being defeated alone, adopted silence and maintained it.

⁷⁴ ἔφη γὰρ ἸουδαίουςJews τοὺς τὴν‎ ΦιλίππουPhilip ΚαισάρειανCaesarea κατοικοῦντας συγκεκλεισμένους κατὰ προσταγὴν τοῦ βασιλέως ὑποδίκου τοῦ τὴν‎ δυναστείαν διοικοῦντος πεπομφέναι πρὸς αὐτὸν παρακαλοῦντας, ἐπειδὴ οὐκ ἔχουσιν ἔλαιον ᾧ χρήσονται καθαρόν, ποιησάμενονto make, produce, create πρόνοιαν εὐπορίαν αὐτοῖς τούτου παρασχεῖν, μὴ δι᾽ ἀνάγκην ἙλληνικῷGreek χρώμενοι τὰ νόμιμα παραβαίνουσιν.
⁷⁴ Then did John introduce another cunning contrivance of his; for he said that those Jews who inhabited Caesarea Philippi, and were shut up by the order of the king’s deputy there, had sent to him to desire him, that, since they had no oil that was pure for their use, he would provide a sufficient quantity of such oil for them, lest they should be forced to make use of oil that came from the Greeks, and thereby transgress their own laws.	⁷⁴ Then John introduced another cunning plan. He said that the Jews living in Caesarea Philippi who were shut in there by Modius, the king's deputy, had sent to him requesting that, having no pure oil for their use, he provide them with a sufficient extent of such oil, lest they be forced to transgress their own laws by using Greek oil.
⁷⁴ And John introduced a second piece of cunning (or villainy). For he alleged that the Jews inhabiting Caesarea Philippi, having been shut up by order of the King's deputy (Modius) who was administering the government, had sent to him to beg that, since they did not have pure olive oil to anoint themselves with, he would provide them with a supply of it, so that they might not transgress the Law by being compelled to use Greek oil.

⁷⁵ Ταῦτα δ᾽ οὐχ ὑπ᾽ εὐσεβείας ἔλεγεν ἸωάννηςJohn, δι᾽ αἰσχροκέρδειαν δὲ φανερωτάτην· γινώσκων γὰρ παρὰ μὲν ἐκείνοις κατὰ τὴν‎ ΚαισάρειανCaesarea τοὺς δύο ξέστας δραχμῆς μιᾶς πωλουμένους, ἐν δὲ τοῖς ΓισχάλοιςGischala τοὺς ὀγδοήκοντα ξέστας δραχμῶν τεσσάρων, πᾶν τὸ ἔλαιον ὅσον ἦν ἐκεῖ διεπέμψατο λαβὼν ἐξουσίαν καὶ παρ᾽ ἐμοῦ τὸ δοκεῖν·
⁷⁵ Now this was said by John, not out of his regard to religion, but out of his most flagrant desire of gain; for he knew that two sectaries were sold with them of Caesarea for one drachma; but that at Gischala fourscore sectaries were sold for four sectaries: so he gave order that all the oil which was there should be carried away, as having my permission for so doing;	⁷⁵ This was said by John, not for the sake of religion, from outright profiteering; for he knew that two pints were sold in Caesarea for one drachma, while at Gischala eighty pints cost four drachmas. So he sent off all the oil from the place, claiming my permission for doing so.
⁷⁵ But John was not saying these things out of piety, but out of the most manifest love of base gain. For, knowing that among those in Caesarea two xestes [= 1 litre] were being sold for one drachma, while among the people of Gischala eighty xestes [= 40 litres] were being sold for four drachmas, he dispatched all the oil that was there, having received the authority (to do so), and also a seeming authorization from me. [Thus he made 10 times the profit on each litre.]

⁷⁶ οὐ γὰρ ἑκὼν ἐπέτρεπον, ἀλλὰ διὰ φόβον τὸν ἀπὸ τοῦ πλήθους, μὴ κωλύων καταλευσθείην ὑπ᾽ αὐτῶν. Συγχωρήσαντος οὖν μου πλείστων χρημάτων ὁ ἸωάννηςJohn ἐκ τῆς κακουργίας ταύτης εὐπόρησε.
⁷⁶ which yet I did not grant him voluntarily, but only out of fear of the multitude, since, if I had forbidden him, I should have been stoned by them.—When I had therefore permitted this to be done by John, he gained vast sums of money by this his knavery.	⁷⁶ However I did not allow this willingly, but only out of fear that if I had forbidden it, the mob would have stoned me. When I had allowed this, John made vast sums of money by his trickery.
⁷⁶ For I did not willingly permit this, but through fear of the multitude, lest by preventing (them) I should be stoned by them. Therefore, since I consented, John profited from this villainy with a very great amount of money.

Chapter 4 Josephus as peaceful defender of Galilee
77-100

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The Policy and Reputation of Josephus

⁷⁷ Τοὺς δὲ συμπρέσβειςco-legates ἀπὸ τῶν ΓισχάλωνGischala ἀπολύσας εἰς τὰ ἹεροσόλυμαJerusalem πρόνοιαν ἐποιούμην ὅπλων τε κατασκευῆς καὶ πόλεων ἐχυρότητος. Μεταπεμψάμενος δὲ τῶν λῃστῶν τοὺς ἀνδρειοτάτους ἀφελέσθαι μὲν αὐτῶν τὰ ὅπλα οὐχ οἷόν τε ὂν ἑώρων, ἔπεισαto persuade δὲ τὸ πλῆθος μισθοφορὰν αὐτοῖς παρέχειν, ἄμεινον εἶναι λέγων ἑκόντας ὀλίγα διδόναι μᾶλλον ἢ τὰς κτήσεις διαρπαζομένας ὑπ᾽ αὐτῶν περιορᾶν.
⁷⁷ But when I had dismissed my fellow legates, and sent them back to Jerusalem, I took care to have arms provided, and the cities fortified; and when I had sent for the most hardy among the robbers, I saw that it was not in my power to take their arms from them; but I persuaded the multitude to allow them money as pay, and told them it was better for them to give them a little willingly rather than to [be forced to] overlook them when they plundered their goods from them.	⁷⁷ After letting my fellow legates return from Gischala to Jerusalem, I took care about providing arms and having the cities fortified. Then, sending for the hardiest of the brigands and seeing that I could not disarm them, I persuaded the people to pay them as mercenaries, saying that it was better to pay them a little willingly, rather than to look on and see their goods plundered.
⁷⁷ But having dismissed the co-legates from Gischala to Jerusalem, I was making provision for the manufacture of weapons and the fortifying of the cities. But having sent for the bravest of the robbers, I saw that it was not possible to take their weapons from them. But I persuaded the people to provide them with pay, saying it was better to give a little willingly than to see their possessions being plundered by them.

⁷⁸ Καὶ λαβὼν παρ᾽ αὐτῶν ὅρκους μὴ ἀφίξεσθαι πρότερον εἰς τὴν‎ χώραν, ἐὰν μὴ μετακληθῶσιν ἢ ὅταν τὸν μισθὸν μὴ λάβωσιν, ἀπέλυσα παραγγείλας μήτε ῬωμαίοιςRomans πολεμεῖν μήτε τοῖς περιοίκοις· εἰρηνεύεσθαι γὰρ πρὸ πάντων τὴν‎ ΓαλιλαίανGalilee ἐφρόντιζον.
⁷⁸ And when I had obliged them to take an oath not to come into that country, unless they were invited to come, or else when they had not their pay given them, I dismissed them, and charged them neither to make an expedition against the Romans, nor against those their neighbors that lay round about them; for my first care was to keep Galilee in peace.	⁷⁸ Then, obliging them under oath not to enter the district except by invitation, or when their pay was in arrears, I dismissed them with instructions to attack neither the Romans or their neighbours; for my first care was keeping the peace in Galilee.
⁷⁸ And having taken oaths from them that they would not return to the country until they were recalled or until they did not receive their pay, I dismissed them, having given orders neither to fight the Romans nor their neighbors; for my first concern was that Galilee should be at peace.

⁷⁹ Τοὺς δ᾽ ἐν τέλει τῶν ΓαλιλαίωνGalilee ὅσον ἑβδομήκοντα πάντας βουλόμενος ἐν προφάσει φιλίας καθάπερ ὅμηρα τῆς πίστεως ἔχειν φίλους τε καὶ συνεκδήμους ἐποιησάμην ἐπί τε κρίσεις παρελάμβανον καὶ μετὰ γνώμης τῆς ἐκείνων τὰς ἀποφάσεις ἐποιούμην, μήτε προπετείᾳreckless attitude πειρώμενος τοῦ δικαίου διαμαρτάνειν καθαρεύειν τε παντὸς ἐπ᾽ αὐταῖς λήμματος.
⁷⁹ So I was willing to have the principal of the Galileans, in all seventy, as hostages for their fidelity, but still under the notion of friendship. Accordingly, I made them my friends and companions as I journeyed, and set them to judge causes; and with their approbation it was that I gave my sentences, while I endeavored not to mistake what justice required, and to keep my hands clear of all bribery in those determinations.	⁷⁹ Under the guise of friendship, I had as my travelling companions seventy leading Galileans, holding them hostage for the fidelity of their district. I set them to judge cases; and it was with their approval that I gave my sentences, trying to avoid over-hasty judgments and in these matters to keep my hands clear of all bribery.
⁷⁹ Wishing to hold all the Galilean officials, about seventy of them, as if they were hostages of loyalty under the pretext of friendship, I made them my friends and companions on journeys. I also took them along for trials and rendered the decisions with their approval, striving neither to miss justice through rashness, nor to take any bribe in connection with the decisions.

⁸⁰ περὶ τριακοστὸν γοῦν ἔτος ὑπάρχων, ἐν ᾧ χρόνῳ, κἂν ἀπέχηταίto keep off, keep away τις τῶν παρανόμων ἐπιθυμιῶν, δύσκολον τὰς ἐκ τοῦ φθόνου διαβολὰς φεύγειν ἄλλως τε καὶ ἐξουσίας ὄντα μεγάλης, γυναῖκα μὲν πᾶσαν ἀνύβριστον ἐφύλαξα, πάντων δὲ τῶν διδομένων ὡς μὴ χρῄζων κατεφρόνησα, ἀλλ᾽ οὐδὲ τὰς ὀφειλομένας μοι ὡς ἱερεῖ δεκάτας ἀπελάμβανονto take from another παρὰ τῶν κομιζόντων·
⁸⁰ I was now about the thirtieth year of my age; in which time of life it is a hard thing for any one to escape the calumnies of the envious, although he restrain himself from fulfilling any unlawful desires, especially where a person is in great authority. Yet did I preserve every woman free from injuries; and as to what presents were offered me, I despised them, as not standing in need of them; nor indeed would I take those tithes, which were due to me as a priest, from those that brought them.	⁸⁰ I was now about thirty years of age, an age at which, it is hard for anyone, especially if he holds high office and even if he refrains from lawless passions, to avoid the calumny of the envious. Yet I protected every woman's honour, and refused to accept any gifts that were offered to me; I would not even accept from those who offered them the tithes due to me as a priest.
⁸⁰ When I was about thirty years old (67 AD), at which time, even if someone abstains from unlawful desires, it is difficult to escape the slanders that arise from envy, especially when one holds great authority, I kept every woman free from outrage (or treated her with respect), and I scorned all the gifts offered (to me), as if I did not need them; moreover, I did not even accept the tithes owed to me as a priest from those who brought them.

⁸¹ ἐκ μέντοι τῶν λαφύρων μέρος τοὺς ΣύρουςSyrians τοὺς τὰς περὶ πόλεις κατοικοῦντας νικήσας ἔλαβον, ἃ καὶ εἰς ἹεροσόλυμαJerusalem τοῖς συγγενέσιν ὁμολογῶ πεπομφέναι.
⁸¹ Yet do I confess, that I took part of the spoils of those Syrians which inhabited the cities that adjoined to us, when I had conquered them, and that I sent them to my kindred at Jerusalem;	⁸¹ However, I did take a part of the spoils after defeating the Syrian inhabitants of the adjoining cities and sent them to my relatives in Jerusalem.
⁸¹ However, I took a share of the spoils after defeating the Syrians inhabiting the surrounding cities, which I also admit I sent to my relatives in Jerusalem.

⁸² Καὶ δὶς μὲν κατὰ κράτος ἑλὼν ΣεπφωρίταςSepphoris, ΤιβεριεῖςTiberias τετράκιςfour times, ΓαδαρεῖςGadara δ᾽ ἅπαξ, καὶ τὸν ἸωάννηνJohn πολλάκις ἐπιβουλεύσαντά μοι λαβὼν ὑποχείριον οὔτ᾽ αὐτὸν οὔτε τινὰς τῶν προειρημένων ἐθνῶν ἐτιμωρησάμην, ὡς προϊὼν ὁ λόγος παραστήσει.
⁸² although, when I twice took Sepphoris by force, and Tiberias four times, and Gadara once, and when I had subdued and taken John, who often laid treacherous snares for me, I did not punish [with death] either him or any of the people forenamed, as the progress of this discourse will show.	⁸² But though I twice took Sepphoris by storm and Tiberias four times and Gadara once, and though I had John at my mercy, who so often conspired against me, I did not execute either him or any of the other people, as this account will go on to show.
⁸² And though I conquered the people of Sepphoris twice by force, the people of Tiberias four times, and the people of Gadara once, and captured John, who had often plotted against me, I punished neither him nor any of the previously mentioned groups, as my narrative will demonstrate as it proceeds.

⁸³ Διὰ τοῦτ᾽ οἶμαι καὶ τὸν θεόνGod, οὐ γὰρ λελήθασιν αὐτὸν οἱ τὰ δέοντα πράττοντεςto do, accomplish, καὶ ἐκ τῆς ἐκείνων ῥύσασθαί με χειρὸς καὶ μετὰ ταῦτα πολλοῖς περιπεσόντα κινδύνοις διαφυλάξαι, περὶ ὧν ὕστερον ἀπαγγελοῦμεν.
⁸³ And on this account, I suppose, it was that God, who is never unacquainted with those that do as they ought to do, delivered me still out of the hands of these my enemies, and afterwards preserved me when I fell into those many dangers which I shall relate hereafter.	⁸³ This, I believe, is why God, who never forgets those who do their duty, saved me from their hands and subsequently saved me amid the many dangers which I shall later relate.
⁸³ Because of this, I believe that God, (for those who do what is right do not escape His notice) both rescued me from their hands and afterward preserved me when I fell into many dangers, concerning which I shall report later.

⁸⁴ Τοσαύτη δ᾽ ἦν ἡ πρός με τοῦ πλήθους τῶν ΓαλιλαίωνGalilee εὔνοια καὶ πίστις, ὥστε ληφθεισῶν αὐτῶν κατὰ κράτος τῶν πόλεων, γυναικῶν δὲ καὶ τέκνων ἀνδραποδισθέντων, οὐχ οὕτως ταῖς ἑαυτῶν ἐπεστέναξαν συμφοραῖς, ὥσπερ τῆς ἐμῆς ἐφρόντισαν σωτηρίας.
⁸⁴ Now the multitude of the Galileans had that great kindness for me, and fidelity to me, that when their cities were taken by force, and their wives and children carried into slavery, they did not so deeply lament for their own calamities, as they were solicitous for my preservation.	⁸⁴ The ordinary Galilean people showed me such great kindness and fidelity that when their cities were taken by storm and their wives and children brought into slavery, they were concerned not only for their own misfortunes but also for my preservation.
⁸⁴ So great was the goodwill and loyalty of the Galilean populace toward me that, even when their cities were taken by force, and their wives and children enslaved, they did not mourn their own calamities so much as they were concerned for my safety.

⁸⁵ Ταῦτα δ᾽ ὁρῶν ἸωάννηςJohn ἐφθόνησεto be envious, καὶ γράφει πρός με παρακαλῶν ἐπιτρέψαι καταβάντι χρήσασθαι τοῖς ἐν ΤιβεριάδιTiberians θερμοῖς ὕδασι τῆς τοῦ σώματος ἕνεκα θεραπείας.
⁸⁵ But when John saw this, he envied me, and wrote to me, desiring that I would give him leave to come down, and make use of the hot baths of Tiberias for the recovery of the health of his body.	⁸⁵ Seeing this, John envied me and wrote to me, asking my permission to come down and use the hot-baths of Tiberias for the good of his health.
⁸⁵ But John, seeing these things, became envious, and he wrote to me, urging me to permit him to come down and use the hot springs in Tiberias for the sake of his bodily health.

⁸⁶ Κἀγὼ μηδὲν ὑποπτεύσας πράξειν αὐτὸν πονηρὸν οὐκ ἐκώλυσα· πρὸς δὲ καὶ τοῖς τῆς ΤιβεριάδοςTiberias τὴν‎ διοίκησιν ὑπ᾽ ἐμοῦ πεπιστευμένοις κατ᾽ ὄνομα γράφω κατάλυσιν ἑτοιμάσαι τῷ ἸωάννῃJohn καὶ τοῖς ἀφιξομένοιςto arrive at σὺν αὐτῷ πάντων τε τῶν ἐπιτηδείωνuseful, necessary ἀφθονίανfree from envy παρασχεῖν. Διέτριβον δὲ κατὰ τὸν καιρὸν ἐκεῖνον ἐν κώμῃ τῆς ΓαλιλαίαςGalilee, ἣ προσαγορεύεται ΚανάCana.
⁸⁶ Accordingly, I did not hinder him, as having no suspicion of any wicked designs of his; and I wrote to those to whom I had committed the administration of the affairs of Tiberias by name, that they should provide a lodging for John, and for such as should come with him, and should procure him what necessaries soever he should stand in need of. Now at this time my abode was in a village of Galilee, which is named Cana.	⁸⁶ Suspecting no bad intention, I did not hinder him, but wrote personally to those to whom I had entrusted the administration of Tiberias, to provide a lodging for John and whoever might accompany him and provide him with whatever he needed. At this time I was staying at a village of Galilee, called Cana.
⁸⁶ And I, suspecting that he would do nothing evil, did not prevent him. Moreover, I also wrote a personal letter to those in Tiberias entrusted by me with the administration, ordering them to prepare lodging for John and those arriving with him, and to provide an abundance of all necessary provisions. Now, I was spending time at that time in a village of Galilee, which is called Cana.

The Treachery of John

⁸⁷ Ὁ δ᾽ ἸωάννηςJohn ἀφικόμενος εἰς τὴν‎ ΤιβεριέωνTiberias πόλιν ἔπειθεto persuade τοὺς ἀνθρώπους ἀποστάντας τῆς πρός με πίστεως προστίθεσθαι αὐτῷ. Καὶ πολλοὶ τὴν‎ παράκλησιν ἡδέως ἐδέξαντο νεωτέρων ἐπιθυμοῦντες αἰεὶ πραγμάτων καὶ φύσει πρὸς μεταβολὰς ἐπιτηδείως ἔχοντες καὶ στάσεσι χαίροντες.
⁸⁷ But when John was come to the city of Tiberias, he persuaded the men to revolt from their fidelity to me, and to adhere to him; and many of them gladly received that invitation of his, as ever fond of innovations, and by nature disposed to changes, and delighting in seditions;	⁸⁷ But when John reached Tiberias, he persuaded the population to abandon their fidelity to me and come over to him; and many of them gladly accepted his invitation, as they were ever addicted to novelty and by nature attracted to change.
⁸⁷ But John, having arrived at the city of the people of Tiberias, began persuading the men to abandon their loyalty to me and attach themselves to him. And many received the appeal gladly, since they were always eager for revolutions and changes, being naturally disposed toward shifts in power, and delighting in sedition.

⁸⁸ Μάλιστα δὲ ἸοῦστοςJustus καὶ ὁ πατὴρ αὐτοῦ‎ Πιστὸς ὡρμήκεσαν ἀποστάντες ἐμοῦ προσθέσθαι τῷ ἸωάννῃJohn. Διεκώλυσα δ᾽ αὐτοὺς φθάσας·
⁸⁸ but they were chiefly Justus and his father Pistus that were earnest for their revolt from me, and their adherence to John. But I came upon them, and prevented them;	⁸⁸ In particular, Justus and his father Pistus were quick to desert me go over to him; but my speedy coming thwarted them.
⁸⁸ But most notably, Justus and his father Pistus were eager to desert me and attach themselves to John. But I anticipated and stopped them.

⁸⁹ ἧκεν γὰρ ἄγγελός μοι παρὰ ΣίλαSilas, ὃν ἐγὼ καθεστάκειν τῆς ΤιβεριάδοςTiberias στρατηγόν, ὡς προεῖπον, τὴν‎ τῶν ΤιβεριέωνTiberias γνώμην ἀπαγγέλλων κἀμὲ σπεύδειν παρακαλῶν· βραδύναντος γὰρ ὑπὸ τὴν‎ ἑτέρων ἐξουσίαν γενέσθαι τὴν‎ πόλιν.
⁸⁹ for a messenger had come to me from Silas, whom I had made governor of Tiberias, as I have said already, and had told me of the inclinations of the people of Tiberias, and advised me to make haste thither; for that, if I made any delay, the city would come under another’s jurisdiction.	⁸⁹ A messenger came to me from Silas, whom as I have said I had made governor of Tiberias, telling me of the mood of the Tiberians and advising me to hurry there, since if I delayed, the city would come under the power of others.
⁸⁹ For a messenger came to me from Silas, whom I had appointed as commander of Tiberias, as I said before, reporting the intent of the Tiberians and urging me to hurry. For, had I delayed, the city would have fallen under the control of the others.

⁹⁰ Ἐντυχὼν οὖν τοῖς γράμμασι τοῦ ΣίλαSilas καὶ διακοσίους ἀναλαβὼν ἄνδρας δι᾽ ὅλης τῆς νυκτὸς τὴν‎ πορείαν ἐποιούμην, προπέμψας ἄγγελον τὸν τὴν‎ ἐμὴν παρουσίαν τοῖς ἐν τῇ ΤιβεριάδιTiberians σημανοῦντα.
⁹⁰ Upon the receipt of this letter of Silas, I took two hundred men along with me, and traveled all night, having sent before a messenger to let the people of Tiberias know that I was coming to them.	⁹⁰ Having read this letter of Silas, I took two hundred men with me and travelled all night, sending before me a messenger to tell the Tiberians that I was coming.
⁹⁰ Therefore, having received the letters of Silas and having taken two hundred men, I carried out the journey throughout the whole night, sending ahead a messenger who would signal my presence to those in Tiberias.

⁹¹ Πρωῒ δὲ πλησιάζοντος ἐμοῦ τῇ πόλει τὸ πλῆθος ὑπηντίαζεν καὶ ἸωάννηςJohn σὺν αὐτοῖς, καὶ πάνυ με τεταραγμένωςto shake, stir up ἀσπασάμενος, δείσας μὴ εἰς ἔλεγχον αὐτοῦ‎ τῆς πράξεως ἀφικομένηςto arrive at ἀπολέσθαι κινδυνεύσῃ, ὑπεχώρησε μετὰ σπουδῆς εἰς τὴν‎ ἑαυτοῦ κατάλυσιν.
⁹¹ When I came near to the city, which was early in the morning, the multitude came out to meet me, and John came with them, and saluted me, but in a most disturbed manner, as being afraid that my coming was to call him to an account for what I was now sensible he was doing. So he, in great haste, went to his lodging.	⁹¹ At dawn, as I approached the city, the people came out to meet me, including John who greeted me in some confusion and, fearing that my coming was to call him to account for what I knew he was doing, hurried back to his lodging.
⁹¹ But in the early morning, as I was approaching the city, the multitude came out to meet me, and John with them. And having greeted me in a very disturbed manner, he withdrew with haste to his lodging, fearing that if his action came to light, he might be in danger of dying.

⁹² Κἀγὼ δὲ γενόμενος κατὰ τὸ στάδιον τοὺς περὶ ἐμὲ σωματοφύλακαςbodyguard ἀπολύσας πλὴν ἑνὸς καὶ μετὰ τούτου κατασχὼν δέκα τῶν ὁπλιτῶν δημηγορεῖν ἐπειρώμηνto attempt τῷ πλήθει τῶν ΤιβεριέωνTiberias στὰς ἐπὶ τριγχοῦin three parts τινος ὑψηλοῦ, παρεκάλουν τε μὴ οὕτως αὐτοὺς ταχέως ἀφίστασθαι·
⁹² But when I was in the open place of the city, having dismissed the guards I had about me, excepting one, and ten armed men that were with him, I attempted to make a speech to the multitude of the people of Tiberias; and standing on a certain elevated place, I entreated them not to be so hasty in their revolt;	⁹² Reaching the stadium, I dismissed my bodyguards except one, and bringing along ten soldiers, standing on a platform I attempted to make a speech to the ordinary people of Tiberias, imploring them not to be so hasty in their revolt.
⁹² And I, having reached the stadium, dismissed my bodyguards except for one, and keeping ten of the hoplites [soldiers] with me and standing on a certain high platform, I began to address the populace of Tiberias, and I exhorted them not to revolt so hastily.

⁹³ κατάγνωσιν γὰρ αὐτοῖς οἴσειν τὴν‎ μεταβολήν, καὶ τῷ μετὰ ταῦτα προϊσταμένῳ δι᾽ ὑποψίαςsuspicion, jealousy γενήσεσθαι δικαίας, ὡς μηδὲ τὴν‎ πρὸς ἐκεῖνον πίστιν φυλαξόντων.
⁹³ for that such a change in their behavior would be to their reproach, and that they would then justly be suspected by those that should be their governors hereafter, as if they were not likely to be faithful to them neither.	⁹³ I told them such a change would lower their reputation and rightly make them suspected by their future governor, as unlikely to be faithful to him either.
⁹³ For the change (of allegiance) would bring condemnation upon them, and they would justly incur the suspicion of the next governor, on the grounds that they would not keep their loyalty to him either.

⁹⁴ Οὔπω δέ μοι πάντα λελάλητο, καί τινος ἐξήκουσα τῶν οἰκείων καταβαίνειν κελεύοντος· οὐ γάρ μοι καιρὸν εἶναι φροντίζειν τῆς παρὰ ΤιβεριέωνTiberias εὐνοίας, ἀλλὰ περὶ τῆς ἰδίας σωτηρίας καὶ πῶς τοὺς ἐχθροὺς φύγω.
⁹⁴ But before I had spoken all I designed, I heard one of my own domestics bidding me come down; for that it was not a proper time to take care of retaining the good will of the people of Tiberias, but to provide for my own safety, and escape my enemies there;	⁹⁴ Before I had finished speaking, I heard one of my own men bidding me come down, as it was no time to be worrying about the good-will of the Tiberians, but about my own safety and how to escape from my enemies.
⁹⁴ I had not finished delivering all my speech, when I heard one of my own men ordering me to come down; for (he said) it was not the time for me to be concerned with the goodwill of the Tiberians, but about my own safety and how I might escape my enemies.

⁹⁵ Πεπόμφει δ᾽ ὁ ἸωάννηςJohn τῶν περὶ αὐτὸν ὁπλιτῶν ἐπιλέξας τοὺς πιστοτάτους ἐκ τῶν χιλίων, οἵπερ ἦσαν αὐτῷ, καὶ προσέταξεν τοῖς πεμφθεῖσιν ἀνελεῖν με πεπυσμένος ὡς εἴην μετὰ τῶν οἰκείων μεμονωμένος.
⁹⁵ for John had chosen the most trusty of those armed men that were about him out of those thousand that he had with him, and had given them orders when he sent them to kill me, having learned that I was alone, excepting some of my domestics.	⁹⁵ For John, having learned that I was alone apart from a few personal attendants, had chosen the most trusty of the thousand soldiers at his disposal, and sent them with orders to kill me.
⁹⁵ Because John, having selected the most trustworthy of the hoplites [soldiers] around him out of the thousand he had, had sent them, and he commanded those who had been sent to kill me, having learned that I was alone with only my own people.

⁹⁶ Ἧκον δ᾽ οἱ πεμφθέντες, κἂν ἐπεπράχεισαν, εἰ μὴ τοῦ τριγχοῦin three parts θᾶττον ἀφαλόμενος ἐγὼ μετὰ τοῦ σωματοφύλακοςbodyguard ἸακώβουJacob καὶ ὑπό τινος ΤιβεριέωςTiberias ἩρώδουHerod προσανακουφισθείς, ὁδηγηθεὶς ὑπὸ τούτου ἐπὶ τὴν‎ λίμνην καὶ πλοίου λαβόμενος καὶ ἐπιβὰς παρὰ δόξαν τοὺς ἐχθροὺς διαφυγὼν εἰς ΤαριχέαςTarichea ἀφικόμην.
⁹⁶ So those that were sent came as they were ordered, and they had executed what they came about, had I not leaped down from the elevation I stood on, and with one of my guards, whose name was James, been carried [out of the crowd] upon the back of one Herod of Tiberias, and guided by him down to the lake, where I seized a ship, and got into it and escaped my enemies unexpectedly, and came to Taricheae.	⁹⁶ They arrived as ordered and would have done their job if I had not jumped down from the platform and, along with James my guard, was helped by one Herod of Tiberias and had him guide me down to the lake, where I seized a boat and embarked, and after surprisingly escaping my enemies, reached Tarichea.
⁹⁶ Now the men who had been sent arrived, and they would have carried out their task, had I not leaped quickly down from the platform with my bodyguard Jacob, and been helped up by a certain Tiberian named Herod. He guided me to the lake, and having seized a boat and boarded it, I unexpectedly escaped my enemies and arrived at Tarichaea.

⁹⁷ Οἱ δὲ τὴν‎ πόλιν ταύτην κατοικοῦντες ὡς ἐπύθοντοto ask, inquire τὴν‎ τῶν ΤιβεριέωνTiberias ἀπιστίαν, σφόδρα παρωξύνθησαν. Ἁρπάσαντες οὖν τὰ ὅπλα παρεκάλουν σφᾶς ἄγειν ἐπ᾽ αὐτούς· θέλειν γὰρ ἔφασκονto say, affirm ὑπὲρ τοῦ στρατηγοῦ δίκας λαβεῖν παρ᾽ αὐτῶν.
⁹⁷ Now, as soon as the inhabitants of that city understood the perfidiousness of the people of Tiberias, they were greatly provoked at them. So they snatched up their arms, and desired me to be their leader against them; for they said they would avenge their commander’s cause upon them.	⁹⁷ The people of that city, hearing of the treachery of the Tiberians, were highly indignant. So they took up arms and asked me to lead an attack on them, wishing to avenge their general.
⁹⁷ But the inhabitants of this city, when they learned of the disloyalty of the Tiberians, were greatly incensed. Therefore, seizing their weapons, they urged me to lead them against the Tiberians; for they declared they wished to take vengeance on them on behalf of the commander.

⁹⁸ Διήγγελλον δὲ τὰ γεγονότα καὶ τοῖς κατὰ τὴν‎ ΓαλιλαίανGalilee πᾶσαν ἐρεθίσαι καὶ τούτους κατὰ τῶν ΤιβεριέωνTiberias διὰ σπουδῆς ἔχοντες, παρεκάλουν τε πλείστους συναχθέντας ἀφικέσθαι πρὸς αὐτούς, ἵνα μετὰ γνώμης τοῦ στρατηγοῦ πράττωσιν τὸ δόξαν.
⁹⁸ They also carried the report of what had been done to me to all the Galileans, and eagerly endeavored to irritate them against the people of Tiberias, and desired that vast numbers of them would get together, and come to them, that they might act in concert with their commander, what should be determined as fit to be done.	⁹⁸ They also reported to all the Galileans what had been done to me and eagerly sought to stir them against the Tiberians, wanting a large number to join them, that they should decide with their general what should be done.
⁹⁸ And they were reporting the events to all those throughout Galilee, being eager to quickly arouse these people also against the Tiberians. And they urged the greatest possible number, having assembled, to come to them, so that they might execute the decision with the approval of the commander.

⁹⁹ Ἧκον οὖν οἱ ΓαλιλαῖοιGalileans πολλοὶ πανταχόθεν μεθ᾽ ὅπλων καὶ παρεκελεύοντό μοι προσβαλεῖν τῇ ΤιβεριάδιTiberians καὶ κατὰ κράτος αὐτὴν ἐξελεῖν καὶ πᾶσαν ἔδαφος ποιήσαντα τοὺς ἐνοίκους σὺν γυναιξὶ καὶ τέκνοις ἀνδραποδίσασθαι. Συνεβούλευονc δὲ ταῦτα καὶ τῶν φίλων οἱ ἐκ τῆς ΤιβεριάδοςTiberias διασωθέντες.
⁹⁹ Accordingly, the Galileans came to me in great numbers, from all parts, with their weapons, and besought me to assault Tiberias, to take it by force, and to demolish it, till it lay even with the ground, and then to make slaves of its inhabitants, with their wives and children. Those that were Josephus’s friends also, and had escaped out of Tiberias, gave him the same advice.	⁹⁹ So from all parts the Galileans came to me, armed and in large numbers, and begged me to attack Tiberias, to take it by force and demolish it to the ground, and reduce its inhabitants, with their wives and children, to slavery; my own friends who had escaped from Tiberias, also gave the same advice.
⁹⁹ Therefore, many Galileans came from every direction with arms and urged me to attack Tiberias and take it by storm and, having razed the entire city to the ground, to enslave the inhabitants along with their wives and children. And these things were also being advised by those of my friends who had escaped from Tiberias.

¹⁰⁰ Ἐγὼ δὲ οὐ συνεπένευον δεινὸν ἡγούμενος ἐμφυλίουkinsfolk πολέμου κατάρχειν· μέχρι λόγων γὰρ ᾤμην εἶναι δεῖν τὴν‎ φιλονεικίαν. Καὶ μὴν οὐδ᾽ αὐτοῖς ἔφασκονto say, affirm συμφέρειν τοῦτο πρᾶξαι ῬωμαίωνRoman, Latin ταῖς πρὸς ἀλλήλους στάσεσιν αὐτοὺς ἀπολέσθαι προσδοκώντων. Ταῦτα δὲ λέγων ἔπαυσαto stop τῆς ὀργῆς τοὺς ΓαλιλαίουςGalilean.
¹⁰⁰ But I did not comply with them, thinking it a terrible thing to begin a civil war among them; for I thought that this contention ought not to proceed further than words; nay, I told them that it was not for their own advantage to do what they would have me to do, while the Romans expected no other than that we should destroy one another by our mutual seditions; and by saying this, I put a stop to the anger of the Galileans.	¹⁰⁰ But I did not agree, horrified at the prospect of beginning a civil war; for I thought that this quarrel should go no further than words. I said it was not expedient to do what they proposed, as the Romans were only waiting for us to destroy each other by our mutual revolts. With these words, I calmed the anger of the Galileans.
¹⁰⁰ But I did not assent, since I considered it a terrible thing to begin a civil war; for I thought the rivalry (or dispute) ought to remain only a matter of words. Moreover, I told them that it was not advantageous even for themselves to do this, since the Romans were expecting them to be destroyed by their internal dissensions (or factions). Saying these things, I calmed the Galileans' anger.

Chapter 5 Risks run by Josephus, for the sake of justice
101-125

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¹⁰¹ Ὁ δὲ ἸωάννηςJohn ἀπράκτουdisabling τῆς ἐπιβουλῆς αὐτῷ γενομένης ἔδεισε περὶ ἑαυτοῦ, καὶ τοὺς περὶ αὐτὸν ὁπλίταςarmed warrior ἀναλαβὼν ἀπῆρεν ἐκ τῆς ΤιβεριάδοςTiberias εἰς τὰ ΓίσχαλαGischala, καὶ γράφει πρός με περὶ τῶν πεπραγμένων ἀπολογούμενος ὡς μὴ κατὰ γνώμην τὴν‎ αὐτοῦ‎ γενομένων, παρακαλεῖ τε μηδὲν ὑπονοεῖν κατ᾽ αὐτοῦ‎ προστιθεὶς ὅρκους καὶ δεινάς τινας ἀράςcurse, oath, δι᾽ ὧν ᾤετο πιστευθήσεσθαι περὶ ὧν ἐπέστειλεν.
¹⁰¹ But now John was afraid for himself, since his treachery had proved unsuccessful; so he took the armed men that were about him, and removed from Tiberias to Gischala, and wrote to me to apologize for himself concerning what had been done, as if it had been done without his approbation; and desired me to have no suspicion of him to his disadvantage. He also added oaths and certain horrible curses upon himself, and supposed he should be thereby believed in the points he wrote about to me.	¹⁰¹ John was now afraid for himself, since his treachery had failed, so he took his soldiers and moved from Tiberias to Gischala and wrote to me an apology, as if what had been done had been without his approval and asking me not to think badly of him. He ended with oaths and horrible curses, to confirm the contents of his letter.
¹⁰¹ But John, when his plot failed, feared for himself, and taking the hoplites around him, he departed from Tiberias to Gischala, and he wrote to me defending himself concerning the things that had happened as not being done according to his will. He urged me to suspect nothing against him, adding oaths and certain dreadful curses, by which he thought he would be believed regarding the things he wrote.

¹⁰² Οἱ δὲ ΓαλιλαῖοιGalileans, πολλοὶ γὰρ ἕτεροι πάλιν ἐκ τῆς χώρας πάσης ἀνήχθησαν μεθ᾽ ὅπλων, εἰδότες τὸν ἄνθρωπον ὡς πονηρός ἐστιν καὶ ἐπίορκος, παρεκάλουν ἀγαγεῖν σφᾶς ἐπ᾽ αὐτόν, ἄρδην ἀφανίσειν ἐπαγγελλόμενοι σὺν αὐτῷ καὶ τὰ ΓίσχαλαGischala.
¹⁰² But now another great number of the Galileans came together again with their weapons, as knowing the man, how wicked and how sadly perjured he was, and desired me to lead them against him, and promised me that they would utterly destroy both him and Gischala.	¹⁰² The Galileans, since many more from the whole region had gathered in arms, knowing the man as a villain and a perjurer, asked me to lead them against him, to exterminate both him and Gischala.
¹⁰² But the Galileans—for many others had again been led up from all the surrounding country with arms—knowing that the man was wicked and a perjurer, urged me to lead them against him, promising to utterly destroy both him and Gischala with him.

¹⁰³ Χάριν μὲν οὖν ἔχειν αὐτῶν ταῖς προθυμίαιςreadiness, eagerness ὡμολόγουν ἐγὼ καὶ νικήσειν αὐτῶν τὴν‎ εὔνοιαν ἐπηγγελλόμην, παρεκάλουν δ᾽ ὅμως ἐπισχεῖν αὐτοὺς ἀξιῶν καὶ συγγινώσκειν μοι δεόμενος προῃρημένῳ τὰς ταραχὰς χωρὶς φόνων Καταστέλλειν. Καὶ πείσας τὸ πλῆθος τῶν ΓαλιλαίωνGalilee εἰς τὴν‎ ΣέπφωρινSepphoris ἀφικνούμην.
¹⁰³ Hereupon I professed that I was obliged to them for their readiness to serve me; and that I would more than requite their good will to me. However, I entreated them to restrain themselves; and begged of them to give me leave to do what I intended, which was to put an end to these troubles without bloodshed; and when I had prevailed with the multitude of the Galileans to let me do so, I came to Sepphoris.	¹⁰³ I expressed gratitude to them for their readiness to serve me and promised to more than repay their good-will; but implored them to refrain and allow me do what I intended, which was to put an end to these troubles without bloodshed; and when I had prevailed on the Galileans to let me do so, I came to Sepphoris.
¹⁰³ I, then, acknowledged that I owed thanks to their eagerness, and promised that I would overcome their goodwill, but I nonetheless urged them to restrain themselves, requesting and begging them to excuse me because I had resolved to suppress the disturbances without bloodshed. And having persuaded the multitude of the Galilaeans, I departed for Sepphoris.

Josephus at Sepphoris

¹⁰⁴ Οἱ δὲ τὴν‎ πόλιν ταύτην κατοικοῦντες ἄνδρες κεκρικότες τῇ πρὸς ῬωμαίουςRomans ἐμμεῖναι πίστει, δεδιότες δὲ τὴν‎ ἐμὴν ἄφιξιν, ἐπειράθησανto attempt ἑτέρᾳ με πράξει περισπάσαντες ἀδεεῖςwithout fear εἶναι περὶ ἑαυτῶν.
¹⁰⁴ But the inhabitants of this city having determined to continue in their allegiance to the Romans, were afraid of my coming to them; and tried, by putting me upon another action, to divert me, that they might be freed from the terror they were in.	¹⁰⁴ The people of this city having decided to continue faithful to the Romans, were afraid of my arrival and sought security for themselves by diverting my attention elsewhere.
¹⁰⁴ The men, however, who inhabit this city, having resolved to remain faithful to the Romans, yet fearing my arrival. They attempted by another action to distract me so that they might be safe regarding themselves.

¹⁰⁵ Καὶ δὴ πέμψαντες πρὸς ἸησοῦνJesus, Joshua τὸν ἀρχιλῃστὴνchief robber εἰς τὴν‎ ΠτολεμαΐδοςPtolemais μεθορίαν ὑπέσχοντο δώσειν πολλὰ χρήματα θελήσαντι μετὰ τῆς σὺν αὐτῷ δυνάμεως, ἦσαν δ᾽ ὀκτακόσιοι τὸν ἀριθμόν, πόλεμον ἐξάψαι πρὸς ἡμᾶς.
¹⁰⁵ Accordingly they sent to Jesus, the captain of those robbers who were in the confines of Ptolemais, and promised to give him a great deal of money, if he would come with those forces he had with him, which were in number eight hundred, and fight with us.	¹⁰⁵ They sent to Joshua, the warlord of the brigands in the borders of Ptolemais, promising him a large amount of money, if he would come and make war on us with his troop, which numbered eight hundred.
¹⁰⁵ And indeed, having sent word to Joshua (Jesus) the chief bandit in the region bordering Ptolemais, they promised to give him a large sum of money if he was willing, with the force under his command (which numbered eight hundred), to wage war against us.

¹⁰⁶ Ὁ δ᾽ ὑπακούσας αὐτῶν ταῖς ὑποσχέσεσινa promise ἠθέλησεν ἐπιπεσεῖν ἡμῖν ἀνετοίμοις καὶ μηδὲν προγινώσκουσιν. Πέμψας γοῦν πρός με παρεκάλει λαβεῖν ἐξουσίαν ἀσπασόμενονto greet, welcome ἀφικέσθαι. Συγχωρήσαντος δέ μου, τῆς γὰρ ἐπιβουλῆς οὐδὲν προηπιστάμην, ἀναλαβὼν τὸ σύνταγμα τῶν λῃστῶν ἔσπευδεν ἐπ᾽ ἐμέ.
¹⁰⁶ Accordingly he complied with what they desired, upon the promises they had made him, and was desirous to fall upon us when we were unprepared for him, and knew nothing of his coming beforehand: so he sent to me, and desired that I would give him leave to come and salute me. When I had given him that leave, which I did without the least knowledge of his treacherous intentions beforehand, he took his band of robbers, and made haste to come to me.	¹⁰⁶ Complying with their offer, he wished to attack us when we were unprepared and knew nothing of his plans. So he sent to me asking for leave to come and pay his respects. When I had agreed, without knowing anything of his treacherous intentions, he brought his gang of brigands and hurried to come to me.
¹⁰⁶ But he, having consented to their promises, desired to fall upon us when we were unprepared and knew nothing beforehand. So, he sent to me and begged to be granted permission to come and greet me. When I granted permission—for I had no prior knowledge of the plot—he took up the gang of robbers and hurried against me.

¹⁰⁷ Οὐ μὴν ἔφθασεν αὐτοῦ‎ τέλος λαβεῖν ἡ κακουργία· πλησιάζοντος γὰρ ἤδη τῶν σὺν αὐτῷ τις αὐτομολήσας ἧκεν πρός με τὴν‎ ἐπιχείρησινan attempt, attack αὐτοῦ‎ φράζων, κἀγὼ πυθόμενος ταῦτα προῆλθον εἰς τὴν‎ ἀγορὰν σκηψάμενος ἀγνοεῖν τὴν‎ ἐπιβουλήν· ἐπηγόμην δὲ πολλοὺς ὁπλίταςarmed warrior ΓαλιλαίουςGalilean, τινὰς δὲ καὶ ΤιβεριέωνTiberias.
¹⁰⁷ Yet did not this his knavery succeed well at last; for, as he was already nearly approaching, one of those with him deserted him, and came to me, and told me what he had undertaken to do. When I was informed of this, I went into the marketplace, and pretended to know nothing of his treacherous purpose. I took with me many Galileans that were armed, as also some of those of Tiberias;	¹⁰⁷ Still in the end, his knavery did not succeed; for as he approached, one of his men deserted him and came to me and told me what he had undertaken to do. Learning this, I went into the public square and pretending to know nothing of his treacherous purpose, took with me many armed Galileans, and also some Tiberians.
¹⁰⁷ However, his treachery did not achieve its end. For as he was already drawing near, one of his companions deserted and came to me, revealing his plan. And I, having learned this, proceeded into the marketplace, pretending to be ignorant of the plot. I had, however, brought along many armed Galilaeans, and some Tiberians as well.

¹⁰⁸ Εἶτα προστάξας τὰς ὁδοὺς πάσας ἀσφαλέστατα φρουρεῖσθαι παρήγγειλα τοῖς ἐπὶ τῶν πυλῶν μόνον ἸησοῦνJesus, Joshua, ἐπειδὰν παραγένηται, μετὰ τῶν πρώτων εἰσελθεῖν ἐᾶσαι, ἀποκλεῖσαι δὲ τοὺς ἄλλους, βιαζομένους δὲ τύπτειν.
¹⁰⁸ and, when I had given orders that all the roads should be carefully guarded, I charged the keepers of the gates to give admittance to none but Jesus, when he came, with the principal of his men, and to exclude the rest; and in case they aimed to force themselves in, to use stripes [in order to repel them].	¹⁰⁸ I ordered all the roads to be carefully guarded, and charged the gatekeepers to admit no one but Joshua and his leaders on their arrival, and to exclude the rest; and if they tried to force their way in, to repel them with blows.
¹⁰⁸ Then, after ordering all the roads to be guarded most securely, I instructed the guards at the gates to allow only Joshua (Jesus) to enter with his leading men when he arrived, but to shut out the others, and to strike those who used force.

¹⁰⁹ Τῶν δὲ τὸ προσταχθὲν ποιησάντων εἰσῆλθεν ὁ ἸησοῦςJesus, Joshua μετ᾽ ὀλίγων. Καὶ κελεύσαντος ἐμοῦ ῥῖψαι τὰ ὅπλα θᾶττον, εἰ γὰρ ἀπειθοίη τεθνήξεσθαι, περιεστῶτας ἰδὼν πανταχόθεν αὐτῷ τοὺς ὁπλίταςarmed warrior φοβηθεὶς ὑπήκουσεν· οἱ δ᾽ ἀποκλεισθέντες τῶν ἐπακολουθούντων αὐτῷ πυθόμενοιto ask, inquire τὴν‎ σύλληψιν ἔφυγον.
¹⁰⁹ Accordingly, those that had received such a charge did as they were bidden, and Jesus came in with a few others; and when I had ordered him to throw down his arms immediately, and told him, that, if he refused so to do, he was a dead man, he seeing armed men standing all round about him, was terrified and complied; and as for those of his followers that were excluded, when they were informed that he was seized, they ran away.	¹⁰⁹ They did as they were bidden and Joshua came in with a few others. When I told him to throw down his arms on the spot, and that if he refused he was a dead man, seeing soldiers all around him, he was terrified and complied; and hearing of his capture, those of his followers who were locked out ran away.
¹⁰⁹ But when those men had done what was commanded, Joshua (Jesus) entered with a few men. And when I ordered him to quickly throw down his weapons, for if he disobeyed he would die, he saw the soldiers standing around him on all sides and, being afraid, he obeyed. But those of his followers who were shut out, learning of the arrest, fled.

¹¹⁰ Κἀγὼ τὸν ἸησοῦνJesus, Joshua προσκαλεσάμενος κατ᾽ ἰδίαν οὐκ ἀγνοεῖν ἔφην τὴν‎ ἐπ᾽ ἐμὲ συσκευασθεῖσαν ἐπιβουλὴν οὐδ᾽ ὑπὸ τίνων πεμφθείη, συγγνώσεσθαι δ᾽ ὅμως αὐτῷ τῶν πεπραγμένων, εἰ μέλλοι μετανοήσειν καὶ πιστὸς ἐμοὶ γενήσεσθαι.
¹¹⁰ I then called Jesus to me by himself, and told him, that “I was not a stranger to that treacherous design he had against me, nor was I ignorant by whom he was sent for; that, however, I would forgive him what he had done already, if he would repent of it, and be faithful to me hereafter.”	¹¹⁰ I then called Joshua aside and told him I was not unaware of his treacherous design against me, and by whom he had been sent, but that I would forgive what he had done if he repented of it and would later be faithful to me.
¹¹⁰ And I, summoning Joshua (Jesus) privately, said that I was not unaware of the plot contrived against me, nor by whom he had been sent, but that I would nonetheless forgive him for what had been done, if he intended to repent and become trustworthy to me.

¹¹¹ ὑπισχνουμένουto promise to do δὲ πάντα ποιήσειν ἐκείνου ἀπέλυσα συγχωρήσας αὐτῷ συναγαγεῖν πάλιν οὓς πρότερον εἶχεν. ΣεπφωρίταιςSepphorites δ᾽ ἠπείλησα, εἰ μὴ παύσαιντο τῆς ἀγνωμοσύνης, λήψεσθαι παρ᾽ αὐτῶν δίκας.
¹¹¹ And thus, upon his promise to do all that I desired, I let him go, and gave him leave to get those whom he had formerly had with him together again. But I threatened the inhabitants of Sepphoris, that, if they would not leave off their ungrateful treatment of me, I would punish them sufficiently.	¹¹¹ When he promised all this, I let him go and allowed him to reassemble his former troop. But I threatened to punish the Sepphorites, if they did not give up their disgraceful behaviour.
¹¹¹ And since that man was promising to do everything, I released him, having allowed him to gather again those whom he formerly had. But I threatened the Sepphorites that if they did not cease their lack of good sense/ingratitude, I would exact punishment from them.

Treatment of Refugees from Trachonitis

¹¹² Κατὰ τοῦτον τὸν καιρὸν ἀφικνοῦνταιto arrive at, reach πρός με δύο μεγιστᾶνες τῶν ὑπὸ τὴν‎ ἐξουσίαν τοῦ βασιλέως ἐκ τῆς τῶν ΤραχωνιτῶνTrachonites χώρας ἐπαγόμενοι τοὺς ἑαυτῶν ἵππους καὶ ὅπλα, χρήματα δ᾽ ὑποκομίζοντεςto smuggle out.
¹¹² At this time it was that two great men, who were under the jurisdiction of the king [Agrippa], came to me out of the region of Trachonitis, bringing their horses and their arms, and carrying with them their money also;	¹¹² At this time two prominent men, subjects of the king [Agrippa], came to me from the region of Trachonitis, with their horses and armour and with money they had smuggled out.
¹¹² At this time, two noblemen who were under the authority of the king arrived at my place from the region of the Trachonites, bringing their horses and weapons, and also carrying their money.

¹¹³ Τούτους περιτέμνεσθαι τῶν ἸουδαίωνJews ἀναγκαζόντων, εἰ θέλουσιν εἶναι παρ᾽ αὐτοῖς, οὐκ εἴασα βιασθῆναι, φάσκων δεῖν ἕκαστον κατὰ τὴν‎ ἑαυτοῦ προαίρεσιν τὸν θεὸν εὐσεβεῖν, ἀλλὰ μὴ μετὰ βίας, χρῆναι δὲ τούτους δι᾽ ἀσφάλειαν πρὸς ἡμᾶς καταφυγόντας μὴ μετανοεῖν. Πεισθέντος δὲ τοῦ πλήθους τοῖς ἥκουσιν ἀνδράσιν τὰ πρὸς τὴν‎ συνήθη δίαιταν ἅπαντα παρεῖχον δαψιλῶς.
¹¹³ and when the Jews would force them to be circumcised, if they would stay among them, I would not permit them to have any force put upon them, but said to them, “Every one ought to worship God according to his own inclinations, and not to be constrained by force; and that these men, who had fled to us for protection, ought not to be so treated as to repent of their coming hither. And when I had pacified the multitude, I provided for the men that were come to us whatsoever it was they wanted, according to their usual way of living, and that in great plenty also.	¹¹³ The Jews would have forced them to be circumcised, if they wanted to stay among them, but I would not let them be compelled and said that each should worship God according to his own preference and not to be forced; and that these men should not be so treated as to regret having fled to us for safety. When I had persuaded the people, I provided the men who had come to us with all they needed for their way of living.
¹¹³ When the Judeans were compelling these men to be circumcised if they wished to remain among them, I did not allow them to be forced, stating that each person ought to show reverence toward God according to their own choice, and not by compulsion, and that these men, having fled to us for safety, should not regret it. And since the multitude was persuaded by the men who had arrived, they supplied them lavishly with everything necessary for their customary way of life (or sustenance).

Josephus Excels Against Ebutius

¹¹⁴ Πέμπει δ᾽ ὁ βασιλεὺς ἈγρίππαςAgrippa δύναμιν καὶ στρατηγὸν ἐπ᾽ αὐτῆς ΑἴκουονAequus ΜόδιονModius ΓάμαλαGamala τὸ φρούριον ἐξαιρήσοντας. Οἱ δὲ πεμφθέντες κυκλώσασθαι μὲν τὸ φρούριον οὐκ ἤρκεσαν, ἐν δὲ τοῖς φανεροῖς τῶν τόπων ἐφεδρεύοντες ἐπολιόρκουν τὰ ΓάμαλαGamala.
¹¹⁴ Now king Agrippa sent an army to make themselves masters of the citadel of Gamala, and over it Equiculus Modius; but the forces that were sent were not enow to encompass the citadel quite round, but lay before it in the open places, and besieged it.	¹¹⁴ King Agrippa sent an army under Aequus Modius to destroy the Gamala fortress. However, those sent were not enough to fully surround the citadel but camped in front of it in the open ground and tried to besiege it.
¹¹⁴ But King Agrippa sent a force with Aecus Modius as general over it, to take the fortress of Gamala. The men who were sent, however, were not sufficient to fully surround the fortress. But they lay in ambush in the open parts of the area and besieged Gamala.

¹¹⁵ ΑἰβούτιοςEbutius δὲ ὁ δεκάδαρχος, ὁ τοῦ μεγάλου πεδίου τὴν‎ προστασίαν πεπιστευμένος, ἀκούσας ὅτι παρείην εἰς ΣιμωνιάδαSimonias κώμην ἐν μεθορίοις κειμένην τῆς ΓαλιλαίαςGalilee, αὐτοῦ‎ δ᾽ ἀπέχουσαν ἑξήκοντα σταδίους, νυκτὸς ἀναλαβὼν τοὺς ἑκατὸν ἱππεῖς, οὓς εἶχεν σὺν αὐτῷ, καί τινας πεζοὺς περὶ διακοσίους, καὶ τοὺς ἐν ΓάβαGaba πόλει κατοικοῦντας ἐπαγόμενος συμμάχους, νυκτὸς ὁδεύσας ἧκεν εἰς τὴν‎ κώμην, ἐν ᾗ διέτριβον.
¹¹⁵ But when Ebutius, the decurion, who was intrusted with the government of the great plain, heard that I was at Simonias, a village situated in the confines of Galilee, and was distant from him sixty furlongs, he took a hundred horsemen that were with him by night, and a certain number of footmen, about two hundred, and brought the inhabitants of the city Gibea along with him as auxiliaries, and marched in the night, and came to the village where I abode.	¹¹⁵ When Ebutius the decurion, who was entrusted with ruling the great plain, heard that I was at Simonias, a village on the borders of Galilee and sixty furlongs away. By night he took a hundred horsemen with him and about two hundred infantry, and brought the people of the city of Gaba with him as allies and marched at night and came to the village where I was quartered.
¹¹⁵ But Aebutius the Decurion, who had been entrusted with the command of the Great Plain, having heard that I was present in the village of Simonias, which is located on the borders of Galilee and distant sixty stades [9.5 km] from his place, took up at night the one hundred cavalrymen he had with him, and about two hundred foot-soldiers, and bringing along as allies the residents living in the city of Gaba, he marched by night and came to the village where I was staying.

¹¹⁶ Ἀντιπαραταξαμένου δὲ κἀμοῦ μετὰ δυνάμεως πολλῆς ὁ μὲν ΑἰβούτιοςEbutius εἰς τὸ πεδίον ὑπάγειν ἡμᾶς ἐπειρᾶτο· σφόδρα γὰρ τοῖς ἱππεῦσιν ἐπεποίθει. Οὐ μὴν ὑπηκούσαμεν· ἐγὼ γὰρ τὸ πλεονέκτημα συνιδὼν τὸ γενησόμενον τοῖς ἱππεῦσιν, εἰ καταβαίημεν εἰς τὸ πεδίον, πεζοὶ γὰρ ἡμεῖς σύμπαντες ἦμεν, ἔγνων αὐτοῦ‎ τοῖς πολεμίοις συνάπτειν.
¹¹⁶ Upon this I pitched my camp over against him, which had a great number of forces in it; but Ebutius tried to draw us down into the plain, as greatly depending upon his horsemen; but we would not come down; for when I was satisfied of the advantage that his horse would have if we came down into the plain, while we were all footmen, I resolved to join battle with the enemy where I was.	¹¹⁶ I ranged my considerable forces opposite him, but Ebutius tried to draw us down into the plain, depending greatly upon his horsemen; but we would not come down, for I saw the advantage his horsemen would have if we came down into the plain, while we were all infantry; I resolved to fight the enemy on my own ground.
¹¹⁶ And when I also drew up a very large force against him, Aebutius attempted to draw us down into the plain, for he greatly relied upon his cavalry. We did not obey, however; for I, perceiving the advantage that would accrue to the cavalry if we went down into the plain (since we were all foot-soldiers), decided to join battle with the enemy right there.

¹¹⁷ Καὶ μέχρι μέν τινος γενναίως ἀντέσχεν σὺν τοῖς περὶ αὐτὸν ὁ ΑἰβούτιοςEbutius, ἀχρεῖον δ᾽ ὁρῶν κατὰ τὸν τόπον τοῦτον οὖσαι αὐτῷ τὴν‎ ἱππικὴν δύναμιν ἀναζεύγνυσιν ἄπρακτος εἰς ΓάβανGaba πόλιν, τρεῖς ἄνδρας ἀποβαλὼν κατὰ τὴν‎ μάχην.
¹¹⁷ Now Ebutius and his party made a courageous opposition for some time; but when he saw that his horses were useless to him in that place, he retired back to the city Gibea, having lost three of his men in the fight.	¹¹⁷ Ebutius and his party made a courageous stand for some time; but seeing that his horsemen were useless to him in that place, he went back to the city of Gaba, having lost three men in the fight.
¹¹⁷ And Aebutius, along with those around him, bravely resisted for a time, but seeing that his cavalry force was useless in that particular place, he retreated without success back to the city of Gaba, having lost three men in the fighting.

¹¹⁸ Εἱπόμην δὲ κατὰ πόδας ἐγὼ δισχιλίους ἐπαγόμενος ὁπλίταςarmed warrior, καὶ περὶ ΒήσαρανBesara πόλιν γενόμενος ἐν μεθορίῳ μὲν τῆς ΠτολεμαΐδοςPtolemais κειμένην, εἴκοσι δ᾽ ἀπέχουσαν στάδια τῆς ΓάβαςGaba, ἔνθα διέτριβεν ΑἰβούτιοςEbutius, στήσας τοὺς ὁπλίταςarmed warrior ἔξωθεν τῆς κώμης καὶ φρουρεῖν αὐτοῖς ἀσφαλῶς τὰς ὁδοὺς προστάξας ὑπὲρ τοῦ μὴ ἐνοχλῆσαι τοὺς πολεμίους ἡμῖν ἕως τὸν σῖτον ἐκφορήσομεν,
¹¹⁸ So I followed him directly with two thousand armed men; and when I was at the city Besara, that lay in the confines of Ptolemais, but twenty furlongs from Gibea, where Ebutius abode, I placed my armed men on the outside of the village, and gave orders that they should guard the passes with great care, that the enemy might not disturb us until we should have carried off the corn, a great quantity of which lay there:	¹¹⁸ I pursued him directly with two thousand infantry; and when I was near the town of Besara, on the borders of Ptolemais, twenty furlongs from Gaba, where Ebutius was, I placed my men outside the village with orders to carefully guard the passes so that the enemy might not disturb us while we were removing the corn.
¹¹⁸ And I followed close behind, bringing two thousand heavy-armed soldiers, and having arrived near the city of Besara, which is situated on the border of Ptolemais and is twenty stades [3.2km] distant from Gaba, where Aebutius was staying, I stationed the soldiers outside the village and ordered them to safely guard the roads, in order that the enemy might not harass us until we could carry out the grain,

¹¹⁹ πολὺς γὰρ ἀπέκειτο ΒερενίκηςBerenice τῆς βασιλίδος ἐκ τῶν περὶ κωμῶν εἰς τὴν‎ ΒήσαρανBesara συλλεγόμενος, πληρώσας τὰς καμήλους καὶ τοὺς ὄνους, πολλοὺς ἐπηγόμην, διέπεμψα τὸν σῖτον εἰς τὴν‎ ΓαλιλαίανGalilee.
¹¹⁹ it belonged to Berenice the queen and had been gathered together out of the neighboring villages into Besara: so I loaded my camels and asses, a great number of which I had brought along with me, and sent the corn into Galilee.	¹¹⁹ There was a large extent of it belonging to queen Berenice that had been collected from the neighbouring villages into Besara; so I loaded the many camels and donkeys I had brought along with me and sent the corn into Galilee.
¹¹⁹ (for a large amount, belonging to Queen Berenice, was stored there, having been collected from the surrounding villages into Besara), and having loaded the many camels and donkeys I had brought, I sent the grain into Galilee.

¹²⁰ Τοῦτο δὲ πράξας προεκαλούμην εἰς μάχην τὸν ΑἰβούτιονEbutius, οὐχ ὑπακούσαντος δ᾽ ἐκείνου, κατεπέπληκτο γὰρ τὴν‎ [ἡμετέραν] ἑτοιμότητα καὶ τὸ θράσος, ἐπὶ ΝεοπολιτανὸνNeopolitanus ἐτραπόμην τὴν‎ ΤιβεριέωνTiberias χώραν ἀκούσας ὑπ᾽ αὐτοῦ‎ λεηλατεῖσθαι.
¹²⁰ When I had done this, I offered Ebutius battle; but when he would not accept of the offer, for he was terrified at our readiness and courage, I altered my route, and marched towards Neopolitanus, because I had heard that the country about Tiberias was laid waste by him.	¹²⁰ Having done this, I called Ebutius to battle; but when he declined, awed by our spirit and courage, I turned against Neopolitanus, having heard that he was ravaging the country about Tiberias.
¹²⁰ Having done this, I challenged Ebutius to battle; and when he did not respond (or accept the challenge)—for he was struck with astonishment at our readiness and boldness—I turned towards Neopolitanus, having heard that the territory of Tiberias was being plundered by him.

¹²¹ Ἦν δὲ ΝεοπολιτανὸςNeopolitanus ἴλης μὲν ἔπαρχος, παρειλήφει δὲ τὴν‎ ΣκυθόπολινScythopolis εἰς φυλακὴν τὴν‎ ἀπὸ τῶν πολεμίων. Τοῦτον οὖν κωλύσας ἐπὶ πλέον τὴν‎ ΤιβεριέωνTiberias κακοῦν περὶ τὴν‎ τῆς ΓαλιλαίαςGalilee πρόνοιαν ἐγινόμην.
¹²¹ This Neopolitanus was captain of a troop of horse, and had the custody of Scythopolis intrusted to his care by the enemy; and when I had hindered him from doing any further mischief to Tiberias, I set myself to make provision for the affairs of Galilee.	¹²¹ Neopolitanus was captain of a troop of horsemen, commissioned to guard Scythopolis entrusted from the enemy
¹²¹ There was a Neapolitan, who was the commander of a troop of cavalry, and he had taken over Scythopolis as a guard against the enemy. Therefore, having restrained this man from further harming the Tiberians, I occupied myself with the administration of Galilee.

John Undermines Josephus in Galilee

¹²² Ὁ δὲ τοῦ ΛευεῖLevi παῖς ἸωάννηςJohn, ὃν ἔφαμεν ἐν τοῖς ΓισχάλοιςGischala διατρίβειν, πυθόμενος πάντα κατὰ νοῦν μοι προχωρεῖν, καὶ δι᾽ εὐνοίας μὲν εἶναί με τοῖς ὑπηκόοις, τοῖς πολεμίοις δὲ δι᾽ ἐκπλήξεωςconsternation, οὐκ εὖ τὴν‎ γνώμην ἐτέθη, κατάλυσιν δ᾽ αὐτῷ τὴν‎ ἐμὴν εὐπραγίαν φέρειν νομίζων εἰς φθόνον ἐξώκειλεν οὔτι μέτριον.
¹²² But when John, the son of Levi, who, as we before told you, abode at Gischala, was informed how all things had succeeded to my mind, and that I was much in favor with those that were under me, as also that the enemy were greatly afraid of me, he was not pleased with it, as thinking my prosperity tended to his ruin. So he took up a bitter envy and enmity against me;	¹²² But when John, son of Levi, who was at Gischala as I have said, learned how all things were succeeding for me and that I was popular with my subjects, and feared by the enemy, he was not pleased, seeing my prosperity as tending to his ruin, so he was full of bitter envy.
¹²² But John, the son of Levi, whom we said was staying in Gischala, learning that everything was proceeding according to my plan, and that I was held in good regard by my subjects, but struck terror into the enemy, did not set his mind well, and believing that my success would bring about his ruin, he became overcome by no moderate amount of envy.

¹²³ Καὶ παύσειν με τῆς εὐτυχίας ἐλπίσαςto have hope, confidence, εἰ παρὰ τῶν ὑπηκόων μῖσος ἐξάψειεν, ἔπειθεν τοὺς τὴν‎ ΤιβεριάδαTiberias κατοικοῦντας καὶ τοὺς τὴν‎ ΣέπφωρινSepphoris [νομίζων] πρὸς τούτοις δὲ καὶ τοὺς ΓάβαραGabara, πόλεις δ᾽ εἰσὶν αὗται τῶν κατὰ τὴν‎ ΓαλιλαίανGalilee αἱ μέγισται, τῆς πρός με πίστεως ἀποστάντας αὐτῷ προστίθεσθαι· κρεῖττον γὰρ ἐμοῦ στρατηγήσειν αὐτῶν ἔφασκεν.
¹²³ and hoping that if he could inflame those that were under me to hate me, he should put an end to the prosperity I was in, he tried to persuade the inhabitants of Tiberias, and of Sepphoris (and for those of Gabara he supposed they would be also of the same mind with the others), which were the greatest cities of Galilee, to revolt from their subjection to me, and to be of his party; and told them that he would command them better than I did.	¹²³ Hoping that if he could stir up my subjects to hate me, he could end my prosperity, he tried to persuade the Tiberians and Sepphoris and Gabara, the greatest cities of Galilee, to revolt from their subjection to me and come to him, assuring them that he would be a better commander than I was.
¹²³ And hoping that he would put an end to my good fortune if he could ignite hatred among my subjects, he attempted to persuade the inhabitants of Tiberias and the inhabitants of Sepphoris—and in addition to these, those of Gabara (these cities being the largest in Galilee)—to abandon their loyalty to me and attach themselves to him, for he claimed he would command them better than I.

¹²⁴ Καὶ ΣεπφωρεῖςSepphoris μέν, οὐδετέρῳ γὰρ ἡμῶν προσεῖχον διὰ τὸ ῬωμαίουςRomans ᾑρῆσθαι δεσπότας, οὐκ ἐπένευον αὐτῷ, ΤιβεριεῖςTiberias δὲ τὴν‎ μὲν ἀπόστασινa revolt οὐκ ἐδέχοντο, αὐτοῦ‎ δὲ συγκατένευον γενέσθαι φίλοι, οἱ δὲ ΓάβαραGabara κατοικοῦντες προστίθενται τῷ ἸωάννῃJohn· ΣίμωνSimon δ᾽ ἦν ὁ παρακαλῶν αὐτούς, πρωτεύων μὲν τῆς πόλεως, ὡς φίλῳ δὲ καὶ ἑταίρῳcompanion τῷ ἸωάννῃJohn χρώμενος.
¹²⁴ As for the people of Sepphoris, who belonged to neither of us, because they had chosen to be in subjection to the Romans, they did not comply with his proposal; and for those of Tiberias, they did not indeed so far comply as to make a revolt from under me, but they agreed to be his friends, while the inhabitants of Gabara did go over to John; and it was Simon that persuaded them so to do, one who was both the principal man in the city and a particular friend and companion of John.	¹²⁴ Sepphoris belonged to neither of us, as they had chosen allegiance to the Romans, paid no heed to him; Tiberias, while declining to revolt, aligned themselves as his friends; while Gabara did go over to John, at the persuasion of Simon, a leading man in the city and a particular friend and companion of John.
¹ And the Sepphorites, who did not heed either one of us because they had chosen the Romans as their masters, did not assent to him; but the Tiberians did not accept the rebellion, though they did agree to be friends with him. The inhabitants of Gabara, however, attached themselves to John; and it was Simon who urged them on. He was the leading man of the city, and treated John as a friend and companion.

¹²⁵ Ἐκ μὲν οὖν τοῦ φανεροῦ τὴν‎ ἀπόστασινa revolt οὐχ ὡμολόγουν· σφόδρα γὰρ ἐδεδοίκεσαν τοὺς ΓαλιλαίουςGalilean ἅτε δὴ πεῖραν αὐτῶν τῆς πρὸς ἡμᾶς πολλάκις εὐνοίας λαβόντες· ἐκ τοῦ λεληθότος δὲ καιρὸν παραφυλάσσοντες ἐπιτήδειον ἐπεβούλευον, καὶ δὴ ἀφικόμην εἰς κίνδυνον τὸν μέγιστον διὰ τοιαύτην αἰτίαν.
¹²⁵ It is true, these did not openly own the making a revolt, because they were in great fear of the Galileans, and had frequent experience of the good will they bore to me; yet did they privately watch for a proper opportunity to lay snares for me; and indeed I thereby came into the greatest danger on the occasion following.	¹²⁵ The people of Gabara did not openly admit their revolt, fearing the Galileans, as they had frequently seen their good-will toward me; still they secretly sought opportunity to lay snares for me, and I was in the greatest danger, for the following reason.
¹²⁵ They did not openly acknowledge the revolt, for they greatly feared the Galileans, having often experienced their good will toward us; but secretly, waiting for a suitable opportunity, they were plotting against me, and consequently, I fell into the greatest danger due to a cause of this kind.

Chapter 6 Josephus' intentions are misunderstood
126-144

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Josephus Accused of Treachery

¹²⁶ Νεανίσκοι τινὲς θρασεῖς ΔαβαριττηνοὶDabaritta γένος ἐπιτηρήσαντες τὴν‎ ΠτολεμαίουPtolemy γυναῖκα τοῦ βασιλέως ἐπιτρόπου μετὰ πολλῆς παρασκευῆς καί τινων ἱππέων ἀσφαλείας χάριν ἑπομένωνto follow, obey διὰ τοῦ μεγάλου πεδίου τὴν‎ πορείαν ποιουμένηνto make, produce, create ἐκ τῆς τοῖς βασιλεῦσιν ὑποτελοῦς χώρας εἰς τὴν‎ ῬωμαίωνRoman, Latin ἐπικράτειαν, ἐπιπίπτουσιν αὐτοῖς ἄφνω.
¹²⁶ There were some bold young men of the village of Dabaritta, who observed that the wife of Ptolemy, the king’s procurator, was to make a progress over the great plain with a mighty attendance, and with some horsemen that followed as a guard to them, and this out of a country that was subject to the king and queen, into the jurisdiction of the Romans;	¹²⁶ Some daring young men of the village of Dabaritta laid an ambush for the wife of the king's procurator Ptolemy, who, with a mighty attendance and some horsemen as an escort, was travelling over the great plain from territory subject to royal authority into the jurisdiction of the Romans.
¹²⁶ Certain bold young men, Dabarettenians by birth, having watched for the wife of Ptolemy, the king's steward, as she was traveling through the Great Plain with a large escort and certain cavalrymen following for security, journeying from the country subject to the kings into the Roman territory, suddenly fell upon them.

¹²⁷ Καὶ τὴν‎ μὲν γυναῖκα φυγεῖν ἠνάγκασαν, ὅσα δ᾽ ἐπεφέρετο πάντα διήρπασαν, καὶ ἧκον εἰς ΤαριχέαςTarichea πρός με τέσσαρας ἡμιόνους καταφόρτους ἄγοντες ἐσθῆτοςgarment, clothing καὶ σκευῶν· ἦν δὲ καὶ ἀργυρίου σταθμὸς οὐκ ὀλίγος καὶ χρυσοῖ πεντακόσιοι.
¹²⁷ and fell upon them on a sudden, and obliged the wife of Ptolemy to fly away, and plundered all the carriages. They also came to me to Taricheae, with four mules’ loading of garments, and other furniture; and the weight of the silver they brought was not small; and there were five hundred pieces of gold also.	¹²⁷ They fell upon them suddenly and forced Ptolemy's wife to flee and plundered all her things. They came to me to Tarichea, with four mules' loaded with clothing and other items and a large amount of silver and five hundred pieces of gold.
¹²⁷ And they forced the woman to flee, and plundered everything that was being carried, and they came to me at Tarichaea, bringing four mules laden with clothing and utensils; there was also a considerable weight of silver and five hundred gold coins.

¹²⁸ Ταῦτ᾽ ἐγὼ βουλόμενος διαφυλάξαι τῷ ΠτολεμαίῳPtolemy, καὶ γὰρ ἦν ὁμόφυλοςof the same race, ἀπηγόρευται δ᾽ ἡμῖν ὑπὸ τῶν νόμων μηδὲ τοὺς ἐχθροὺς ἀποστερεῖνto rob, defraud, πρὸς μὲν τοὺς κομίσαντας ἔφην φυλάττειν αὐτὰ δεῖν, ἵν᾽ ἐκ τῆς πράσεως αὐτῶν ἐπισκευασθῇ τὰ τείχη τῶν ἹεροσολύμωνJerusalem,
¹²⁸ Now I had a mind to preserve these spoils for Ptolemy, who was my countryman; and it is prohibited by our laws even to spoil our enemies; so I said to those that brought these spoils, that they ought to be kept, in order to rebuild the walls of Jerusalem with them when they came to be sold;	¹²⁸ I wished to keep these spoils for Ptolemy, who was my countryman and our laws forbid us even to spoil our enemies; so I told those who brought these spoils, that they should be kept, in order to rebuild the ramparts of Jerusalem with them when they came to be sold.
¹²⁸ Wishing to keep these goods safe for Ptolemy (for he was of the same nation, and it is forbidden by our laws to defraud even enemies), I told the men who had brought them that they must keep them, so that from the sale of the goods the walls of Jerusalem might be repaired,

¹²⁹ οἱ δὲ νεανίαι χαλεπῶς ἔσχον οὐ λαβόντες μοῖραν ἐκ τῶν λαφύρων, καθάπερ προσεδόκησαν, καὶ πορευθέντες εἰς τὰς περὶ τῆς ΤιβεριάδοςTiberias κώμας προδιδόναι μέλλειν με ῬωμαίοιςRomans τὴν‎ χώραν αὐτῶν ἔλεγον·
¹²⁹ but the young men took it very ill that they did not receive a part of those spoils for themselves, as they expected to have done; so they went among the villages in the neighborhood of Tiberias, and told the people that I was going to betray their country to the Romans,	¹²⁹ But the young men were irritated not to receive a part of those spoils for themselves, as they expected; so they went among the villages around Tiberias and told the people that I was going to betray their country to the Romans.
¹²⁹ but the young men were greatly upset because they had not received a share of the spoils, as they had expected, and having gone to the villages around Tiberias, they began to say that I intended to betray their country to the Romans.

¹³⁰ κεχρῆσθαι γὰρ σοφίσματι πρὸς αὐτοὺς λέγοντα τὰ ἐκ τῆς ἁρπαγῆς κομισθέντα φυλάττειν εἰς τὴν‎ ἐπισκευὴν τῶν τειχῶν τῆς ἹεροσολυμιτῶνJerusalem πόλεως, ἐγνωκέναι δὲ πάλιν τῷ δεσπότῃ ἀποδοῦναι τὰ ἡρπασμένα.
¹³⁰ and that I used deceitful language to them, when I said that what had been thus gotten by rapine should be kept for the rebuilding of the walls of the city of Jerusalem; although I had resolved to restore these spoils again to their former owner;	¹³⁰ They said I had deceived them, when I said that what had been taken by their raid should be kept for rebuilding the ramparts of Jerusalem but really intended to restore these spoils again to their former owner.
¹³⁰ For they said that he had used a clever deception against them, stating that the things brought from the plunder were to be kept for the repair of the walls of the city of Jerusalem, but that he had actually resolved to return the stolen goods to the master [Ptolemy].

¹³¹ Καὶ κατὰ τοῦτό γε τῆς ἐμῆς γνώμης οὐ διήμαρτον· ἀπαλλαγέντων γὰρ αὐτῶν μεταπεμψάμενος δύο τοὺς πρώτους ΔασσίωναDassion καὶ ἸανναῖονJanneus τὸν τοῦ ΛηουῖLevi, φίλους ἐν τοῖς μάλιστα τοῦ βασιλέως καθεστῶτας, τὰ ἐκ τῆς ἁρπαγῆς σκεύη λαβόντας διαπέμψασθαι πρὸς ἐκεῖνον ἐκέλευον, θάνατον ἀπειλήσας αὐτοῖς τὴν‎ ζημίαν, εἰ πρὸς ἕτερον ταῦτα ἀπαγγελοῦσιν.
¹³¹ and indeed they were herein not mistaken as to my intentions; for when I had gotten clear of them, I sent for two of the principal men, Dassion, and Janneus the son of Levi, persons that were among the chief friends of the king, and commanded them to take the furniture that had been plundered, and to send it to him; and I threatened that I would order them to be put to death by way of punishment, if they discovered this my command to any other person.	¹³¹ Indeed they were not mistaken in this; for when I had gotten clear of them, I sent for two of the leading men, Dassion and Janneus the son of Levi, friends of the king, with orders to take the furniture that had been plundered and to send it to him; and I threatened to punish them with death if they reported this to anyone.
¹³¹ And in this very matter, they were not mistaken about my intention; for when they [the robbers] had departed, I summoned two leading men, Dassion and Jannaeus the son of Levi, who were among the king's closest friends, and commanded them to take the plundered property and deliver it to him [Ptolemy], threatening them with death as punishment if they reported these things to anyone else.

The Threat to Josephus’s Life at Taricheae

¹³² Ἐπισχούσης δὲ φήμης τὴν‎ ΓαλιλαίανGalilee ἅπασαν, ὡς τῆς χώρας αὐτῶν μελλούσης ὑπ᾽ ἐμοῦ τοῖς ῬωμαίοιςRomans προδίδοσθαι καὶ πάντων παροξυνθέντων ἐπὶ τὴν‎ ἐμὴν τιμωρίαν, οἱ τὰς ΤαριχέαςTarichea κατοικοῦντες καὶ αὐτοὶ τοὺς νεανίσκους ἀληθεύειν ὑπολαβόντες πείθουσι τοὺς σωματοφύλακαςbodyguard καὶ τοὺς ὁπλίταςarmed warrior κοιμώμενόν με καταλιπόντας παραγενέσθαι θᾶττον εἰς ἱππόδρομον, ὡς ἐκεῖ βουλευσομένους μετὰ πάντων περὶ τοῦ στρατηγοῦ.
¹³² Now, when all Galilee was filled with this rumor, that their country was about to be betrayed by me to the Romans, and when all men were exasperated against me, and ready to bring me to punishment, the inhabitants of Taricheae did also themselves suppose that what the young men said was true, and persuaded my guards and armed men to leave me when I was asleep, and to come presently to the hippodrome, in order there to take counsel against me their commander;	¹³² When the rumour went around Galilee that I was about to betray their land to the Romans, all were outraged and quick to demand my punishment, with even the Taricheans crediting the young men's accusation. They persuaded my bodyguards and soldiers to leave me when I was asleep and to hurry to the hippodrome, to discuss how to deal with their commander.
¹³² A rumour spread throughout all Galilee that their country was about to be betrayed to the Romans by me, and with everyone provoked to seek my punishment, the inhabitants of Tarichaea themselves, supposing the young men were speaking the truth, persuaded my bodyguard and my soldiers to quickly leave me while I slept and proceed to the hippodrome, as if they were going to deliberate there with everyone concerning their general.

¹³³ Πειθομένων δὲ τούτων καὶ συνελθόντων πολὺς ὄχλος ἤδη προσυνήθροιστο, μίαν τε πάντες ἐποιοῦντο φωνήν, κολάζειν τὸν προδότην πονηρὸν περὶ αὐτοὺς γεγενημένον.
¹³³ and when they had prevailed with them, and they were gotten together, they found there a great company assembled already, who all joined in one clamor, to bring the man who was so wicked to them as to betray them, to his due punishment;	¹³³ When they had convinced them and they went there, they found a large group gathered, who were unanimously calling for punishment of one who was so base a traitor.
¹³³ When these men were persuaded and had assembled, a great crowd had already gathered in addition, and they all made a single shout, demanding the punishment of the traitor who had proved himself wicked toward them.

¹³⁴ Μάλιστα δ᾽ αὐτοὺς ἐξέκαιεν ὁ τοῦ ΣαπίθαSapphias παῖς ἸησοῦςJesus, Joshua ἄρχων τότε τῆς ΤιβεριάδοςTiberias, πονηρὸς ἄνθρωπος καὶ ταράξαι μεγάλα πράγματα φύσιν ἔχων στασιοποιός τε καὶ νεωτεριστὴς ὡς οὐχ ἕτερος, καὶ δὴ τότε λαβὼν εἰς χεῖρας τοὺς ΜωυσέωςMoses νόμους καὶ προελθὼν εἰς μέσον,
¹³⁴ and it was Jesus, the son of Sapphias, who principally set them on. He was ruler in Tiberias, a wicked man, and naturally disposed to make disturbances in matters of consequence; a seditious person he was indeed, and an innovator beyond every body else. He then took the laws of Moses into his hands, and came into the midst of the people, and said,	¹³⁴ The main instigator was Joshua, the son of Sapphias, a ruler in Tiberias, an evil man naturally drawn to trouble-making in major matters, an uncommon rabble-rouser and revolutionary. Taking the law of Moses into his hands he came among the people and said,
¹³⁴ But it was especially Jesus, the son of Saphias, who was then the leader of Tiberias, who inflamed them—a wicked man who had a nature inclined to cause great trouble, being a promoter of sedition and an innovator like no other. And indeed, at that moment, he took the Laws of Moses into his hands and went out into the middle of the crowd,

¹³⁵ «Εἰ μὴ καὶ ὑπὲρ αὑτῶν,» ἔφη, «πολῖται, μισεῖν δύνασθε ἸώσηπονJosephus, εἰς τοὺς πατρίους ἀποβλέψαντες νόμους, ὧν ὁ πρῶτος ὑμῶν στρατηγὸς προδότης ἔμελλε γίνεσθαι, καὶ μισοπονηρήσαντες ὑπὲρ τούτων τιμωρήσασθε τὸν τοιαῦτα τολμήσαντα.»
¹³⁵ “O my fellow citizens! if you are not disposed to hate Josephus on your own account, have regard, however, to these laws of your country, which your commander-in-chief is going to betray; hate him therefore on both these accounts, and bring the man who hath acted thus insolently, to his deserved punishment.”	¹³⁵ “Fellow citizens, even if you cannot bring yourselves to hate Josephus, look to these laws of your country, which your highest commander is going to betray, and on their account hate and punish so insolent a criminal.”
¹³⁵ “If you cannot bring yourselves to hate Josephus even for your own sakes, citizens,” he said, “look upon the laws of your fathers, of which your first general was about to become a traitor, and in your hatred of wickedness concerning these things, take vengeance upon the man who dared to do such things.”

¹³⁶ Ταῦτ᾽ εἰπὼν καὶ τοῦ πλήθους ἐπιβοήσαντος ἀναλαβών τινας ὁπλίταςarmed warrior ἐπὶ τὴν‎ οἰκίαν, ἐν ᾗ κατηγόμην, ἔσπευδεν ὡς ἀναιρήσων. Ἐγὼ δ᾽ οὐδὲν προαισθόμενος διὰ κόπον πρὸ τῆς ταραχῆς κατεσχήμηνto hold fast.
¹³⁶ When he had said this, and the multitude had openly applauded him for what he had said, he took some of the armed men, and made haste away to the house in which I lodged, as if he would kill me immediately, while I was wholly insensible of all till this disturbance happened; and by reason of the pains I had been taking, was fallen fast asleep;	¹³⁶ When his speech was openly applauded, he hurried with some of the soldiers to the house where I lodged, to kill me. Completely unaware of this, and weary from my efforts, I had fallen asleep.
¹³⁶ Having said these things, and with the multitude shouting in agreement, he [Joshua (Jesus) of Saphias] took up some soldiers and rushed toward the house in which I was lodged, intending to kill me. But I, having not sensed anything beforehand due to weariness, remained asleep before the disturbance began.

¹³⁷ ΣίμωνSimon δ᾽ ὁ τοῦ σώματός μου τὴν‎ φυλακὴν πεπιστευμένος, ὁ καὶ μόνος παραμείνας, ἰδὼν τὴν‎ ἐπιδρομὴν τῶν πολιτῶν διήγειρέ με καὶ τὸν ἐφεστῶτάto set, place upon μοι κίνδυνον ἐξήγγειλεν, ἠξίου τε γενναίως θνήσκειν ὡς στρατηγὸν ὑπ᾽ αὐτοῦ‎ πρὶν δὴ ἐλθεῖν τοὺς ἐχθροὺς ἀναγκάσοντας ἢ κτενοῦντας.
¹³⁷ but Simon, who was intrusted with the care of my body, and was the only person that stayed with me, and saw the violent incursion the citizens made upon me, awaked me and told me of the danger I was in, and desired me to let him kill me, that I might die bravely and like a general, before my enemies came in, and forced me [to kill myself] or killed me themselves.	¹³⁷ But my bodyguard, Simon, who alone was with me, seeing the onrush of the citizens toward me, woke me and told me of my imminent danger and asked me to die bravely, by my own hand, like a commander, before my enemies arrived and compelled me, or killed me themselves.
¹³⁷ But Simon, who had been entrusted with the guard of my person, and who alone remained with me, seeing the assault of the citizens, awakened me and announced the danger threatening me, and he urged me to die honorably at his own hand, as a general ought, before the enemies should arrive and compel us or kill us.

¹³⁸ Ὁ μὲν ταῦτα ἔλεγεν, ἐγὼ δὲ τῷ θεῷ τὰ κατ᾽ ἐμαυτὸν ἐπιτρέψας εἰς τὸ πλῆθος ὡρμήθην προελθεῖν. Μετενδὺς οὖν μέλαιναν ἐσθῆτα καὶ τὸ ξίφος ἀπαρτησάμενος ἐκ τοῦ αὐχένος καθ᾽ ὁδὸν ἑτέραν, ᾗ μηδένα μοι τῶν πολεμίων ὑπαντιάσειν ᾤμην, ᾔειν εἰς τὸν ἱππόδρομον, ἄφνω τε φανεὶς καὶ πρηνὴς πεσὼν καὶ τὴν‎ γῆν δάκρυσιν φύρων ἐλεεινὸς ἔδοξα πᾶσιν.
¹³⁸ Thus did he discourse to me, but I committed the care of my life to God, and made haste to go out to the multitude. Accordingly, I put on a black garment, and hung my sword at my neck, and went by such a different way to the hippodrome, wherein I thought none of my adversaries would meet me; so I appeared among them on the sudden, and fell down flat on the earth, and bedewed the ground with my tears:	¹³⁸ That is what he said; but I committed my life to God and made haste to go out to the people. Changing into a black robe and hanging my sword from my neck, I went to the hippodrome by a different road, where I expected none of my enemies to meet me; then appearing among them suddenly, I fell down prone and wet the ground with my tears, seeming pitiful to them all.
¹³⁸ While he [Joshua (Jesus) of Saphias] was saying these things, I, entrusting my fate to God, resolved to go out to the multitude. Therefore, having changed into a black garment and having hung my sword from my neck, I went by another road—where I thought none of my enemies would meet me—to the hippodrome; and appearing suddenly, and falling prostrate, and wetting the ground with tears, I seemed pitiable to everyone.

¹³⁹ συνεὶς δὲ τοῦ πλήθους τὴν‎ μεταβολὴν διιστάναι τὰς γνώμας αὐτῶν ἐπειρώμηνto attempt πρὸ τοῦ τοὺς ὁπλίταςarmed warrior ἀπὸ τῆς οἰκίας ὑποστρέψαι. Καὶ συνεχώρουν μὲν ἀδικεῖν, ὡς αὐτοὶ νομίζουσιν, ἐδεόμην δὲ διδάξαι πρότερον, εἰς τίνα χρείαν ἐφύλαττον τὰ ἐκ τῆς ἁρπαγῆς κομισθέντα χρήματα καὶ τότε θνήσκειν, εἰ κελεύοιεν.
¹³⁹ then I seemed to them all an object of compassion; and when I perceived the change that was made in the multitude, I tried to divide their opinions before the armed men should return from my house; so I granted them that I had been as wicked as they supposed me to be; but still I entreated them to let me first inform them for what use I had kept that money which arose from the plunder; and that they might then kill me, if they pleased:	¹³⁹ Perceiving the change this made in the people, I tried to divide their opinions before the soldiers returned from my house. I implored them that, even if I were as wicked as they supposed, they first let me tell them the reason I had reserved the money arising from the raid, and afterward they might kill me if they pleased.
¹³⁹ And perceiving the change in the mood of the multitude, I tried to divide their opinions before the soldiers returned from the house. And I conceded that I had acted wrongly, as they believed, but I begged them first to let me explain for what purpose I was keeping the plundered goods, and then to kill me, if they so commanded.

¹⁴⁰ Τοῦ δὲ πλήθους λέγειν κελεύοντος ἐπῆλθον οἱ ὁπλῖταιheavy-armed καὶ θεασάμενοί με προσέτρεχον ὡς κτενοῦντες. Ἐπισχεῖν δὲ τοῦ πλήθους κελεύοντος ἐπείσθησαν προσδοκῶντες, ἐπειδὰν ὁμολογήσω πρὸς αὐτοὺς τὰ χρήματα τῷ βασιλεῖ τετηρηκέναι, ὡς ὡμολογηκότα τὴν‎ προδοσίανsurrender, treason ἀναιρήσειν.
¹⁴⁰ and, upon the multitude’s ordering me to speak, the armed men came upon me, and when they saw me, they ran to kill me; but when the multitude bade them hold their hands, they complied; and expected that as soon as I should own to them that I kept the money for the king, it would be looked on as a confession of my treason, and they should then be allowed to kill me.	¹⁴⁰ Just as the people were telling me to speak, the soldiers arrived and seeing me, rushed to kill me; but at the people's bidding, they held off, expecting that when I admitted to having kept the money for the king, I would be killed as having confessed to treason.
¹⁴⁰ When the crowd ordered me to speak, the armed men came forward and, seeing me, rushed toward me as if they would kill me. But when the crowd ordered them to hold back, they were persuaded, expecting that as soon as I confessed to them that I had reserved the funds for the king, they would kill me as having confessed the treason.

¹⁴¹ σιγῆς οὖν παρὰ πάντων γενομένης, «ἄνδρες,» εἶπον, «ὁμόφυλοιof the same race, θανεῖν μέν, εἰ δίκαιόν ἐστιν, οὐ παραιτοῦμαι. Βούλομαι δ᾽ ὅμως πρὸ τοῦ τελευτῆσαι τὴν‎ ἀλήθειαν φράσαι πρὸς ὑμᾶς·
¹⁴¹ When, therefore, silence was made by the whole multitude, I spake thus to them:—“O my countrymen! I refuse not to die, if justice so require. However, I am desirous to tell you the truth of this matter before I die;	¹⁴¹ When all were silent therefore, I said to them: “My countrymen! I do not refuse to die, if that is just. However, before I die, I want to tell you the truth of this matter.
¹⁴¹ Silence, therefore, having been established by everyone, “Men,” I said, “of the same nation, I certainly do not refuse to die, if it is just. Nevertheless, before I die, I want to declare the truth to you.

¹⁴² τὴν‎ γὰρ πόλιν ταύτην φιλοξενωτάτην οὖσαν ἐπιστάμενος πληθύουσάν τε προθύμως τοσούτων ἀνδρῶν, οἳ τὰς ἑαυτῶν πατρίδας καταλιπόντες ἀφίκοντο κοινωνοὶ τῆς ἡμετέρας γενόμενοι τύχης, ἐβουλήθην τείχη κατασκευάσαι ἐκ τῶν χρημάτων, περὶ ὧν ἡ παρ᾽ ὑμῶν ἐστιν ὀργή, δαπανωμένων εἰς τὴν‎ οἰκοδομίαν αὐτῶν.»
¹⁴² for as I know that this city of yours [Taricheae] was a city of great hospitality, and filled with abundance of such men as have left their own countries, and are come hither to be partakers of your fortune, whatever it be, I had a mind to build walls about it, out of this money, for which you are so angry with me, while yet it was to be expended in building your own walls.”	¹⁴² Since I know this to be a city of great hospitality, filled with many who have left their own countries and come here to share in your fortune, whatever it be, I wished to fortify it using this money, about which you are so angry with me, although it be spent in building your own walls.”
¹⁴² For, knowing that this city is most hospitable and is enthusiastically overflowing with so many men who, having left their own homelands, have arrived and become participants in our fortune, I decided to build walls with the funds concerning which your anger exists, by spending them on the construction of these [walls].”

¹⁴³ Πρὸς ταῦτα παρὰ μὲν τῶν ΤαριχεωτῶνTaricheans καὶ ξένων ἐγείρεται φωνὴ χάριν ἔχειν ὁμολογούντων καὶ θαρρεῖν προτρεπομένων, ΓαλιλαῖοιGalileans δὲ καὶ ΤιβεριεῖςTiberias τοῖς θυμοῖς ἐπέμενον, καὶ γίνεται στάσις πρὸς ἀλλήλους τῶν μὲν κολάσειν ἀπειλούντων με τῶν δὲ καταφρονεῖν.
¹⁴³ Upon my saying this, the people of Taricheae and the strangers cried out, That “they gave me thanks; and desired me to be of good courage,” although the Galileans and the people of Tiberias continued in their wrath against me, insomuch that there arose a tumult among them, while some threatened to kill me, and some bade me not to regard them;	¹⁴³ As I said this, the Taricheans and their guests cried out that they were grateful to me and told me to be of good courage, although the Galileans and the Tiberians continued wrathful against me, so that a dispute arose among them, one side threatening to kill me and the other bidding me not to heed them.
¹⁴³ In response to this, a cry was raised by the people of Tarichaea and the foreigners, who confessed their thanks and urged me to be courageous, but the Galileans and the people of Tiberias persisted in their anger, and a sedition arose among them, with some threatening to punish me and others treating me with contempt.

¹⁴⁴ Ἐπεὶ δ᾽ ἐπηγγειλάμην καὶ ΤιβεριάδιTiberians κατασκευάσειν τείχη καὶ ταῖς ἄλλαις πόλεσιν αὐτῶν ταῖς ἀναγκαίαιςneecessary, πιστεύσαντες ὑπεχώρουν ἕκαστος εἰς τὴν‎ ἑαυτοῦ. Κἀγὼ παρὰ πᾶσαν ἐλπίδα διαφυγὼν τὸν προειρημένον κίνδυνον μετὰ τῶν φίλων καὶ ὁπλιτῶν εἴκοσιν εἰς τὴν‎ οἰκίαν ὑπέστρεψα.
¹⁴⁴ but when I promised them that I would build them walls at Tiberias, and at other cities that wanted them, they gave credit to what I promised, and returned every one to his own home. So I escaped the forementioned danger, beyond all my hopes; and returned to my own house, accompanied with my friends, and twenty armed men also.	¹⁴⁴ When I further promised that I would provide walls at Tiberias and at other cities that wanted them, they believed my promise and they all returned home. So, unexpectedly, I escaped the danger and returned to my own house, accompanied by my friends and twenty soldiers.
¹⁴⁴ And since I promised that I would build walls for Tiberias and for their other essential cities, they believed me, and each one withdrew to his own place. And I, having escaped the aforementioned danger contrary to all expectations, returned to the house with my friends and twenty heavy-armed soldiers.

Chapter 7 Josephus forestalls his enemies
145-184

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A Second Ordeal

¹⁴⁵ Πάλιν δ᾽ οἱ λῃσταὶ καὶ τῆς στάσεως αἴτιοι δείσαντες περὶ ἑαυτῶν, μὴ δίκας εἰσπραχθῶσιν ὑπ᾽ ἐμοῦ τῶν πεπραγμένων, ἀναλαβόντες ἑξακοσίους ὁπλίταςarmed warrior ἧκον ἐπὶ τὴν‎ οἰκίαν ἔνθα διέτριβον ἐμπρήσοντες αὐτήν.
¹⁴⁵ However, these robbers and other authors of this tumult, who were afraid on their own account, lest I should punish them for what they had done, took six hundred armed men, and came to the house where I abode, in order to set it on fire.	¹⁴⁵ Then, afraid that I might punish them for their actions, these brigands and other authors of this revolt took six hundred soldiers and came to the house where I lodged, to set it on fire.
¹⁴⁵ Again, the robbers and the instigators of the sedition, fearing for themselves that they might be punished by me for what they had done, took up six hundred heavy-armed soldiers and came to the house where I was staying, intending to set it on fire.

¹⁴⁶ Ἀπαγγελθείσης δέ μοι τῆς ἐφόδου φεύγειν μὲν ἀπρεπὲς, ἔκρινα δὲ παραβαλόμενος χρήσασθαί τι καὶ τόλμῃ. Προστάξας οὖν ἀποκλεῖσαι τῆς οἰκίας τὰς θύρας αὐτὸς ἐπὶ τὸ ὑπερῷον ἀναβὰς παρεκάλουν εἰσπέμψαι τινὰς ληψομένους τὰ χρήματα· παύσεσθαι γὰρ οὕτως τῆς ὀργῆς αὐτοὺς ἔφην.
¹⁴⁶ When this their insult was told me, I thought it indecent for me to run away, and I resolved to expose myself to danger, and to act with some boldness; so I gave order to shut the doors, and went up into an upper room, and desired that they would send in some of their men to receive the money [from the spoils]; for I told them they would then have no occasion to be angry with me;	¹⁴⁶ When I heard of their plan I thought it would be indecent to run away and resolved to expose myself to danger and to act boldly so I had the doors locked and went up to an upper room, asking them to send in some of their men to receive the money and in this way allay their anger at me.
¹⁴⁶ When this assault was reported to me, I decided that to flee would be shameful, and that I must rather take the risk and use some daring. Therefore, having ordered the doors of the house to be barred, I myself went up to the upper floor and called out, asking them to send in some men to take the money; for I said that in this way they would cease their anger.

¹⁴⁷ Εἰσπεμψάντων δὲ τὸν θρασύτατον αὐτῶν μάστιξιν αἰκισάμενος τὴν‎ ἑτέραν τε τῶν χειρῶν ἀποκόψαι κελεύσας καὶ κρεμάσαι ἐκ τοῦ τραχήλου τοιοῦτον ἐξέβαλον πρὸς τοὺς ἐξαποστείλαντας.
¹⁴⁷ and when they had sent in one of the boldest of them all, I had him whipped severely; and I commanded that one of his hands should be cut off, and hung about his neck; and in this case was he put out to those that sent him.	¹⁴⁷ When they had sent in one of the boldest of them all, I had him severely scourged and had one of his hands cut off and hung about his neck; and sent him out in this state to those who sent him.
¹⁴⁷ And when they sent in the boldest man among them, I ordered him to be tortured with whips, and to have one of his hands cut off and hung from his neck. Such a man I cast out to those who had sent him.

¹⁴⁸ Τοὺς δ᾽ ἔλαβεν ἔκπληξιςconsternation καὶ φόβος οὔτι μέτριος. Δείσαντες οὖν καὶ αὐτοὶ ταὐτὰ πείσεσθαι, εἰ μένοιεν, εἴκαζον γὰρ ἔνδον ἔχειν με πλείους αὐτῶν, εἰς φυγὴν ὥρμησαν. Κἀγὼ τοιούτῳ στρατηγήματι χρησάμενος τὴν‎ δευτέραν ἐπιβουλὴν διέφυγον.
¹⁴⁸ At which procedure of mine they were greatly affrighted, and in no small consternation; and were afraid that they should themselves be served in like manner, if they stayed there; for they supposed that I had in the house more armed men than they had themselves; so they ran away immediately, while I, by the use of this stratagem, escaped this their second treacherous design against me.	¹⁴⁸ This struck them with fright and alarm, for fear they should be similarly treated themselves if they stayed; and thinking that I had indoors more forces than they had, they hurried away. By this ruse, I escaped the second plot.
¹⁴⁸ But they were seized by no moderate astonishment and fear. Therefore, fearing that they too would suffer the same things if they remained (for they surmised that I had a greater force inside than their own), they rushed into flight. And I, having used such a stratagem, escaped the second conspiracy.

The King’s Great Men

¹⁴⁹ Πάλιν δὲ τὸν ὄχλον τινὲς ἠρέθιζον τοὺς ἀφικομένουςto arrive at πρός με βασιλικοὺς μεγιστᾶνας οὐκ ὀφείλειν ζῆν λέγοντες μὴ μεταβῆναι θέλοντας εἰς τὰ παρ᾽ αὐτοῖς ἔθη, πρὸς οὓς σωθησόμενοιto save, keep πάρεισι· διέβαλλόν τε φαρμακέας εἶναι λέγοντες τοὺς ῬωμαίουςRomans παραγενέσθαι. ταχὺ δὲ τὸ πλῆθος ἐπείθετο ταῖς τῶν λεγομένων πρὸς χάριν αὐτοῖς πιθανότησιν ἀπατώμενοι.
¹⁴⁹ But there were still some that irritated the multitude against me, and said that those great men that belonged to the king ought not to be suffered to live, if they would not change their religion to the religion of those to whom they fled for safety; they spake reproachfully of them also, and said, that they were wizards, and such as called in the Romans upon them. So the multitude was soon deluded by such plausible pretenses as were agreeable to their own inclinations, and were prevailed on by them;	¹⁴⁹ But there were still some who stirred up the people against me, saying that the king's noble vassals must not be allowed to live, unless they conformed to the customs of those to whom they fled for safety; they also accused them as sorcerers who made it impossible to deal with the Romans. The crowd was soon swayed by such empty allegations and accepted them as true.
¹⁴⁹ Again, certain people were inciting the crowd by saying that the royal noblemen who had come to me ought not to live, since they were unwilling to adopt the customs of those they had come to in order to be saved. Furthermore, they slandered them by saying they were sorcerers who had come to bring the Romans [against them]. And the multitude was quickly persuaded, being deceived by the plausibility of the words that were spoken to please them.

¹⁵⁰ Πυθόμενος δὲ περὶ τούτων ἐγὼ πάλιν τὸν δῆμον ἀνεδίδασκον μὴ δεῖν διώκεσθαι τοὺς καταφυγόντας πρὸς αὐτούς· τὸν δὲ φλύαρον τῆς περὶ τῶν φαρμάκων αἰτίας διέσυρον, οὐκ ἂν τοσαύτας μυριάδας στρατιωτῶν ῬωμαίουςRomans λέγων τρέφειν, εἰ διὰ φαρμάκων ἦν νικᾶν τοὺς πολεμίους.
¹⁵⁰ but when I was informed of this, I instructed the multitude again, that those who fled to them for refuge ought not to be persecuted: I also laughed at the allegation about witchcraft; and told them that the Romans would not maintain so many ten thousand soldiers, if they could overcome their enemies by wizards.	¹⁵⁰ Learning of this, I again taught the people that those who fled to them for refuge ought not to be persecuted. I also laughed at the allegation about witchcraft, telling them that the Romans would not maintain so many thousand of soldiers, if they could overcome their enemies by sorcerers.
¹⁵⁰ But when I learned about these things, I again instructed the people that they ought not to pursue those who had fled to them; and I ridiculed the nonsense of the charge concerning the sorceries, saying that the Romans would not keep so many tens of thousands of soldiers if it were possible to conquer their enemies through sorceries.

¹⁵¹ Ταῦτα λέγοντος ἐμοῦ πρὸς ὀλίγον μὲν ἐπείθοντο, πάλιν δ᾽ ἀναχωρήσαντες ὑπὸ τῶν πονηρῶν ἐξηρεθίζοντο κατὰ τῶν μεγιστάνων, καί ποτε μεθ᾽ ὅπλων ἐπὶ τὴν‎ οἰκίαν αὐτῶν τὴν‎ ἐν ΤαριχέᾳTarichea ἀπῆλθον ὡς ἀναιρήσοντες.
¹⁵¹ Upon my saying this, the people assented for a while; but they returned again afterwards, as irritated by some ill people against the great men; nay, they once made an assault upon the house in which they dwelt at Taricheae, in order to kill them;	¹⁵¹ As I said this, the people assented for a while; but they changed again later, stirred up by some evil people against the nobles; indeed they once made an attack on the house where they lived at Tarichea, in order to kill them.
¹⁵¹ While I was saying these things, they were persuaded for a short time, but having withdrawn again, they were provoked by the wicked men against the noblemen, and once they went with weapons to the house of the noblemen in Tarichaea, intending to kill them.

¹⁵² Ἔδεισα δ᾽ ἐγὼ πυθόμενος, μὴ τοῦ μύσους τέλος λαβόντος ἀνεπίβατος γένηται τοῖς καταφυγεῖν εἰς αὐτὴν θέλουσιν.
¹⁵² which, when I was informed of, I was afraid lest so horrid a crime should take effect and nobody else would make that city their refuge any more.	¹⁵² I feared that if so terrible a crime took place no one else would make that city their refuge any more.
¹⁵² And having learned of this, I became fearful, lest this outrage, having been completed, might render the city inaccessible to those wishing to seek refuge in it.

¹⁵³ Παρεγενόμην οὖν εἰς τὴν‎ τῶν μεγιστάνων οἰκίαν μετά τινων ἑτέρων, καὶ κλείσας διώρυγά τε ποιήσας ἀπ᾽ αὐτῆς ἐπὶ τὴν‎ λίμνην ἄγουσαν μεταπεμψάμενός τε πλοῖον καὶ σὺν αὐτοῖς ἐμβὰς ἐπὶ τὴν‎ μεθόριον τῶν ἹππηνῶνHippos διεπέρασα, καὶ δοὺς αὐτοῖς τὴν‎ τιμὴν τῶν ἵππων, οὐ γὰρ ἠδυνήθην αὐτοὺς ἐπαγαγέσθαι τοιαύτης γενομένης τῆς ἀποδράσεως, ἀπέλυσα πολλὰ παρακαλέσας τὴν‎ προσπεσοῦσαν ἀνάγκην γενναίως ἐνεγκεῖν.
¹⁵³ I therefore, came myself, and some others with me, to the house where these great men lived, and locked the doors, and had a trench drawn from their house leading to the lake, and sent for a ship, and embarked therein with them, and sailed to the confines of Hippos: I also paid them the value of their horses; nor in such a flight could I have their horses brought to them. I then dismissed them; and begged of them earnestly that they would courageously bear this distress which befell them.	¹⁵³ Therefore with some others I came to the house where these nobles lived and locked the doors and had a trench dug from their house leading to the lake and sent for a ship and embarked in it with them and sailed to the borders of Hippos. I also paid them the value of their horses, for their horses could not have been brought in such a flight, and then dismissed them, earnestly imploring them to courageously bear their fate.
¹⁵³ Therefore, along with some others, I came to the house of the noblemen. After having barred the doors and having made a trench leading from it to the lake, and having sent for a boat and embarked with them, I crossed over to the border of the Hippenes. After giving them the money to buy their horses (for I was unable to bring their own horses with me, as the escape had to be done so quickly), I released them, urging them greatly to bear their present hardship bravely.

¹⁵⁴ Αὐτός τε μεγάλως ἠχθόμην βιασθεὶς τοὺς προσφυγόντας ἐκθεῖναι πάλιν εἰς τὴν‎ πολεμίαν, ἄμεινον δὲ νομίσας παρὰ ῬωμαίοιςRomans ἀποθανεῖν αὐτούς, εἰ συμπέσοι, μᾶλλον ἢ κατὰ τὴν‎ ἐμὴν χώραν. Οἱ δ᾽ ἄρα διεσώθησαν· συνεχώρησεν γὰρ αὐτοῖς βασιλεὺς ἈγρίππαςAgrippa τὰ ἡμαρτημένα. Καὶ τὰ μὲν περὶ ἐκείνους τοῦτ᾽ ἔσχε τὸ τέλος.
¹⁵⁴ I was also myself greatly displeased that I was compelled to expose those that had fled to me, to go again into an enemy’s country; yet did I think it more eligible that they should perish among the Romans, if it should so happen, than in the country that was under my jurisdiction. However, they escaped at length, and king Agrippa forgave them their offenses; and this was the conclusion of what concerned these men.	¹⁵⁴ I was also myself very unhappy to have to expel those refugees again to enemy soil but thought it preferable for them to die at Roman hands, if so it happened than in the area under my control. However, they finally escaped and king Agrippa pardoned their offences; and so this episode ended.
¹⁵⁴ And I myself was greatly vexed at being compelled to send the refugees back into enemy territory; yet I thought it was better for them to die among the Romans, if it should come to that, rather than in my own territory. But in fact, they were saved, for King Agrippa pardoned their offenses. And the matter concerning those men thus came to an end.

The Revolt of Tiberias

¹⁵⁵ Οἱ δὲ τὴν‎ τῶν ΤιβεριέωνTiberias πόλιν κατοικοῦντες γράφουσιν πρὸς τὸν βασιλέα παρακαλοῦντες πέμψαι δύναμιν τὴν‎ φυλάξουσαν αὐτῶν τὴν‎ χώραν· θέλειν γὰρ αὐτῷ προστίθεσθαι. Κἀκείνῳ μὲν ταῦτ᾽ ἔγραφον.
¹⁵⁵ But as for the inhabitants of the city of Tiberias, they wrote to the king, and desired him to send them forces sufficient to be a guard to their country; for that they were desirous to come over to him. This was what they wrote to him;	¹⁵⁵ The Tiberians wrote to the king, asking him to send troops to guard their territory, as they wanted to come over to him; that was what they wrote to him.
¹⁵⁵ But the inhabitants of the city of Tiberias wrote to the king, urging him to send a force to guard their territory, for they wished to attach themselves to him. This is what they wrote to the king.

¹⁵⁶ Ἀφικόμενονto arrive at δέ με πρὸς αὐτοὺς παρεκάλουν τὰ τείχη κατασκευάζειν αὐτοῖς, ὡς ὑπεσχήμην· ἠκηκόεισαν δὲ τὰς ΤαριχέαςTarichea ἤδη τετειχίσθαι. Κατανεύσας οὖν ἐγὼ καὶ πάντα τὰ πρὸς τὴν‎ οἰκοδομίαν παρασκευασάμενος τοὺς ἀρχιτέκτοναςmaster builder ἐκέλευον ἐνεργεῖν.
¹⁵⁶ but when I came to them, they desired me to build their walls, as I had promised them to do; for they had heard that the walls of Taricheae were already built. I agreed to their proposal accordingly; and when I had made preparation for the entire building, I gave order to the architects to go to work;	¹⁵⁶ But when I reached them, they asked me to build their walls as I had promised, since they had heard that the ramparts of Tarichea were already built; I agreed to their proposal and having made preparations for the building, I set the architects to work.
¹⁵⁶ And when I arrived among them, they urged me to construct walls for them, as I had promised; for they had heard that Tarichaea had already been fortified. Therefore, I agreed, and having prepared everything necessary for the construction, I ordered the architects to begin work.

¹⁵⁷ μετὰ δὲ τρίτην ἡμέραν εἰς ΤαριχέαςTarichea ἀπερχομένου μου τῆς ΤιβεριάδοςTiberias ἀπεχούσας στάδια τριάκοντα, συνέβη τινὰς ῬωμαίωνRoman, Latin ἱππεῖς οὐ πόρρωθεν τῆς πόλεως ὁδοιποροῦντας ὀφθῆναι, οἳ δόξαν παρέσχον τὴν‎ παρὰ τοῦ βασιλέως δύναμιν ἥκειν.
¹⁵⁷ but on the third day, when I was gone to Taricheae, which was thirty furlongs distant from Tiberias, it so fell out, that some Roman horsemen were discovered on their march, not far from the city, which made it to be supposed that the forces were come from the king;	¹⁵⁷ But on the third day, when I had gone to Tarichea, thirty furlongs from Tiberias, some Roman horsemen happened to be seen on the march, not far from the city, which made it seem that the king's forces were arriving.
¹⁵⁷ But on the third day after that, as I was leaving Tiberias for Tarichaea, a distance of thirty stades [4.7 km], it happened that some Roman cavalrymen were seen traveling not far from the city, who gave the impression that the force from the king had arrived.

¹⁵⁸ Εὐθέως γοῦν εἰς μὲν τὸν βασιλέα μετὰ πολλῶν ἐπαίνωνto praise, approve ἠφίεσαν φωνάς, κατ᾽ ἐμοῦ δὲ βλασφήμους. Καὶ ἐπιδραμών τις ἀπήγγειλέν μοι τὴν‎ διάνοιαν αὐτῶν, ὡς ἀφίστασθαίto revolt; desert μου διεγνώκασιν.
¹⁵⁸ upon which they shouted, and lifted up their voices in commendations of the king, and in reproaches against me. Hereupon one came running to me, and told me what their dispositions were; and that they had resolved to revolt from me:—	¹⁵⁸ Instantly they shouted and lifted up their voices in praise of the king and in curses against me. Someone came running to me and told me of their mood and how they were resolved to revolt from me.
¹⁵⁸ Immediately, therefore, they uttered cries with many praises for the king, but blasphemous cries against me. And someone ran to me and reported their intention, that they had decided to revolt from me.

¹⁵⁹ Ἐγὼ δ᾽ ἀκούσας ἐταράχθην μὲν σφόδρα· τοὺς γὰρ ὁπλίταςarmed warrior ἔτυχον ἐκ τῶν ΤαριχεῶνTarichea ἐπὶ τὰς αὐτῶν οἰκήσεις ἀφεικὼς διὰ τὸ τὴν‎ ἐπιοῦσανthe next day ἡμέραν σάββατον ὑπάρχειν· οὐ γὰρ ἐβουλόμην ὑπὸ τοῦ στρατιωτικοῦ πλήθους ἐνοχλεῖσθαι τοὺς ἐν ταῖς ΤαριχέαιςTaricheans.
¹⁵⁹ upon hearing which news I was very much alarmed; for I had already sent away my armed men from Taricheae to their own homes, because the next day was our Sabbath; for I would not have the people of Taricheae disturbed [on that day] by a multitude of soldiers;	¹⁵⁹ Hearing this I was much alarmed; for from Tarichea I had already sent my soldiers off to their homes, because the next day was our Sabbath, when I wanted the Taricheans to be untroubled by the soldiers' presence.
¹⁵⁹ When I heard this, I was greatly alarmed, for I happened to have sent the soldiers away from Tarichaea to their own homes because the following day was the Sabbath; for I did not wish the inhabitants of Tarichaea to be troubled by the large number of soldiers.

¹⁶⁰ Ὁσάκις γοῦν ἐν αὐταῖς διέτριβον οὐδὲ τῆς περὶ τὸ σῶμα φυλακῆς ἐποιούμην πρόνοιαν, πεῖραν παρὰ τῶν ἐνοικούντων τῆς πρός με πίστεως λαβὼν πολλάκις.
¹⁶⁰ and indeed, whenever I sojourned at that city, I never took any particular care for a guard about my own body, because I had had frequent instances of the fidelity its inhabitants bore to me.	¹⁶⁰ Indeed, whenever I was in that city, I never took particular care to have a bodyguard because I had had frequent instances of its inhabitants' fidelity to me.
¹⁶⁰ Indeed, whenever I stayed among them, I did not even take precautions for my personal safety, having often received proof from the inhabitants of their loyalty to me.

¹⁶¹ Μόνους δ᾽ ἔχων περὶ ἐμαυτὸν ἑπτὰ τῶν ὁπλιτῶν καὶ τοὺς φίλους ἠπόρουν, ὃ πράξω· μεταπέμψασθαι γὰρ τὴν‎ ἐμὴν δύναμιν διὰ τὸ λήγειν ἤδη τὴν‎ ἐνεστῶσαν ἡμέραν οὐκ ἐδοκίμαζον· οὐδὲ γὰρ ἀφικομένηςto arrive at αὐτῆς εἰς τὴν‎ ἐπιοῦσανthe next day ὅπλα λαβεῖν κωλυόντων ἡμᾶς τῶν νόμων, κἂν μεγάλη τις ἐπείγειν ἀνάγκη δοκῇ.
¹⁶¹ I had now about me no more than seven armed men, besides some friends, and was doubtful what to do; for to send to recall my own forces I did not think proper, because the present day was almost over: and had those forces been with me, I could not take up arms on the next day, because our laws forbade us so to do, even though our necessity should be very great;	¹⁶¹ Now I had around me no more than seven soldiers, along with some friends, and was doubtful what to do; for I did not think it right to send to recall my own forces, as that day was almost over.
¹⁶¹ Having only seven of the heavy-armed soldiers and my friends around me, I was at a loss as to what I should do; for I did not think it advisable to send for my main force because the present day was already ending. Even if they had arrived on the following day, our [sabbath] laws would forbid us from taking up arms, even if some great and pressing necessity seemed to demand it.

¹⁶² Εἰ δὲ τοῖς ΤαριχεώταιςTaricheans καὶ τοῖς παρ᾽ αὐτοῖς ξένοις ἐπιτρέψαιμι τὴν‎ πόλιν διαρπάζειν, ἑώρων οὐχ ἱκανοὺς ἐσομένουςto be, τὴν‎ ἐμὴν ὑπέρθεσιν ἑώρων μακροτάτην· φθήσεσθαι γὰρ καὶ τὴν‎ παρὰ βασιλέως δύναμιν ἀφικομένηνto arrive at, καὶ ἐκπεσεῖσθαιto fall off τῆς πόλεως ᾠόμην.
¹⁶² and if I should permit the people of Taricheae and the strangers with them, to guard the city, I saw that they would not be sufficient for that purpose, and I perceived that I should be obliged to delay my assistance a great while; for I thought with myself that the forces that came from the king would prevent me, and that I should be driven out of the city.	¹⁶² Even had those forces been with me, I could not take up arms the next day, since our laws forbade us to do so, even though our need be great. If I should permit the Taricheans and the strangers with them, to guard the city, I saw that they would be inadequate for that purpose and that my own action would come too late. The forces coming from the king would precede me and I would be driven out of the city.
¹⁶² But if I permitted the inhabitants of Tarichaea and the strangers with them to plunder the city, I saw that they would not be sufficient, and I saw that my delay would be too long; for I thought that the force from the king would arrive first, and I would be expelled from the city.

¹⁶³ Ἐβουλευόμην οὖν στρατηγήματι χρῆσθαί τινι κατ᾽ αὐτῶν. Παραχρῆμα δὴ τοὺς πιστοτάτους τῶν φίλων ταῖς πύλαις τῶν ΤαριχεῶνTarichea ἐπιστήσαςto set, place upon φυλάξοντας μετ᾽ ἀσφαλείας τοὺς ἐξιέναι θέλοντας καὶ τοὺς πρώτους τῶν οἴκων προσκαλεσάμενος, αὐτῶν ἕκαστον ἐκέλευσα καθελκύσαντα πλοῖον ἐμβάντα συνεπαγόμενον τὸν κυβερνήτην ἕπεσθαίto follow, obey μοι πρὸς τὴν‎ ΤιβεριέωνTiberias πόλιν.
¹⁶³ I considered, therefore, how to get clear of these forces by a stratagem; so I immediately placed those my friends of Taricheae, on whom I could best confide, at the gates, to watch those very carefully who went out at those gates; I also called to me the heads of families, and bade every one of them to seize upon a ship, to go on board it, and to take a master with them, and follow him to the city of Tiberias.	¹⁶³ So I thought to be rid of these forces by a ruse; immediately I placed my most trusted friends at the gates of Tarichea, to watch carefully those who went out at those gates. I also called to me the heads of families and bade them each to seize a boat and launch it with a steersman, and follow me to Tiberias.
¹⁶³ Therefore, I planned to use some stratagem against them. At once, I appointed the most trustworthy of my friends to guard the gates of Tarichaea, ensuring the safety of those who wished to leave. And having summoned the leading men of the households, I ordered each one of them to launch a boat, embark, take the pilot with him, and follow me to the city of Tiberias.

¹⁶⁴ Καὶ αὐτὸς δὲ μετὰ τῶν φίλων καὶ τῶν ὁπλιτῶν, οὓς ἔφην ἑπτὰ τὸν ἀριθμὸν εἶναι, ἐμβὰς ἔπλεονto sail ἐπὶ τὴν‎ ΤιβεριάδαTiberias.
¹⁶⁴ I also myself went on board one of those ships, with my friends, and the seven armed men already mentioned, and sailed for Tiberias.	¹⁶⁴ I myself set sail with my friends and the seven soldiers already mentioned and sailed for Tiberias.
¹⁶⁴ And I myself, having embarked with my friends and the heavy-armed soldiers, whom I said were seven in number, began to sail toward Tiberias.

Josephus Quenches the Revolt

¹⁶⁵ ΤιβεριεῖςTiberias δὲ τὴν‎ παρὰ τοῦ βασιλέως δύναμιν ὡς ἔγνωσαν οὐχ ἥκουσανto hear αὐτοῖς, πλοίων δὲ τὴν‎ λίμνην πᾶσαν ἐθεάσαντο πλήρη, δείσαντες περὶ τῇ πόλει καὶ καταπλαγέντες ὡς ἐπιβατῶνrider πλήρεις εἶναι νέας, μετατίθενται τὰς γνώμας.
¹⁶⁵ But now, when the people of Tiberias perceived that there were no forces come from the king, and yet saw the whole lake full of ships, they were in fear what would become of their city, and were greatly terrified, as supposing that the ships were full of men on board; so they then changed their minds,	¹⁶⁵ But now, when the Tiberians noticed that no forces had come from the king, yet saw the whole lake full of ships, they feared what would become of their city and terrified that the ships were fully manned, they changed their minds.
¹⁶⁵ But when the Tiberians realized that the force from the king had not come to them, and saw the entire lake full of boats, fearing for their city and being utterly astonished, supposing the vessels to be full of soldiers, they changed their minds.

¹⁶⁶ Ῥίψαντες οὖν τὰ ὅπλα μετὰ γυναικῶν καὶ παίδων ὑπηντίαζον πολλὰς μετ᾽ ἐπαίνωνto praise, approve εἰς ἐμὲ φωνὰς ἀφιέντες, εἴκαζον γὰρ οὐ προπεπύσθαι με τὴν‎ διάνοιαν αὐτῶν, καὶ παρεκάλουν φείσασθαι τῆς πόλεως.
¹⁶⁶ and threw down their weapons, and met me with their wives and children, and made acclamations to me with great commendations; for they imagined that I did not know their former inclinations [to have been against me]; so they persuaded me to spare the city;	¹⁶⁶ They threw down their weapons and met me with their wives and children and made great acclamations to me, not knowing I was aware of their intentions, and persuaded me to spare the city.
¹⁶⁶ Therefore, throwing down their weapons, they came to meet me with their wives and children, uttering many cries of praise toward me, for they supposed that I had not been forewarned of their intention, and they begged me to spare the city.

¹⁶⁷ Ἐγὼ δὲ πλησίον γενόμενος ἀγκύρας μὲν ἔτι πόρρω τῆς γῆς ἐκέλευον βαλέσθαι τοὺς κυβερνήτας ὑπὲρ τοῦ μὴ κατάδηλα τοῖς ΤιβεριεῦσινTiberians εἶναι τὰ πλοῖα κενὰ τῶν ἐπιβατῶνrider ὄντα, πλησιάσας δ᾽ αὐτὸς ἔν τινι πλοίῳ κατεμεμφόμην αὐτῶν τὴν‎ ἄγνοιαν, καὶ ὅτι δὴ οὕτως εὐχερεῖς εἶεν πάσης δικαίας ἄνευ προφάσεως ἐξίστασθαι τῆς πρός με πίστεως.
¹⁶⁷ but when I was come near enough, I gave order to the masters of the ships to cast anchor a good way off the land, that the people of Tiberias might not perceive that the ships had no men on board; but I went nearer to the people in one of the ships, and rebuked them for their folly, and that they were so fickle as, without any just occasion in the world, to revolt from their fidelity to me.	¹⁶⁷ When I drew near, I ordered the masters of the ships to anchor far enough from shore that the Tiberians would not realize that the ships had no passengers on board. But in one of the ships I went nearer to the people and rebuked them for their foolishness, that they were so fickle as to abandon their allegiance to me without any just reason.
¹⁶⁷ When I drew near, I ordered the pilots to cast anchor while still far from the shore, so that it might not become apparent to the Tiberians that the boats were empty of soldiers; and I myself, approaching in one boat, began to reproach them for their thoughtlessness, and because they were so ready to abandon their loyalty to me without any just cause.

¹⁶⁸ Ὡμολόγουν δ᾽ εἴς τε τὸ λοιπὸν αὐτοῖς συγγνώσεσθαι βεβαίως, εἰ πέμψειαν δέκα τοῦ πλήθους προεστῶταςto set before. Ὑπακουσάντων δ᾽ ἑτοίμως καὶ πεμψάντων ἄνδρας οὓς προεῖπον, ἐμβιβάσας ἀπέλυον εἰς ΤαριχέαςTarichea φυλαχθησομένους.
¹⁶⁸ However, I assured them that I would entirely forgive them for the time to come, if they would send ten of the ringleaders of the multitude to me; and when they complied readily with this proposal, and sent me the men forementioned, I put them on board a ship, and sent them away to Taricheae, and ordered them to be kept in prison.	¹⁶⁸ However, I assured them of a complete pardon if they would send me ten of the ringleaders. When they complied readily with this proposal and sent me the ten I mentioned, I put them on board and sent them away to Tarichea; to be kept under arrest.
¹⁶⁸ And I declared that for the future I would surely pardon them, provided they sent me ten of the leading men of the multitude. When they readily obeyed and sent the men whom I had specified, I placed them on board a boat and sent them away to Tarichaea to be guarded.

¹⁶⁹ Τῷ στρατηγήματι δὲ τούτῳ τὴν‎ βουλὴν πᾶσαν κατ᾽ ὀλίγους λαβὼν εἰς τὴν‎ προειρημένην πόλιν καὶ μετ᾽ αὐτῶν τοὺς πολλοὺς τοῦ δήμου πρώτους ἄνδρας οὐκ ἐλάττους ἐκείνων ὄντας διεπεμψάμην.
¹⁶⁹ And by this stratagem it was that I gradually got all the senate of Tiberias into my power, and sent them to the city forementioned, with many of the principal men among the populace; and those not fewer in number than the other:	¹⁶⁹ By this ruse, gradually I got into my power all the council of Tiberias, and as many again of the leading citizens, and sent them to the aforementioned city.
¹⁶⁹ By means of this stratagem, I captured the entire council, taking them a few at a time, in the aforementioned city, and along with them, many of the leading men of the people, who were no fewer in number than the council members, and I sent them all away.

¹⁷⁰ Τὸ δὲ πλῆθος, ὡς εἶδον εἰς οἷον κακῶν ἥκουσι μέγεθος, παρεκάλουν με τὸν αἴτιον τῆς στάσεως τιμωρήσασθαιto avenge, punish. ΚλεῖτοςCleitus δ᾽ ἦν ὄνομα τούτῳ, θρασύς τε καὶ προπετὴςreckless νεανίας.
¹⁷⁰ but, when the multitude saw into what great miseries they had brought themselves, they desired me to punish the author of this sedition: his name was Clitus, a young man, bold and rash in his undertakings.	¹⁷⁰ When the people saw to what a wretched condition they were reduced, they asked me to punish the author of this revolt, named Cleitus, a young man, bold and rash in his undertakings.
¹⁷⁰ When the crowd saw to what magnitude of evils they had come, they urged me to punish the one responsible for the sedition. Cleitus was this man's name, a reckless and headstrong young man.

¹⁷¹ Ἐγὼ δ᾽ ἀποκτεῖναι μὲν οὐχ ὅσιον ἡγούμενος ὁμόφυλονof the same race ἄνδρα, κολάσαι δ᾽ ἀνάγκην ἔχων, τῶν περὶ ἐμέ τινι σωματοφυλάκωνbodyguard ΛηουεῖLevi προσέταξα προελθόντι κόψαι τοῦ ΚλείτουCleitus τὴν‎ ἑτέραν τῶν χειρῶν.
¹⁷¹ Now, since I thought it not agreeable to piety to put one of my own people to death, and yet found it necessary to punish him, I ordered Levi, one of my own guards, to go to him, and cut off one of Clitus’s hands;	¹⁷¹ Considering it an impiety to put one of my own people to death and yet finding it necessary to punish him, I ordered Levi, one of my own guards, to go and cut off one of Cleitus' hands;
¹⁷¹ But I, considering it not pious to kill a man of my own race, yet having the necessity to punish him, I commanded Leonidas, one of the bodyguards around me, to come forward and cut off one of Cleitus's hands.

¹⁷² Δείσαντος δὲ τοῦ κελευσθέντος εἰς τοσοῦτο πλῆθος προελθεῖν μόνου, τὴν‎ δειλίαν τοῦ στρατιώτου μὴ βουληθεὶς κατάδηλον γενέσθαι τοῖς ΤιβεριεῦσινTiberians, αὐτὸν ΚλεῖτονCleitus φωνήσας, «Ἐπειδὴ καὶ ἄξιος, εἶπον, ὑπάρχεις ἀμφοτέρας τὰς χεῖρας ἀποβαλεῖνto throw off οὕτως ἀχάριστος εἰς ἐμὲ γενόμενος, γενοῦ σαυτοῦ δημόσιος, μὴ καὶ ἀπειθήσας χείρονα τιμωρίαν ὑπόσχῃς.»
¹⁷² but as he that was ordered to do this, was afraid to go out of the ship alone among so great a multitude, I was not willing that the timorousness of the soldier should appear to the people of Tiberias;—so I called to Clitus himself, and said to him, “Since thou deservest to lose both thine hands for thy ingratitude to me, be thou thine own executioner, lest, if thou refusest so to be, thou undergo a worse punishment.”	¹⁷² but as the one ordered to do it was afraid to leave the ship on his own, into so great a crowd, I was unwilling to have the soldier's nervousness witnessed by the Tiberians. So I called to Cleitus himself and said to him, “Since you deserve to lose both your hands for your ingratitude to me, be your own executioner, or you will suffer a worse punishment.”
¹⁷² When the man who was ordered feared to advance alone into such a large crowd, and since I did not wish the soldier's cowardice to become manifest to the people of Tiberias, I called Cleitus himself, and said, “Since you are indeed worthy to lose both hands for having become so ungrateful toward me, be your own executioner, lest by disobeying you suffer a worse punishment.”

¹⁷³ Τοῦ δὲ τὴν‎ ἑτέραν αὐτῷ συγχωρῆσαι πολλὰ δεομένου μόλις κατένευσα. Κἀκεῖνος ἄσμενος ὑπὲρ τοῦ μὴ τὰς δύο χεῖρας ἀποβαλεῖνto throw off λαβὼν μάχαιραν κόπτει τὴν‎ ἀριστερὰν ἑαυτοῦ. Καὶ τοῦτο τὴν‎ στάσιν ἔπαυσεν.
¹⁷³ And when he earnestly begged of me to spare him one of his hands, it was with difficulty that I granted it. So in order to prevent the loss of both his hands, he willingly took his sword, and cut off his own left hand; and this put an end to the sedition.	¹⁷³ When he earnestly begged of me to spare him one of his hands, I granted it with difficulty. So, in order to prevent the loss of both his hands, he willingly took his sword and cut off his own left hand; and this put an end to the revolt.
¹⁷³ And though he begged earnestly that I permit him to keep the other hand, I with difficulty consented. And he, glad to avoid losing both hands, took a knife and cut off his own left hand. And this put an end to the uprising.

Josephus Speaks to the Prisoners

¹⁷⁴ ΤιβεριεῖςTiberias δέ, ὡς εἰς τὰς ΤαριχέαςTarichea ἀφικόμην γνόντες τὴν‎ στρατηγίαν, ᾗ κατ᾽ αὐτῶν ἐχρησάμην, ἀπεθαύμαζον ὅτι χωρὶς φόνων ἔπαυσαto stop τὴν‎ ἀγνωμοσύνην αὐτῶν.
¹⁷⁴ Now the men of Tiberias, after I was gone to Taricheae, perceived what stratagem I had used against them, and they admired how I had put an end to their foolish sedition, without shedding of blood.	¹⁷⁴ When I had gone to Tarichea, the Tiberians understood the ruse I had used on them and admired how I had put an end to their foolish revolt without violence.
¹⁷⁴ And the Tiberians, when they realized the strategy which I had used against them after I arrived at Tarichaea, were amazed that I put an end to their intransigence without bloodshed.

¹⁷⁵ Ἐγὼ δὲ τοὺς ἐκ τῆς εἱρκτῆς μεταπεμψάμενος τοῦ πλήθους τῶν ΤιβεριέωνTiberias, ἦν δὲ σὺν αὐτοῖς ἸοῦστοςJustus καὶ ὁ πατὴρ αὐτοῦ‎ πιστός, συνδείπνους ἐποιησάμην, καὶ παρὰ τὴν‎ ἑστίασιν ἔλεγον, ὅτι τὴν‎ ῬωμαίωνRoman, Latin δύναμιν οὐδ᾽ αὐτὸς ἀγνοῶ πασῶν διαφέρουσαν, σιγῴην μέντοι περὶ αὐτῆς διὰ τοὺς λῃστάς.
¹⁷⁵ But now, when I had sent for some of those multitudes of the people of Tiberias out of prison, among whom were Justus and his father Pistus, I made them to sup with me; and during our supper time I said to them, that I knew the power of the Romans was superior to all others; but did not say so [publicly] because of the robbers.	¹⁷⁵ But now, sending to bring out some of the many Tiberians from the prison, including Justus and his father Pistus, I had them sup with me; and during our supper I told them that I knew the power of the Romans was superior to all others, but had not spoken out because of the brigands.
¹⁷⁵ But I, having sent for those from the prison belonging to the popular party of the Tiberians—and among them were Justus and his father Pistos—I made them my dinner companions. During the meal I said that I myself was not unaware that the power of the Romans surpasses all others, but that I kept silent about it because of the bandits.

¹⁷⁶ Καὶ αὐτοῖς δὲ ταῦτα συνεβούλευον ποιεῖν τὸν ἐπιτήδειον περιμένουσι καιρὸν καὶ μὴ δυσανασχετεῖν ἐμοὶ στρατηγῷ· μηδενὸς γὰρ αὐτοὺς ἑτέρου δυνήσεσθαι ῥᾳδίως ἐπιεικοῦςfair, good, kind ὁμοίως τυχεῖν.
¹⁷⁶ So I advised them to do as I did, and to wait for a proper opportunity, and not to be uneasy at my being their commander; for that they could not expect to have another who would use the like moderation that I had done.	¹⁷⁶ I advised them to do as I did and to bide their time and not be impatient at my being in command, since their subsequent ruler would not treat them as fairly as myself.
¹⁷⁶ I advised them also to do these things while awaiting the opportune time, and not to be impatient with me, the general (or governor); for without me, they would not easily be able to obtain such reasonable treatment as this.

¹⁷⁷ Τὸν ἸοῦστονJustus δὲ καὶ ὑπεμίμνησκον, ὅτι πρόσθεν ἤ με παραγενέσθαι ἐκ τῶν ἹεροσολύμωνJerusalem οἱ ΓαλιλαῖοιGalileans τἀδελφοῦ τὰς χεῖρας ἀποκόψειαν αὐτοῦ‎ πρὸ τοῦ πολέμου πλαστῶν αὐτῷ γραμμάτων κακουργίαν ἐπικαλέσαντες, καὶ ὅτι μετὰ τὴν‎ ἀναχώρησινa retreat; to go back τὴν‎ ΦιλίππουPhilip ΓαμαλῖταιGamala πρὸς ΒαβυλωνίουςBabylonians στασιάζοντες ἀνέλοιεν ΧάρηταChares, συγγενὴς δ᾽ ἦν οὗτος τοῦ ΦιλίππουPhilip,
¹⁷⁷ I also put Justus in mind how the Galileans had cut off his brother’s hands before ever I came to Jerusalem, upon an accusation laid against him, as if he had been a rogue, and had forged some letters; as also how the people of Gamala, in a sedition they raised against the Babylonians, after the departure of Philip, slew Chares, who was a kinsman of Philip,	¹⁷⁷ I also reminded Justus how before ever I came to Jerusalem, the Galileans had cut off his brother's hands, when he was accused of being a rogue and of forging some letters; also, how the people of Gamala, in their revolt against the Babylonians after the departure of Philip, killed Philip's kinsman, Chares,
¹⁷⁷ And I also reminded Justus that before I arrived from Jerusalem, the Galileans had cut off his brother's hands before the war, having accused him of villainy based on forged letters, and that after Philip's departure, the Gamalitans, while engaged in strife against the Babylonians, had killed Chares, who was a relative of Philip,

¹⁷⁸ καὶ ὡς ἸησοῦνJesus, Joshua τὸν ἀδελφὸν αὐτοῦ‎ ἄνδρα τῆς ἀδελφῆς ἸούστουJustus σωφρόνως κολάσειαν. Ταῦτα παρὰ τὴν‎ ἑστίασιν διαλεχθεὶς τοῖς περὶ τὸν ἸοῦστονJustus ἕωθεν ἐκέλευσα πάντας τῆς φυλακῆς ἀπολυθῆναι.
¹⁷⁸ and withal how they had wisely punished Jesus, his brother Justus’s sister’s husband [with death]. When I had said this to them during supper time, I in the morning ordered Justus, and all the rest that were in prison, to be loosed out of it, and sent away.	¹⁷⁸ and also how they had ruthlessly executed Joshua, the husband of his brother Justus' sister. After saying this to them at supper, in the morning I ordered Justus and all the rest to be released from the prison and sent away.
¹⁷⁸ and how they sensibly punished Joshua (Jesus) [with death], his brother, the husband of Justus's sister. Having discussed these matters with Justus and his companions during the dinner, I ordered that all of them be released from prison the next morning.

Philip and Agrippa

¹⁷⁹ Πρὸ δὲ τούτων συνέβη τὸν ἸακίμουJacimus ΦίλιππονPhilip ἀπελθεῖν ἐκ ΓάμαλαGamala τοῦ φρουρίου τοιαύτης αἰτίας γενομένης·
¹⁷⁹ But before this, it happened that Philip, the son of Jacimus, went out of the citadel of Gamala upon the following occasion:	¹⁷⁹ Even before this, Philip, the son of Jacimus, left the Gamala fortress in the following circumstances.
¹⁷⁹ But before these events, it happened that Philip of Jacimus departed from the fortress of Gamala for the following reason:

¹⁸⁰ ΦίλιπποςPhilip πυθόμενος μεθεστάναι μὲν ΟὔαρονVarus ὑπὸ τοῦ βασιλέως ἈγρίππαAgrippa, διάδοχον δὲ ἀφῖχθαι ΜόδιονModius ΑἴκουονAequus ἄνδρα φίλον αὐτῷ καὶ συνήθη πάλαι, γράφει πρὸς τοῦτον τὰς καθ᾽ ἑαυτὸν τύχας ἀπαγγέλλων καὶ παρακαλῶν τὰ παρ᾽ αὐτοῦ‎ πεμφθέντα γράμματα πρὸς τοὺς βασιλέας ἀποστεῖλαι.
¹⁸⁰ When Philip had been informed that Varus was put out of his government by king Agrippa, and that Equiculus Modius, a man that was of old his friend and companion, was come to succeed him, he wrote to him and related what turns of fortune he had had, and desired him to forward the letters he sent to the king and queen.	¹⁸⁰ When Philip learned that Varus had been deposed by king Agrippa and that Modius Aequus, his former friend and companion, had come to succeed him, he wrote telling him of his various experiences and asking him to forward to the king and queen the letters he had already sent.
¹⁸⁰ Philip learned that Varus had been removed by King Agrippa, and that Modius Aequus, a man who was an old friend and acquaintance of his, had arrived as his successor. (Philip) wrote to this man, reporting his own misfortunes and urging him to send on to the kings the letters that had been sent from him (Philip).

¹⁸¹ Καὶ ΜόδιοςModius δεξάμενος τὰς ἐπιστολὰς ἐχάρηto rejoice σφόδρα σώζεσθαι τὸν ΦίλιππονPhilip ἐξ αὐτῶν ἐπιγνούς, καὶ πρὸς τοὺς βασιλέας ἔπεμψε τὰ γράμματα περὶ ΒηρυτὸνBerytus ὄντας.
¹⁸¹ Now, when Modius had received these letters, he was exceedingly glad, and sent the letters to the king and queen, who were then about Berytus.	¹⁸¹ Modius was very glad to receive this message and sent on the letters to their majesties, who were then in the area of Berytus.
¹⁸¹ And Modius, having received the letters, rejoiced greatly, realizing from them that Philip was safe. He sent the letters to the kings who were near Berytus.

¹⁸² Ὁ δὲ βασιλεὺς ἈγρίππαςAgrippa ὡς ἔγνω ψευδῆ τὴν‎ περὶ ΦιλίππουPhilip φήμην γενομένην, λόγος γὰρ διῆλθεν, ὡς στρατηγοίη τῶν ἸουδαίωνJews ἐπὶ τὸν πρὸς ῬωμαίουςRomans πόλεμον, ἔπεμψεν ἱππεῖς τοὺς παραπέμψοντας τὸν ΦίλιππονPhilip.
¹⁸² But when king Agrippa knew that the story about Philip was false (for it had been given out, that the Jews had begun a war with the Romans, and that this Philip had been their commander in that war), he sent some horsemen to conduct Philip to him;	¹⁸² But when king Agrippa found that the rumour about Philip was false, (it had been claimed that Philip was leading the Jews in a war against the Romans,) he sent some horsemen to bring Philip to him.
¹⁸² And King Agrippa, when he learned that the rumour concerning Philip was false—for a report had spread that he was acting as general for the Jews in the war against the Romans—sent horsemen to escort Philip.

¹⁸³ Καὶ παραγενόμενον ἀσπάζεταί τε φιλοφρόνως τοῖς τε ῬωμαίωνRoman, Latin ἡγεμόσιν ἐπεδείκνυεν, ὅτι δὴ ΦίλιπποςPhilip οὗτός ἐστιν, περὶ οὗ διεξῄει λόγος ὡς ῬωμαίωνRoman, Latin ἀποστάντος. κελεύει δ᾽ αὐτὸν ἱππεῖς τινας ἀναλαβόντα θᾶττον εἰς ΓάμαλαGamala τὸ φρούριον πορευθῆναι τοὺς οἰκείους αὐτῷ πάντας ἐκεῖθεν ἐξάξοντα καὶ τοὺς ΒαβυλωνίουςBabylonians εἰς τὴν‎ ΒατανέανBatanea πάλιν ἀποκαταστήσοντα.
¹⁸³ and when he was come, he saluted him very obligingly, and showed him to the Roman commanders, and told them that this was the man of whom the report had gone about as if he had revolted from the Romans.	¹⁸³ When he arrived, he greeted him very obligingly and presented him to the Roman generals as the who had been reported as having rebelled from the Romans. He told him to take some horsemen and to go quickly to the Gamala fortress and to bring his people out from there, and to reinstate the Babylonians in Batanea.
¹⁸³ And when he arrived, he (Agrippa) greeted him warmly and showed him to the Roman commanders, proving that this was indeed Philip, concerning whom the report had spread that he had revolted from the Romans. And he ordered him to take some horsemen and proceed quickly to Gamala, the fortress, in order to lead out all his own people from there, and to resettle the Babylonians back into Batanea.

¹⁸⁴ Παρήγγειλε δὲ καὶ πᾶσαν ποιήσασθαι πρόνοιαν ὑπὲρ τοῦ μὴ γενέσθαι τινὰ νεωτερισμὸν παρὰ τῶν ὑπηκόων. ΦίλιπποςPhilip μὲν οὖν ταῦτα τοῦ βασιλέως ἐπιστείλαντος ἔσπευδε ποιήσων ἃ προσέταξεν.
¹⁸⁴ He also bid him to take some horsemen with him, and to go quickly to the citadel of Gamala, and to bring out thence all his domestics, and to restore the Babylonians to Batanea again. He also gave it him in charge to take all possible care that none of his subjects should be guilty of making any innovation. Accordingly, upon these directions from the king, he made haste to do what he was commanded.	¹⁸⁴ He also told him to take all care that none of his subjects should be guilty of any rebellion. Philip hastened to do as the king had ordered.
¹⁸⁴ And he also commanded him to exercise every precaution lest any revolt occur among the subjects. Philip, therefore, when the king had given these instructions, hastened to do what he had commanded.

Chapter 8 Josephus' strong leadership, in Galilee
185-215

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Developments in Gamala

¹⁸⁵ ἸώσηποςJoseph, Josephus δὲ τῆς ἰατρίνης πολλοὺς νεανίσκους θρασεῖς προτρεψάμενος αὐτῷ συνάρασθαι καὶ ἐπαναστὰς τοῖς ἐν ΓάμαλαGamala πρώτοις ἔπειθεν αὐτοὺς ἀφίστασθαι τοῦ βασιλέως καὶ ἀναλαβεῖν τὰ ὅπλα ὡς διὰ τούτων τὴν‎ ἐλευθερίαν ἀποληψομένους. Καὶ τινὰς μὲν ἐβιάσαντο, τοὺς δὲ μὴ συναρεσκομένους αὐτῶν ταῖς γνώμαις ἀνῄρουν.
¹⁸⁵ Now there was one Joseph, the son of a female physician, who excited a great many young men to join with him. He also insolently addressed himself to the principal persons at Gamala, and persuaded them to revolt from the king, and take up arms, and gave them hopes that they should, by his means, recover their liberty; and some they forced into the service; and those that would not acquiesce in what they had resolved on, they slew.	¹⁸⁵ Joseph, a midwife's son, then roused up many young men to join him and putting pressure on the magistrates at Gamala, persuaded them to revolt from the king and take up arms in the hope of regaining their liberty with them. Some they forced to comply and those who would not acquiesce in their plan, they killed.
¹⁸⁵ But Joseph, having urged many bold young men from the medical profession to join him, and having risen up against the leading men in Gamala, persuaded them to revolt from the king and take up arms, as they would recover their freedom through these means. And some they forced, but those who did not agree with their decisions, they killed.

¹⁸⁶ Κτείνουσι δὲ καὶ ΧάρηταChares, καὶ μετ᾽ αὐτοῦ‎ τινα τῶν συγγενῶν ἸησοῦνJesus, Joshua καὶ ἸούστουJustus δὲ τοῦ ΤιβεριέωςTiberias ἀδελφὴν ἀνεῖλον, καθὼς ἤδη προείπομεν, γράφουσι δὲ καὶ πρός με παρακαλοῦντες πέμψαι καὶ δύναμιν αὐτοῖς ὁπλιτῶν καὶ τοὺς ἀναστήσοντας αὐτῶν τῇ πόλει τείχη.
¹⁸⁶ They also slew Chares, and with him Jesus, one of his kinsmen, and a brother of Justus of Tiberias, as we have already said. Those of Gamala also wrote to me, desiring me to send them an armed force, and workmen to raise up the walls of their city; nor did I reject either of their requests.	¹⁸⁶ They also killed Chares and one of his kinsmen, Joshua, and the brother of Justus of Tiberias, as already said. They also wrote to me, to send them an armed force and workmen to repair their city walls; I refused neither of these requests.
¹⁸⁶ And they kill Chares, and with him, Joshua (Jesus), one of his relatives, and they also killed the sister of Justus the Tiberian, as we have already mentioned. And they wrote to me, requiring me to send them both a force of armed soldiers and men who will rebuild the walls for their city.

¹⁸⁷ Κἀγὼ πρὸς οὐδέτερον ἀντεῖπονto contradict, dispute ὧν ἠξίωσαν. Ἀφίσταται δὲ τοῦ βασιλέως καὶ ἡ ΓαυλανῖτιςGaulonitis χώρα μέχρι κώμης ΣολύμηςSolyma. ΣελευκείᾳSeleucia δὲ καὶ ΣωγάνῃSoganni φύσει κώμαις ὀχυρωτάταις ᾠκοδόμησα τείχη, τάς τε κατὰ τὴν‎ ἄνω ΓαλιλαίανGalilee κώμας καὶ πάνυ πετρώδεις οὔσας ἐτείχισα παραπλησίως.
¹⁸⁷ The region of Gaulanitis did also revolt from the king, as far as the village Solyma. I also built a wall about Seleucia and Soganni, which are villages naturally of very great strength. Moreover, I, in like manner, walled several villages of Upper Galilee, though they were very rocky of themselves.	¹⁸⁷ The region of Gaulanitis as far as the village of Solyma also rebelled from the king. I also built walls around Seleucia and Soganni, with very strong natural defences, and did the same for several villages of Upper Galilee, even though of themselves they were very rugged.
¹⁸⁷ And I did not object to either of the things they requested. And the region of Gaulanitis also revolted from the king, up to the village of Solyme. But for Seleuceia and Sogane, villages naturally very strong, I built walls, and the villages throughout Upper Galilee, even though they were very rocky, I fortified in a similar manner.

¹⁸⁸ Ὀνόματα δ᾽ αὐταῖς ἸάμνιαJamnia ἈμηρὼθAmeoth ἈχαράβηAchabae. Ὠχύρωσα δὲ καὶ τὰς ἐν τῇ κάτω ΓαλιλαίᾳGalilee πόλεις μὲν ΤαριχέαςTarichea ΤιβεριάδαTiberias ΣέπφωρινSepphoris, κώμας δὲ ἈρβήλωνArbela σπήλαιον, ΒηρσουβαίBersobe , ΣελαμήνSelamin, ἸωτάπαταJotapata, Καφαραθ’κωμοςCapharecho ΣωγαναSigo ΙπαφαJaffa καὶ τὸ ἸταβύριονItaburion ὄρος. Εἰς ταύτας καὶ σῖτον ἀπεθέμην πολὺν καὶ ὅπλα πρὸς ἀσφάλειαν τὴν‎ μετὰ ταῦτα.
¹⁸⁸ Their names are Jamnia, and Meroth, and Achabare. I also fortified, in the Lower Galilee, the cities Taricheae, Tiberias, Sepphoris, and the villages, the cave of Arbela, Bersobe, Selamin, Jotapata, Capharecho, and Sigo, and Japha, and Mount Tabor. I also laid up a great quantity of corn in these places, and arms withal, that might be for their security afterward.	¹⁸⁸ Their names are Jamnia and Ameroth and Achabare. In Lower Galilee, I also fortified Tarichea, Tiberias, Sepphoris and the villages, the cave of Arbela, Beersobe, Selamin, Jotapata, Capharecho and Sigo and Jaffa and Mount Itaburion. I stocked these places with much corn and armour, for their later security.
¹⁸⁸ And their names [the rocky villages in Upper Galilee] were Jamnia, Ameroth, and Acharabe. But I also fortified those in Lower Galilee—the cities being Tarichaea, Tiberias, and Sepphoris; and the villages: the cavern of Arbela, Bersobe, Selame, Jotapata, Capharathcomus, Sogana, Japha, and Mount Itabyrion (Mount Tabor). Into these places I also stored much grain and arms for the subsequent safety.

Josephus Told to Lay Down His Arms

¹⁸⁹ ἸωάννῃJohn δὲ τῷ τοῦ ΛηουεῖLevi τὸ κατ᾽ ἐμοῦ μῖσος προσηύξετο βαρέως φέροντι τὴν‎ ἐμὴν εὐπραγίαν. Προθέμενος οὖν πάντως ἐκποδώνaway from the feet με ποιήσασθαι τῇ μὲν αὐτοῦ‎ πατρίδι τοῖς ΓισχάλοιςGischala κατασκευάζει τείχη,
¹⁸⁹ But the hatred that John, the son of Levi, bore to me, grew now more violent while he could not bear my prosperity with patience. So he proposed to himself, by all means possible, to make away with me: and built the walls of Gischala, which was the place of his nativity.	¹⁸⁹ But aggrieved at my success, the hatred of John, the son of Levi, grew now more violent, so that he wanted to do away with me by any possible means. So, after fortifying the ramparts of Gischala, his birthplace,
¹⁸⁹ But for John, son of Levi, the hatred against me increased, as he was greatly annoyed by my success. Therefore, having utterly determined to get me out of the way, he constructed walls for his own native city, Gischala.

¹⁹⁰ τὸν ἀδελφὸν δὲ ΣίμωναSimon καὶ τὸν τοῦ ΣισένναSisenna ἸωνάθηνJonathan ὁπλιτῶν περὶ ἑκατὸν εἰς ἹεροσόλυμαJerusalem πέμπει πρὸς τὸν τοῦ ΓαμαλιήλουGamaliel ΣίμωναSimon παρακαλέσοντας αὐτὸν πεῖσαι τὸ κοινὸν τῶν ἹεροσολυμιτῶνJerusalem τὴν‎ ἀρχὴν ἀφελομένουςto separate ἐμὲ τῶν ΓαλιλαίωνGalilee αὐτῷ ψηφίσασθαι τὴν‎ ἐξουσίαν τούτων.
¹⁹⁰ He then sent his brother Simon, and Jonathan, the son of Sisenna and about a hundred armed men, to Jerusalem, to Simon, the son of Gamaliel, in order to persuade him to induce the commonalty of Jerusalem to take from me the government over the Galileans, and to give their suffrages for conferring that authority upon him.	¹⁹⁰ he sent his brother Simon and Jonathan, son of Sisenna, and about a hundred soldiers, to Jerusalem, to Simon, Gamaliel's son, to persuade him to get the Jerusalem Council to remove me from commanding the Galileans, and vote to confer that authority upon himself.
¹⁹⁰ He sent his brother, Simon, and Jonathan, the son of Sisenna, with about a hundred heavy-armed soldiers to Jerusalem to Simon, the son of Gamaliel, to urge him to persuade the council of the people of Jerusalem to deprive me of the leadership of the Galileans and to vote the authority over them to him [John].

¹⁹¹ Ὁ δὲ ΣίμωνSimon οὗτος ἦν πόλεως μὲν ἹεροσολύμωνJerusalem, γένους δὲ σφόδρα λαμπροῦ, τῆς δὲ ΦαρισαίωνPharisees αἱρέσεως, οἳ περὶ τὰ πάτρια νόμιμα δοκοῦσιν τῶν ἄλλων ἀκριβείᾳ διαφέρειν.
¹⁹¹ This Simon was of the city of Jerusalem, and of a very noble family, of the sect of the Pharisees, which are supposed to excel others in the accurate knowledge of the laws of their country.	¹⁹¹ This Simon was a native of Jerusalem and from a very noble family of the sect of the Pharisees, who are the unrivalled experts in their ancestral laws.
¹⁹¹ Now this Simon was from the city of Jerusalem, of a very distinguished family, and of the sect of the Pharisees, who are reputed to surpass the others in the precision of their ancestral laws.

¹⁹² Ἦν δ᾽ οὗτος ἀνὴρ πλήρης συνέσεως καὶ λογισμοῦ δυνάμενός τε πράγματα κακῶς κείμενα φρονήσει τῇ ἑαυτοῦ διορθώσασθαι, Φίλος τε παλαιὸς τῷ ἸωάννῃJohn καὶ συνήθης, πρὸς ἐμὲ δὲ τότε διαφόρως εἶχεν.
¹⁹² He was a man of great wisdom and reason, and capable of restoring public affairs by his prudence, when they were in an ill posture. He was also an old friend and companion of John; but at that time he had a difference with me.	¹⁹² He was a man of great wisdom and judgment, brilliant enough to restore public affairs from their bad position. He was John's old friend and companion but had a difference with me.
¹⁹² And this man was full of intelligence and good judgment, and capable of setting right badly managed affairs by his own wisdom. He was an old and intimate friend of John, but at that time, he was hostile toward me.

¹⁹³ Δεξάμενος οὖν τὴν‎ παράκλησιν ἔπειθεν τοὺς ἀρχιερεῖς ἌνανονAnanus καὶ ἸησοῦνJesus, Joshua τὸν τοῦ ΓαμαλᾶGamala τινάς τε τῶν τῆς αὐτῶν στάσεως ἐκείνους ἐκκόπτεινto cut out με φυόμενον καὶ μὴ περιιδεῖν ἐπὶ μήκιστον αὐξηθέντα δόξης, συνοίσειν αὐτοῖς λέγων, εἰ τῆς ΓαλιλαίαςGalilee ἀφαιρεθείην· μὴ μέλλειν δὲ παρεκάλει τοὺς περὶ τὸν ἌνανονAnanus, μὴ καὶ φθάσας γνῶναι μετὰ πολλῆς ἐπέλθω τῇ πόλει δυνάμεως.
¹⁹³ When therefore he had received such an exhortation, he persuaded the high priests, Ananus, and Jesus the son of Gamala, and some others of the same seditious faction, to cut me down, now I was growing so great, and not to overlook me while I was aggrandizing myself to the height of glory; and he said that it would be for the advantage of the Galileans if I were deprived of my government there. Ananus also, and his friends, desired them to make no delay about the matter, lest I should get the knowledge of what was doing too soon, and should come and make an assault upon the city with a great army.	¹⁹³ On receiving this request, he persuaded the high priests, Ananus and Joshua the son of Gamala and some others of their party, to clip my wings, and not let me grow to the height of glory, and that it would be for their advantage if I were deprived of the government of Galilee. Ananus and his friends asked them not to delay about the matter, for fear that I should learn their plans and come and attack the city with a large army.
¹⁹³ Having therefore received the appeal, he (John of Gischala) persuaded the high priests Ananus and Joshua (Jesus) son of Gamala, and some others of their faction, to cut me (Josephus) off as I was growing in power and not to allow me to increase my influence any further, saying it would be advantageous to them if I were deprived of the governorship of Galilee. And he begged Ananus and his group not to delay, lest I anticipate (their action) and attack the city (Jerusalem) with a large force.

¹⁹⁴ Ὁ μὲν ΣίμωνSimon ταῦτα συνεβούλευεν· ὁ δὲ ἀρχιερεὺς ἌνανοςAnanus οὐ ῥᾴδιον εἶναι τὸ ἔργον ἀπέφαινεν· πολλοὺς γὰρ τῶν ἀρχιερέων καὶ τοῦ πλήθους προεστῶταςto set before μαρτυρεῖν, ὅτι καλῶς ἐγὼ στρατηγῶ· ποιεῖσθαι δὲ κατηγορίαν ἀνδρός, καθ᾽ οὗ μηδὲν λέγειν δύνανται δίκαιον, φαύλων ἔργον εἶναι.
¹⁹⁴ This was the counsel of Simon; but Ananus the high priest demonstrated to them that this was not an easy thing to be done, because many of the high priests and of the rulers of the people, bore witness that I had acted like an excellent general, and that it was the work of ill men to accuse one against whom they had nothing to say.	¹⁹⁴ This was Simon's advice; but Artanus the high priest showed them that this was hard to do, since many of the high priests and of the leaders of the people testified how well I had behaved as general and that it was a wicked thing to accuse a man in the wrong.
¹⁹⁴ On the one hand, Simon advised these things (the hostile actions); but the High Priest Ananus declared that the task (of removing Josephus) was not easy, for many of the high priests and leaders of the populace were testifying that I was conducting the campaign well; and he asserted that to make an accusation against a man against whom they could say nothing just was the work of worthless people.

¹⁹⁵ ΣίμωνSimon δ᾽ ὡς ἤκουσεν ταῦτα παρὰ τοῦ ἈνάνουAnanus, σιωπᾶν μὲν ἐκείνους ἠξίωσεν μηδ᾽ εἰς πολλοὺς ἐκφέρειν τοὺς λόγους αὐτῶν· προνοήσεσθαι γὰρ αὐτὸς ἔφασκεν, ἵνα θᾶττον μετασταθείην ἐκ τῆς ΓαλιλαίαςGalilee· προσκαλεσάμενος δὲ τὸν ἀδελφὸν τοῦ ἸωάννουJohn προσέταξεν πέμπειν δωρεὰς τοῖς περὶ τὸν ἌνανονAnanus· τάχα γὰρ οὕτως ἔφη πείσειν αὐτοὺς μεταθέσθαι τὰς γνώμας.
¹⁹⁵ When Simon heard Ananus say this, he desired that the messengers would conceal the thing, and not let it come among many; for that he would take care to have Josephus removed out of Galilee very quickly. So he called for John’s brother [Simon], and charged him that they should send presents to Ananus and his friends; for, as he said, they might probably, by that means, persuade them to change their minds.	¹⁹⁵ When Simon heard this from Ananus, he asked the messengers to keep it secret and not let it come to the hearing of many; he himself would see to have me quickly removed from Galilee. He called for John's brother, and got him to send gifts to Ananus and his friends as a means of persuading them to change their minds.
¹⁹⁵ But Simon, when he heard these things from Ananus, urged them to remain silent and not to reveal their plans to many; for he claimed he would personally take measures so that I (Josephus) would be removed from Galilee sooner. And having called forward the brother of John, he commanded him to send gifts to Ananus and his associates; for he said that perhaps in this way he would persuade them to change their opinions.

¹⁹⁶ Καὶ τέλος ἔπραξεν ὁ ΣίμωνSimon ὃ προύθετο· ὁ γὰρ ἌνανοςAnanus καὶ οἱ σὺν αὐτῷ τοῖς χρήμασιν διαφθαρέντες συντίθενται τῆς ΓαλιλαίαςGalilee ἐκβαλεῖν με μηδενὸς ἄλλου τῶν κατὰ τὴν‎ πόλιν τοῦτο γινώσκοντος. Καὶ δὴ ἔδοξεν αὐτοῖς πέμπειν ἄνδρας κατὰ γένος μὲν διαφέροντας, τῇ παιδείᾳ δ᾽ ὁμοίους.
¹⁹⁶ And indeed Simon did at length thus compass what he aimed at; for Ananus, and those with him, being corrupted by bribes, agreed to expel me out of Galilee, without making the rest of the citizens acquainted with what they were doing. Accordingly they resolved to send men of distinction as to their families, and of distinction as to their learning also.	¹⁹⁶ Eventually Simon did achieve his purpose, when, corrupted by bribes, Artanus and his friends agreed to expel me out of Galilee, without telling the rest of the citizens what they were doing. They resolved to send a deputation of men of separate social groups and also of distinguished learning.
¹⁹⁶ And finally, Simon accomplished what he had determined; for Ananus and those with him, having been corrupted by the money, agreed to expel me from Galilee, with no one else in the city knowing this. And then it was decided by them to send men who were distinguished by birth, but similar in their education.

¹⁹⁷ Ἦσαν δ᾽ αὐτῶν οἱ μὲν δύο δημοτικοί, ἸωνάθηςJonathan καὶ ἈνανίαςAnanias ΦαρισαῖοιPharisees τὴν‎ αἵρεσιν, ὁ δὲ τρίτος ΓόζοροςJozar ἱερατικοῦ γένους, ΦαρισαῖοςPharisee καὶ αὐτός· ΣίμωνSimon δ᾽ ἐξ ἀρχιερέων νεώτατος ἐκείνων.
¹⁹⁷ Two of these were of the populace, Jonathan and Ananias, by sect Pharisees; while the third, Jozar, was of the stock of the priests, and a Pharisee also; and Simon, the last of them, was of the youngest of the high priests.	¹⁹⁷ Two of these, Jonathan and Ananias, were of humble stock, by sect Pharisees; while the third, Jozar, was of priestly stock and also a Pharisee; and Simon, the last of them, was the youngest of the high priests.
¹⁹⁷ And two of them were commoners: Jonathan and Ananias, who belonged to the Pharisee sect; and the third was Gozoros, of priestly lineage, and a Pharisee himself; and Simon, the youngest of them, was from the High Priestly class.

¹⁹⁸ Τούτους ἐκέλευον ἀφικομένουςto arrive at εἰς τὸ πλῆθος τῶν ΓαλιλαίωνGalilee πυθέσθαι παρ᾽ αὐτῶν τὴν‎ αἰτίαν, δι᾽ ἣν ἐμὲ φιλοῦσιν· εἰ δὲ φαῖεν, ὅτι πόλεως εἴην τῆς ἹεροσολύμωνJerusalem, καὶ αὐτοὺς ἐξ ἐκείνων λέγειν ὑπάρχειν τοὺς τέσσαρας, εἰ δὲ διὰ τὴν‎ ἐμπειρίαν τῶν νόμων, μηδ᾽ αὐτοὺς ἀγνοεῖν ἔθη τὰ πάτρια φάσκειν, εἰ δ᾽ αὖ διὰ τὴν‎ ἱερωσύνην λέγοιεν ἀγαπᾶν με, καὶ αὐτῶν ἀποκρίνεσθαι δύο ἱερεῖς ὑπάρχειν.
¹⁹⁸ These had it given them in charge, that, when they were come to the multitude of the Galileans, they should ask them what was the reason of their love to me? and if they said that it was because I was born at Jerusalem, that they should reply, that they four were all born at the same place; and if they should say, it was because I was well versed in their law, they should reply, that neither were they unacquainted with the practices of their country; but if, besides these, they should say they loved me because I was a priest, they should reply, that two of these were priests also.	¹⁹⁸ These were instructed to go to the ordinary Galilean people and ask them the reason for their devotion to me. If they said that it was because I was from Jerusalem, they would answer that all four of them were born there too; and if it was because of my knowledge of their law, that they too were not unacquainted with the customs of their fathers; but if it was because of my priesthood, they should answer that two of them were also priests.
¹⁹⁸ They commanded these men to go to the majority of the Galileans and ascertain from them the reason why they favored me; and if they should say it was because I was from the city of Jerusalem, they were to state that all four of them were also from there; but if [they should say it was] because of my experience in the Law, they were to claim that they themselves were not ignorant of the ancestral customs; and if, in turn, they should say they loved me because of the priesthood, they were to answer that two of them were priests as well.

¹⁹⁹ Ταῦθ᾽ ὑποθέμενοιto place under τοῖς περὶ τὸν ἸωνάθηνJonathan τέσσαρας μυριάδας ἀργυρίου διδόασιν αὐτοῖς ἐκ τῶν δημοσίων χρημάτων.
¹⁹⁹ Now, when they had given Jonathan and his companions these instructions, they gave them forty thousand [drachmae] out of the public money;	¹⁹⁹ When they had briefed Jonathan and his companions they gave them forty thousand silver pieces from public funds.
¹⁹⁹ After giving these instructions to Jonathan and his associates, they gave them forty thousand pieces of silver from the public funds.

²⁰⁰ Ἐπεὶ δέ τινα ΓαλιλαῖονGalilean ἤκουσαν ἸησοῦνJesus, Joshua ὄνομα περὶ αὐτὸν τάξιν ἑξακοσίων ὁπλιτῶν ἔχειν ἐπιδημοῦντα τοῖς ἹεροσολύμοιςJerusalem, τότε μεταπεμψάμενοι τοῦτον καὶ τριῶν μηνῶν μισθὸν δόντες ἐκέλευον ἕπεσθαι τοῖς περὶ τὸν ἸωνάθηνJonathan πειθαρχοῦντα αὐτοῖς, καὶ τῶν πολιτῶν δὲ τριακοσίοις ἀνδράσιν δόντες ἀργύριον εἰς τροφὴν τῶν ὅλων προσέταξαν ἀκολουθεῖν τοῖς πρέσβεσιν.
²⁰⁰ but when they heard that there was a certain Galilean that then sojourned at Jerusalem, whose name was Jesus, who had about him a band of six hundred armed men, they sent for him, and gave him three months’ pay, and gave him orders to follow Jonathan and his companions, and be obedient to them. They also gave money to three hundred men that were citizens of Jerusalem, to maintain them all, and ordered them also to follow the ambassadors;	²⁰⁰ And when they heard of a Galilean named Joshua then staying in Jerusalem, with a band of six hundred soldiers, they sent for him and gave him three months pay to go with Jonathan and his companions and take orders from them. They also assigned three hundred citizens of Jerusalem, with money to maintain them all, sending them also with the envoys.
²⁰⁰ But since they heard that a certain Galilean named Joshua (Jesus) [son of Sapphas] had under him a company of six hundred armed men and was staying in Jerusalem, they immediately summoned him. Giving him three months' pay, they commanded him to follow those with Jonathan, obeying them; and they also gave three hundred citizens the money for the whole supply and ordered them to accompany the envoys.

²⁰¹ Πεισθέντων οὖν αὐτῶν καὶ πρὸς τὴν‎ ἔξοδον εὐτρεπισθέντων ἐξῄεσανto be allowed, be possible οἱ περὶ τὸν ἸωνάθηνJonathan σὺν τούτοις ἐπαγόμενοι καὶ τὸν ἀδελφὸν τοῦ ἸωάννουJohn καὶ ὁπλίταςarmed warrior ἑκατόν,
²⁰¹ and when they had complied, and were gotten ready for the march, Jonathan and his companions went out with them, having along with them John’s brother and a hundred armed men.	²⁰¹ As soon as this was agreed upon and they had gotten ready for the march, Jonathan and his companions went out with them, along with John's brother and a hundred soldiers.
²⁰¹ Having been persuaded, therefore, and prepared for the departure, the men with Jonathan went out, bringing with them also the brother of John and one hundred armed men.

²⁰² λαβόντες ἐντολὰς παρὰ τῶν πεμψάντων, εἰ μὲν ἑκὼν καταθείμην τὰ ὅπλα, ζῶντα πέμπειν εἰς τὴν‎ ἹεροσολυμιτῶνJerusalem πόλιν, εἰ δ᾽ ἀντιτασσοίμην, ἀποκτεῖναι μηδὲν δεδιότας· αὐτῶν γὰρ εἶναι τὸ πρόσταγμα.
²⁰² The charge that was given them by those that sent them was this: That if I would voluntarily lay down my arms, they should send me alive to the city of Jerusalem: but that, in case I opposed them, they should kill me, and fear nothing; for that it was their command for them so to do.	²⁰² The command they had from those who sent them was this: If I voluntarily laid down my arms, they should send me alive to Jerusalem, but if I opposed them, to kill me without hesitation, since those were their orders.
²⁰² Having received instructions from those who sent them, they were to send me alive to the city of Jerusalem if I willingly laid down my arms, but if I resisted, they were to kill me without fear; for the command was theirs.

²⁰³ Ἐγεγράφεισαν δὲ καὶ τῷ ἸωάννῃJohn πρὸς τὸν κατ᾽ ἐμοῦ πόλεμον ἑτοιμάζεσθαι, τοῖς τε ΣέπφωρινSepphoris καὶ ΓάβαραGabara κατοικοῦσιν καὶ ΤιβεριεῦσινTiberians προσέταττον συμμαχίαν τῷ ἸωάννῃJohn πέμπειν.
²⁰³ They also wrote to John to make all ready for fighting me, and gave orders to the inhabitants of Sepphoris, and Gabara, and Tiberias, to send auxiliaries to John.	²⁰³ They also wrote to John to be ready to attack me and ordered the Sepphorites and Gabara and Tiberias to send allies to John.
²⁰³ And they also wrote to John (of Gischala) to prepare for the war against me, and they ordered the inhabitants of Sepphoris, Gabara, and Tiberias to send military aid to John.

Josephus Decides to Leave Galilee

²⁰⁴ Ταῦτά μοι τοῦ πατρὸς γράψαντος, ἐξεῖπεto tell out, declare δὲ πρὸς αὐτὸν ἸησοῦςJesus, Joshua ὁ τοῦ ΓαμαλᾶGamala τῶν ἐν αὐτῇ τῇ βουλῇ γενομένων εἷς, Φίλος ὢν καὶ συνήθης ἐμοί, σφόδρα περιήλγησα τούς τε πολίτας οὕτως περὶ ἐμὲ γενομένους ἀχαρίστους ἐπιγνοὺς διὰ φθόνον ἀναιρεθῆναί με προστάξαι, καὶ τῷ τὸν πατέρα διὰ τῶν γραμμάτων πολλά με παρακαλεῖν ἀφικέσθαι πρὸς αὐτόν· ποθεῖν γὰρ ἔφη θεάσασθαι τὸν υἱὸν πρὸ τοῦ τελευτῆσαι.
²⁰⁴ Now, as my father wrote me an account of this (for Jesus the son of Gamala, who was present in that council, a friend and companion of mine, told him of it), I was very much troubled, as discovering thereby that my fellow citizens proved so ungrateful to me, as, out of envy, to give order that I should be slain; my father earnestly pressed me also in his letter to come to him, for that he longed to see his son before he died.	²⁰⁴ My father wrote to me about this, for he heard it from Joshua the son of Gamalas, a friend and companion of mine who was present in that council. I was very troubled that my fellow citizens proved so ungrateful and envious to me, as to order to have me killed, and also at father's earnest request in his letter, that I visit him, as he longed to see his son before he died.
²⁰⁴ When my father wrote these things to me—for Joshua (Jesus) son of Gamala, who was one of those involved in the council (Sanhedrin) itself, revealed it to him, being a friend and intimate of mine—I was deeply distressed, realizing both that my fellow citizens had become so ungrateful towards me by ordering me to be killed out of envy, and because my father, through the letters, was repeatedly begging me to come to him; for he said he longed to see his son before he died.

²⁰⁵ Ταῦτα δὴ πρὸς τοὺς φίλους εἶπον καὶ ὅτι μετὰ τρίτην ἡμέραν καταλιπὼν τὴν‎ χώραν αὐτῶν εἰς τὴν‎ πατρίδα πορευσοίμην. Λύπη δ᾽ ἅπαντας τοὺς κἀκούσαντας κατέσχε παρεκάλουν τε κλαίοντες μὴ ἐγκαταλιπεῖν αὐτοὺς ἀπολουμένουςto destroy, εἰ τῆς ἐμῆς στρατηγίας ἀποστερηθεῖεν.
²⁰⁵ I informed my friends of these things, and that in three days’ time I should leave the country and go home. Upon hearing this, they were all very sorry, and desired me, with tears in their eyes, not to leave them to be destroyed; for so they thought they should be if I were deprived of the command over them	²⁰⁵ I told my friends of these things and that in three days' time I should leave the district and go home. Hearing this, they were all sad and asked me, with tears in their eyes, not to abandon them to their ruin, which they expected if deprived of my leadership.
²⁰⁵ I therefore said these things to my friends and [announced] that after the third day, I would leave their region and proceed to my native city. Grief overcame all those who heard, and weeping, they begged me not to abandon them to destruction, if they were deprived of my generalship.

²⁰⁶ Οὐ κατανεύοντος δέ μου ταῖς ἱκετείαις αὐτῶν, ἀλλὰ περὶ τῆς ἐμαυτοῦ φροντίζοντος σωτηρίας, δείσαντες οἱ ΓαλιλαῖοιGalileans, μὴ ἀπελθόντος εὐκαταφρόνητοι τοῖς λῃσταῖς γένοιντο, πέμπουσιν εἰς τὴν‎ ΓαλιλαίανGalilee ἅπασαν τοὺς σημανοῦντας τὴν‎ ἐμὴν γνώμην περὶ τῆς ἀπαλλαγῆς.
²⁰⁶ but as I did not grant their request, but was taking care of my own safety, the Galileans, out of their dread of the consequence of my departure, that they should then be at the mercy of the robbers, sent messengers over all Galilee to inform them of my resolution to leave them.	²⁰⁶ Taking care of my own safety, I did not yield, so dreading that my departure would leave them at the mercy of the brigands, they sent messengers over all Galilee to tell of my intention to leave them.
²⁰⁶ But since I did not yield to their entreaties, but was concerned for my own safety, the Galileans, fearing that if I departed they might become easy prey for the bandits (Zealots), sent messengers throughout all Galilee to announce my decision regarding my departure.

²⁰⁷ Πολλοὶ δὲ καὶ πανταχόθεν συνήχθησαν, ὡς ἤκουσαν, μετὰ γυναικῶν καὶ τέκνων, οὐ πόθῳ, δοκῶ μοι, τῷ πρὸς ἐμὲ μᾶλλον ἢ τῷ περὶ αὐτῶν δέει τοῦτο πράττοντεςto do, accomplish· ἐμοῦ γὰρ παραμένοντος πείσεσθαι κακὸν οὐδὲν ὑπελάμβανον. Ἧκον οὖν πάντες εἰς τὸ μέγα πεδίον, ἐν ᾧ διέτριβον· ἈσωχίςAsochis ἐστιν ὄνομα αὐτῷ.
²⁰⁷ Whereupon, as soon as they heard it, they got together in great numbers, from all parts, with their wives and children; and this they did, as it appeared to me, not more out of their affection to me, than out of their fear on their own account; for, while I staid with them, they supposed that they should suffer no harm. So they all came into the great plain, wherein I lived, the name of which was Asochis.	²⁰⁷ As soon as they heard it, they gathered in large numbers, from all parts, with their wives and children, influenced, I think, less by their affection for me than by their fear for themselves; for they expected to suffer no harm while I remained with them. So they all came into the great plain called Asochis, where I lived.
²⁰⁷ And many gathered from all directions when they heard, with their wives and children, doing this, I suppose, not so much out of affection for me as out of fear for themselves; for they assumed that no harm would befall them if I remained. Therefore, they all came to the great plain where I was staying; its name is Asochis.

²⁰⁸ Διὰ δὲ τῆς νυκτὸς ἐκείνης θαυμάσιον οἷον ὄνειρον ἐθεασάμην· ἐπεὶ γὰρ εἰς κοίτην ἐτραπόμην διὰ τὰ γραφέντα λυπούμενος καὶ τεταραγμένος,
²⁰⁸ But wonderful it was what a dream I saw that very night; for when I had betaken myself to my bed, as grieved and disturbed at the news that had been written to me,	²⁰⁸ That very night I saw in my dreams a wonderful vision. When I had gone to my bed, grieved and troubled at the news in the letter,
²⁰⁸ And during that night, I saw an astonishing dream; for when I went to bed, being grieved and troubled because of what had been written (to me),

²⁰⁹ ἔδοξά τινα λέγειν ἐπιστάντα μοι, «παῦσαι τὴν‎ ψυχήν, ὦ οὗτος, ἀλγῶν, παντὸς δ᾽ ἀπαλλάσσου φόβου· τὰ γὰρ λυποῦντά σε μέγιστον ποιήσει καὶ ἐν πᾶσιν εὐτυχέστατον, κατορθώσεις δ᾽ οὐ μόνον ταῦτα, ἀλλὰ καὶ πολλὰ ἕτερα. Μὴ κάμνε δή, μέμνησο δ᾽ ὅτι καὶ ῬωμαίοιςRomans δεῖ σε πολεμῆσαι.»
²⁰⁹ it seemed to me, that a certain person stood by me, and said, “O Josephus! leave off to afflict thy soul, and put away all fear; for what now grieves thee will render thee very considerable, and in all respects most happy; for thou shalt get over not only these difficulties, but many others, with great success. However, be not cast down, but remember that thou art to fight with the Romans.”	²⁰⁹ it seemed to me that someone stood near me, who said, “Man, stop afflicting your soul and put away all fear; for what now grieves you will render you great and prosperous in all things; for you shall succeed not only in these difficulties, but also in many others. So do not fret, but remember that you are to fight even the Romans.”
²⁰⁹ I dreamed that someone appeared to me and said, “Cease, O man, grieving in your soul, and rid yourself of all fear; for the things that grieve you will make you the greatest and most fortunate in all things, and you will succeed not only in these things, but also in many others. Therefore, do not be weary, but remember that you must also fight the Romans.”

²¹⁰ Τοῦτον δὲ τὸν ὄνειρον θεασάμενος διανίσταμαι καταβῆναι προθυμούμενος εἰς τὸ πεδίον. Πρὸς δὲ τὴν‎ ἐμὴν ὄψιν πᾶν τὸ πλῆθος τῶν ΓαλιλαίωνGalilee, ἦσαν δ᾽ ἐν αὐτοῖς γυναῖκές τε καὶ παῖδες, ἐπὶ στόμα ῥίψαντες ἑαυτοὺς καὶ δακρύοντες ἱκέτευον μὴ σφᾶς ἐγκαταλιπεῖν τοῖς πολεμίοις, μηδ᾽ ἀπελθεῖν ἐάσαντα τὴν‎ χώραν αὐτῶν ἐνύβρισμα τοῖς ἐχθροῖς ἐσομένην.
²¹⁰ When I had seen this dream, I got up with an intention of going down to the plain. Now, when the whole multitude of the Galileans, among whom were the women and children, saw me, they threw themselves down upon their faces, and with tears in their eyes, besought me not to leave them exposed to their enemies, nor to go away and permit their country to be injured by them; but,	²¹⁰ Heartened by this dream, I got up, intending to go down to the plain. When the whole crowd of the Galileans, with the women and children, saw me, they fell down on their faces, and begged me with tears not to leave them open to their enemies, nor go away and let their country be harmed by them.
²¹⁰ And having seen this dream, I arose, eager to go down to the plain. But at the sight of me, the entire multitude of the Galileans—among whom were wives and children—threw themselves upon their faces and, weeping, begged me not to abandon them to their enemies, nor to depart and allow their country to become an object of outrage for their foes.

²¹¹ ὡς δὲ ταῖς δεήσεσιν οὐκ ἔπειθον, κατηνάγκαζον ὅρκοις μένειν παρ᾽ ἑαυτοῖς ἐλοιδοροῦντό τε τῷ δήμῳ πολλὰ τῶν ἹεροσολυμιτῶνJerusalem ὡς εἰρηνεύεσθαι τὴν‎ χώραν αὐτῶν οὐκ ἐῶντι.
²¹¹ when I did not comply with their entreaties, they compelled me to take an oath, that I would stay with them: they also cast abundance of reproaches upon the people of Jerusalem, that they would not let their country enjoy peace.	²¹¹ When their pleas failed, they urged me with oaths to stay with them, and they bitterly reproached the people of Jerusalem, for not letting their country enjoy peace.
²¹¹ But when they could not persuade me by their requests, they compelled me by oaths to remain with them, and they strongly denounced the populace of Jerusalem as people who would not allow their country to be at peace.

²¹² Ταῦτα δὴ καὶ ἐπακούων αὐτῶν καὶ βλέπων τοῦ πλήθους τὴν‎ κατήφειαν ἐκλάσθην πρὸς ἔλεον, ἄξιον εἶναι νομίζων ὑπὲρ τοσούτου πλήθους καὶ προδήλους κινδύνους ὑπομένειν. Κατανεύωto signal, beckon δὴ μένειν, καὶ πεντακισχιλίους ἐξ αὐτῶν ὁπλίταςarmed warrior ἥκειν κελεύσας ἔχοντας ἑαυτοῖς τροφὰς ἐπὶ τὰς οἰκήσεις διαφῆκα τοὺς ἄλλους.
²¹² When I heard this, and saw what sorrow the people were in, I was moved with compassion to them, and thought it became me to undergo the most manifest hazards for the sake of so great a multitude; so I let them know I would stay with them; and when I had given order that five thousand of them should come to me armed, and with provisions for their maintenance, I sent the rest away to their own homes;	²¹² Hearing this and seeing the people's dejection, I was moved to pity them and thought it right for me to take even significant risks for the sake of so large a group. So I indicated I would stay with them, and then ordered five thousand of them to come to me with weapons and provisions, sending the rest away home.
²¹² Therefore, both listening to their appeals and seeing the dejection of the multitude, I was moved to pity, believing it was worthwhile to endure even obvious dangers for the sake of so great a multitude. I therefore agreed to remain, and commanding five thousand armed men from among them to come, bringing their own provisions, I dismissed the others to their homes.

²¹³ Ἐπεὶ δὲ οἱ πεντακισχίλιοι παρεγένοντο, τούτους ἀναλαβὼν καὶ τρισχιλίους τοὺς σὺν ἐμαυτῷ στρατιώτας, ἱππεῖς δ᾽ ὀγδοήκοντα, τὴν‎ πορείαν εἰς ΧαβωλὼChabolo κώμην ΠτολεμαΐδοςPtolemais μεθόριον οὖσαν ἐποιησάμην, κἀκεῖ τὰς δυνάμεις συνεῖχον ἑτοιμάζεσθαι σκηπτόμενος ἐπὶ τὸν πρὸς ΠλάκιδονPlacidus πόλεμον.
²¹³ and, when those five thousand were come, I took them, together with three thousand of the soldiers that were with me before, and eighty horsemen, and marched to the village of Chabolo, situated in the confines of Ptolemais, and there kept my forces together, pretending to get ready to fight with Placidus,	²¹³ When those five thousand arrived, taking them along with three thousand of the soldiers that I had already and eighty horsemen, I marched to the village of Chabolo, situated in the borders of Ptolemais and gathered my forces there, pretending to get ready to fight with Placidus.
²¹³ When the five thousand had arrived, taking them along with the three thousand soldiers I had with me, and eighty horsemen, I made my march to the village of Chabolo, which borders Ptolemais, and there I kept the forces together, pretending to make preparation for a war against Placidus.

²¹⁴ Ἀφίκετο δ᾽ οὗτος μετὰ δύο σπειρῶν πεζοῦ στρατεύματος καὶ ἱππέων ἴλης μιᾶς ὑπὸ ΚεστίουCestius ΓάλλουGallus πεμφθείς, ἵν᾽ ἐμπρήσῃ τὰς κώμας τῶν ΓαλιλαίωνGalilee, αἳ πλησίον ἦσαν ΠτολεμαΐδοςPtolemais. Βαλλομένου δ᾽ ἐκείνου χάρακα πρὸ τῆς ΠτολεμαέωνPtolemies πόλεως τίθεμαι κἀγὼ στρατόπεδον τῆς κώμης ὅσον ἑξήκοντα σταδίους ἀποσχών.
²¹⁴ who was come with two cohorts of footmen, and one troop of horsemen; and was sent thither by Cestius Gallus to burn those villages of Galilee that were near Ptolemais. Upon whose casting up a bank before the city Ptolemais, I also pitched my camp at about the distance of sixty furlongs from that village;	²¹⁴ He had arrived with two cohorts of infantry and one troop of horsemen, sent there by Cestius Gallus to burn the Galilean villages that were near Ptolemais. As he was building a blockade before the city of the Ptolemies, I also encamped about sixty furlongs from the village.
²¹⁴ But this man arrived with two cohorts of infantry and one squadron of cavalry, having been sent by Cestius Gallus, in order that he might burn the Galilean villages which were near Ptolemais (Acre). And while that man was pitching camp in front of the city of Ptolemais, I also pitched camp, having distanced myself about sixty stades (10 km) from the village.

²¹⁵ πολλάκις μὲν οὖν τὰς δυνάμεις προηγάγομεν ὡς εἰς μάχην, πλέον δ᾽ οὐδὲν ἀκροβολισμῶν ἐπράξαμεν· ὁ γὰρ ΠλάκιδοςPlacidus ὅσῳπερ ἐγίνωσκεν σπεύδοντά με πρὸς μάχην αὐτὸς καταπληττόμενος ὑπεστέλλετο· τῆς μέντοι ΠτολεμαΐδοςPtolemais οὐκ ἐχωρίζετο.
²¹⁵ and now we frequently brought out our forces as if we would fight, but proceeded no further than skirmishes at a distance; for when Placidus perceived that I was earnest to come to a battle, he was afraid, and avoided it; yet did he not remove from the neighborhood of Ptolemais.	²¹⁵ Now we often brought out our forces as if to fight, but proceeded no further than shooting from a distance; for the more Placidus saw me willing to fight him, the more he was alarmed and avoided it, yet he did not move away from Ptolemais.
²¹⁵ Therefore, we often led our forces forward as if for battle, but we accomplished nothing more than skirmishing; for Placidus, just as much as he knew that I was eager for battle, he himself, being dismayed, held back. Yet he did not withdraw from Ptolemais (Acre).

Chapter 9 Various plots to depose Josephus
216-298

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Correspondence with the Jerusalem Embassy

²¹⁶ Κατὰ τοῦτον δὲ τὸν καιρὸν ἀφικόμενος ἸωνάθηςJonathan μετὰ τῶν συμπρέσβεωνco-legates, ὧν ἔφαμεν ἐκ τῶν ἹεροσολύμωνJerusalem ὑπὸ τῶν περὶ ΣίμωναSimon καὶ ἌνανονAnanus τὸν ἀρχιερέα πεπέμφθαι, λαβεῖν δι᾽ ἐνέδρας ἐπεβούλευεν· φανερῶς γὰρ ἐπιχειρεῖνto attempt, try οὐκ ἐτόλμα.
²¹⁶ About this time it was that Jonathan and his fellow legates came. They were sent, as we have said already, by Simon, and Ananus, the high priest; and Jonathan contrived how he might catch me by treachery; for he durst not make any attempt upon me openly.	²¹⁶ About this time Jonathan and his fellow legates arrived. They were sent, as I said, by Simon and Ananus the high priest. and Jonathan sought to catch me by treachery, not daring to attack me openly.
²¹⁶ At this time, Jonathan, having arrived with his fellow delegates—the men we said were sent from Jerusalem by Simon and the High Priest Ananus—plotted to seize me by ambush; for he did not dare attempt it openly.

²¹⁷ Γράφει δὲ πρός με τοιαύτην ἐπιστολήν· «ἸωνάθηςJonathan καὶ οἱ σὺν αὐτῷ πεμφθέντες ὑπὸ τῶν ἹεροσολυμιτῶνJerusalem ἸωσήπῳJoseph χαίρειν. Ἡμεῖς ὑπὸ τῶν ἐν ἹεροσολύμοιςJerusalem πρώτων ἀκουσάντων τὸν ἀπὸ ΓισχάλωνGischala ἸωάννηνJohn ἐπιβεβουλευκέναι σοι πολλάκις ἐπέμφθημεν ἐπιπλήξοντες αὐτῷ καὶ παραινέσοντες εἰς τὸ λοιπὸν ὑπακούειν σοι.
²¹⁷ So he wrote me the following epistle:—“Jonathan and those that are with him, and are sent by the people of Jerusalem to Josephus, send greeting. We are sent by the principal men of Jerusalem, who have heard that John of Gischala hath laid many snares for thee, to rebuke him and to exhort him to be subject to thee hereafter.	²¹⁷ So he wrote me the following letter: “Jonathan and those sent with him by the people of Jerusalem to Josephus, greeting. We are sent by the authorities in Jerusalem, who have heard that John of Gischala has often conspired against you, to reprimand him and urge him to be subject to you in the future.
²¹⁷ He also wrote such a letter to me: “Jonathan and his associates, sent by the people of Jerusalem, to Josephus, greetings. We have been sent by the chief men in Jerusalem, who heard that John of Gischala had plotted against you many times, to censure him and to advise him to obey you in the future.

²¹⁸ Βουλεύσασθαι δὲ σὺν σοὶ θέλοντες περὶ τῶν κοινῇ πρακτέων παρακαλοῦμεν ἥκειν θᾶττον πρὸς ἡμᾶς μὴ μετὰ πολλῶν· οὐδὲ γὰρ ἡ κώμη δύναιτ᾽ ἂν στρατιωτῶν πλῆθος ἐπιδέξασθαι.»
²¹⁸ We are also desirous to consult with thee about our common concerns and what is fit to be done. We therefore desire thee to come to us quickly, and to bring only a few men with thee; for this village will not contain a great number of soldiers.”	²¹⁸ Wishing to consult with you about our common concerns and what should be done, we want you to come to us quickly with only a few attendants; for this village cannot receive a troop of soldiers.”
²¹⁸ Wishing to consult with you concerning the things that should be done jointly, we request you to come to us quickly, but not with many [men]; for the village would not be able to receive a multitude of soldiers.”

²¹⁹ Ταῦτα δ᾽ ἔγραφον προσδοκῶντες δυοῖν θάτερον, ἢ ὅτι χωρὶς ὅπλων ἀφικόμενονto arrive at πρὸς αὐτοὺς ἕξουσιν ὑποχείριον, ἢ πολλοὺς ἐπαγόμενον κρινοῦσι πολέμιον.
²¹⁹ Thus it was that they wrote, as expecting one of these two things; either that I should come without armed men, and then they should have me wholly in their power: or if I came with a great number, they should judge me to be a public enemy.	²¹⁹ So they wrote, expecting one of two things; either that I would come without soldiers and then they would have me in their grasp; or, if I came with a large force, they would condemn me as a public enemy.
²¹⁹ They wrote these things, expecting one of two outcomes: either that having come to them without arms, they would seize me as their captive, or that if I brought many men, they would judge me an enemy (and declare war).

²²⁰ Ἧκεν δέ μοι τὴν‎ ἐπιστολὴν ἱππεὺς κομίζων θρασὺς ἄλλως νεανίας τῶν παρὰ βασιλεῖ ποτε στρατευσαμένων. ἧνwho; to be δ᾽ ‎ὥρα νυκτὸς ἤδη δευτέρα, καθ᾽ ἣν ἐτύγχανον μετὰ τῶν φίλων καὶ τῶν τῆς ΓαλιλαίαςGalilee πρώτων ἑστιώμενος.
²²⁰ Now it was a horseman who brought the letter, a man at other times bold, and one that had served in the army under the king. It was the second hour of the night that he came, when I was feasting with my friends and the principal of the Galileans.	²²⁰ Now a horseman brought the letter, a bold young man who had formerly soldiered under the king. It was the second hour of the night that he came, when I was dining with my friends and the leaders of Galilee.
²²⁰ But a horseman brought me the letter—a young man, otherwise bold, who was one of those who had previously served in the army under the king. It was already the second hour of the night, during which I happened to be dining with my friends and the leading men of Galilee.

²²¹ Οὗτος δὴ προσαγγείλαντος οἰκέτου μοι ἥκειν τινὰ ἱππέα ἸουδαῖονJew, εἰσκληθεὶς ἐμοῦ κελεύσαντος ἠσπάσατο μὲν οὐδ᾽ ὅλως, τὴν‎ δὲ ἐπιστολὴν προτείνας, «ταύτην, εἶπεν, οἱ ἐξ ἹεροσολύμωνJerusalem ἥκοντες πεπόμφασί σοι. Γράφε δὴ τάχιστα καὶ σύ· καὶ γὰρ ἐπείγομαι πρὸς αὐτοὺς ὑποστρέφειν.»
²²¹ This man, upon my servant’s telling me that a certain horseman of the Jewish nation was come, was called in at my command, but did not so much as salute me at all, but held out a letter, and said, “This letter is sent thee by those that are come from Jerusalem: do thou write an answer to it quickly, for I am obliged to return to them very soon.”	²²¹ When my servant announced the arrival of a horseman from Judea, he was called in at my command, and without any word of greeting held out a letter and said, “Those from Jerusalem have sent you this letter; write your reply quickly; for I must return to them soon.”
²²¹ But when a servant announced to me that a certain Jewish horseman had arrived, having been called in by my order, he did not greet me at all, but presenting the letter, he said, “The men who have come from Jerusalem have sent this to you. Write your answer quickly as well, for I am eager to return to them.”

²²² Οἱ μὲν οὖν κατακείμενοι τὴν‎ τοῦ στρατιώτου τόλμαν ἐθαύμασαν, ἐγὼ δὲ καθέζεσθαι παρεκάλουν καὶ συνδειπνεῖν ἡμῖν. Ἀρνησαμένους δὲ τὴν‎ μὲν ἐπιστολὴν μετὰ χεῖρας εἶχον ὡς ἐδεξάμην, πρὸς δὲ τοὺς φίλους περὶ πραγμάτων ἑτέρων τὴν‎ ὁμιλίαν ἐποιούμην.
²²² Now my guests could not but wonder at the boldness of the soldier; but I desired him to sit down and sup with us; but when he refused so to do, I held the letter in my hands as I received it, and fell a-talking with my guests about other matters;	²²² My guests were amazed at the soldier's impudence, but I asked him to sit down and sup with us. When he refused, I kept the letter in my hands as I received it and continued the conversation with my guests about other matters.
²²² Therefore, those reclining [at table] wondered at the soldier's audacity, but I urged him to sit down and dine with us. Since he refused, I kept the letter in my hands just as I had received it, and began to converse with my friends about other matters.

²²³ Μετ᾽ οὐ πολλὴν δ᾽ ὥραν ἐξαναστὰς καὶ τοὺς μὲν ἄλλους ἀπολύσας ἐπὶ κοίτην, τέσσαρας δέ μοι μόνον τῶν ἀναγκαίων φίλων προσμεῖναι κελεύσας καὶ τῷ παιδὶ προστάξας οἶνον ἑτοιμάσαι, τὴν‎ ἐπιστολὴν ἀναπτύξας μηδενὸς ἐμβλέποντος κἀξ αὐτῆς ταχὺ συνεὶς τὴν‎ τῶν γεγραμμένων ἐπίνοιαν, πάλιν αὐτὴν ἐσημηνάμην.
²²³ but a few hours afterwards, I got up, and, when I had dismissed the rest to go to their beds, I bid only four of my intimate friends to stay; and ordered my servant to get some wine ready. I also opened the letter so, that nobody could perceive it; and understanding thereby presently the purport of the writing, I sealed it up again,	²²³ Not long after, I got up and sending the others to their beds, I had four of my closest friends stay and while ordering my servant to prepare some wine, I opened the letter in such a way that no one could notice; and quickly grasping its import, I sealed it up again.
²²³ But after a little while, having risen and dismissed the others to bed, and commanding only four of my most intimate friends to remain with me, and ordering the servant to prepare wine, I unrolled the letter with no one watching, and quickly perceiving the design of what was written from it, I sealed it up again.

²²⁴ Καὶ ὡς μὴ προανεγνωκώς, ἀλλὰ μετὰ χεῖρας αὐτὴν ἔχων, προσέταξα τῷ στρατιώτῃ δραχμὰς εἴκοσι ἐφόδιον δοθῆναι. Τοῦ δὲ λαβόντος καὶ χάριν ἔχειν φήσαντος συνεὶς τὴν‎ αἰσχροκέρδειαν αὐτοῦ‎ καὶ ὡς ταύτῃ μάλιστά ἐστιν ἁλώσιμος, «ἀλλ᾽ εἰ συμπιεῖν ἡμῖν, ἔφην, θελήσειας, λήψει κατὰ κύαθον δραχμὴν μίαν.»
²²⁴ and appeared as if I had not yet read it, but only held it in my hands. I ordered twenty drachmae should be given the soldier for the charges of his journey; and when he took the money, and said that he thanked me for it, I perceived that he loved money, and that he was to be caught chiefly by that means; and I said to him, “If thou wilt but drink with us, thou shalt have a drachma for every glass thou drinkest.”	²²⁴ Seeming not to have read it, and merely holding it in my hands, I ordered that twenty drachmae be given to the soldier for travelling expenses; and when he took the money and thanked me for it, I noticed his love of money and that he could be caught chiefly by means of it. I said to him, “If you will just drink with us, you shall have a drachma for each glass [you drink].”
²²⁴ And acting as if I had not read it in advance, but only holding it in my hands, I ordered the soldier to be given twenty drachmas as travel money. But when he took it and expressed his gratitude, I recognized his love of greed and that he was very easily manipulated by it. “If you would be willing to drink with us,” I said, “you will receive one drachma per cup.”

²²⁵ Ὁ δ᾽ ἄσμενος ὑπήκουσεν, καὶ πολὺν τὸν οἶνον προσφερόμενος ὑπὲρ τοῦ πλέον λαβεῖν τὸ ἀργύριον καὶ μεθυσθεὶς οὐκέτι τὰ ἀπόρρητα στέγειν ἐδύνατο, ἀλλ᾽ ἔφραζεν οὐκ ἐρωτώμενος τήν τε συνεσκευασμένην ἐπιβουλὴν καὶ ὡς κατεψηφισμένος εἴην θάνατον παρ᾽ αὐτοῖς.
²²⁵ So he gladly embraced this proposal, and drank a great deal of wine, in order to get the more money, and was so drunk, that at last he could not keep the secrets he was intrusted with, but discovered them without my putting questions to him, viz., That a treacherous design was contrived against me; and that I was doomed to die by those that sent him.	²²⁵ He gladly agreed and, in order to make more money, drank a lot of wine and got so drunk that at last he could not keep his secrets, but blurted out without being questioned, how a plot had been hatched and that I was sentenced to death by them.
²²⁵ He, therefore, gladly obeyed, and drinking much wine in order to receive more silver, he became drunk and could no longer keep the secret plan, but revealed, even without being asked, both the conspiracy that had been put together and how I had been condemned to death by them.

²²⁶ Ταῦτ᾽ ἀκούσας ἀντιγράφω τὸν τρόπον τοῦτον· «ἸώσηποςJoseph, Josephus ἸωνάθῃJonathan καὶ τοῖς σὺν αὐτῷ χαίρειν. ἐρρωμένους ὑμᾶς εἰς τὴν‎ ΓαλιλαίανGalilee ἥκειν πυθόμενος ἥδομαι, μάλιστα δ᾽ ὅτι δυνήσομαι παραδοὺς ὑμῖν τὴν‎ τῶν ἐνθάδε πραγμάτων ἐπιμέλειαν εἰς τὴν‎ πατρίδα πορευθῆναι· τοῦτο γὰρ καὶ πάλαι ποιεῖν ἤθελον.
²²⁶ When I heard this, I wrote back this answer:— “Josephus to Jonathan, and those that are with him, sendeth greeting. Upon the information that you are come in health into Galilee, I rejoice, and this especially, because I can now resign the care of public affairs here into your hands, and return into my native country,—which is what I have desired to do a great while;	²²⁶ Hearing this, I wrote back as follows: “Josephus to Jonathan and his colleagues, greetings. I am glad to hear that you have come in good health to Galilee, especially since I can now hand over to you the care of public affairs here, and return home.
²²⁶ Having heard these things (from the messenger), I wrote back in this manner: “Josephus to Jonathan and his associates, greetings. I am pleased to learn that you have arrived in Galilee in good health, but especially because I shall be able, having handed over to you the charge of the affairs here, to return to my native city; for this I wished to do even before now.

²²⁷ Ἔδει μὲν οὖν μὴ μόνον εἰς ΞαλὼθXaloth παραγενέσθαι με πρὸς ὑμᾶς, ἀλλὰ πόρρω καὶ μηδὲ κελευσάντων, συγγνώμης δὲ τυχεῖν ἀξιῶ μὴ δυνάμενος τοῦτο ποιῆσαι παραφυλάσσων ἐν ΧαβωλὼChabolo ΠλάκιδονPlacidus εἰς τὴν‎ ΓαλιλαίανGalilee ἀναβῆναι δι᾽ ἐννοίας ἔχοντα. Ἥκετε οὖν ὑμεῖς πρός με τὴν‎ ἐπιστολὴν ἀναγνόντες. Ἔρρωσθε.»
²²⁷ and I confess I ought not only to come to you as far as Xaloth, but farther, and this without your commands: but I desire you to excuse me, because I cannot do it now, since I watch the motions of Placidus, who hath a mind to go up into Galilee; and this I do here at Chabolo. Do you, therefore on the receipt of this epistle, come hither to me. Fare you well.”	²²⁷ This is what I have wanted for a long while. Even without your command, I ought to have come to greet you, not only as far as Xaloth, but even farther. But please excuse me that I cannot do so now, since I am here at Chabolo keeping watch on Placidus, who is planning to come up into Galilee. Therefore, when you receive this letter, come here to me. Farewell.”
²²⁷ It would have been right, therefore, for me to come to you not only at Xaloth, but also even farther, and without being asked; but I ask to be excused for not being able to do this, as I am guarding Placidus at Chabulon who intends to invade Galilee. Therefore, come to me after reading this letter. Farewell.”

²²⁸ Ταῦτα γράψας δοὺς τῷ στρατιώτῃ φέρειν συνεξέπεμψα τριάκοντα τῶν ΓαλιλαίωνGalilee δοκιμωτάτους, ὑποθέμενος αὐτοῖς ἀσπάσασθαι μὲν ἐκείνους, ἕτερον δὲ μηδὲν λέγειν. Ἔταξα δὲ καθ᾽ ἕκαστον αὐτῶν πιστῶν ὁπλιτῶν ἕνα παραφυλάξοντα, μή τις τοῖς πεμφθεῖσιν ὑπ᾽ ἐμοῦ πρὸς τοὺς περὶ τὸν ἸωνάθηνJonathan ὁμιλία γένηται.
²²⁸ When I had written thus, and given the letter to be carried by the soldier, I sent along with him thirty of the Galileans of the best characters, and gave them instructions to salute those ambassadors, but to say nothing else to them. I also gave orders to as many of those armed men, whom I esteemed most faithful to me, to go along with the others, every one with him whom he was to guard, lest some conversation might pass between those whom I sent and those who were with Jonathan. So those men went [to Jonathan].	²²⁸ After writing this and giving it to the soldier to deliver, I sent with him thirty of the most prominent Galileans to greet those envoys, but to say nothing else to them. To each of them I assigned a trustworthy soldier, to watch and see that those I had sent had no conversation with Jonathan's people.
²²⁸ After writing this, I gave it to the soldier to carry and sent along with him thirty of the most trusted Galileans, instructing them only to greet the delegates and say nothing else. I also assigned one faithful armed man to guard each of my envoys, lest any communication be made between those sent by me and Jonathan's associates.

²²⁹ Καὶ οἱ μὲν ἐπορεύθησαν. Οἱ δὲ περὶ τὸν ἸωνάθηνJonathan τῆς πρώτης πείρας ἁμαρτόντες ἑτέραν ἐπιστολήν μοι τοιαύτην ἔπεμψαν· «ἸωνάθηςJonathan καὶ οἱ σὺν αὐτῷ ἸωσήπῳJoseph χαίρειν. Παραγγέλλομέν σοι χωρὶς ὁπλιτῶν εἰς τρίτην παραγενέσθαι πρὸς ἡμᾶς εἰς ΓαβαρὼθGabaroth κώμην, ἵνα διακούσωμεν τῶν πρὸς ἸωάννηνJohn ἐγκλημάτων σοι γεγονότων.»
²²⁹ But, when Jonathan and his partners had failed in this their first attempt, they sent me another letter, the contents whereof were as follows:—“Jonathan, and those with him, to Josephus, send greeting. We require thee to come to us to the village Gabaroth, on the third day, without any armed men, that we may hear what thou hast to lay to the charge of John [of Gischala].”	²²⁹ So they went off, and when Jonathan's party had failed in their first attempt, they sent me another letter, along these lines: “Jonathan and his companions, to Josephus, greetings. We require you to come to us without military escort, to the village of Gabaroth within three days, that we may hear your accusations against John.”
²²⁹ And so, they set off. But Jonathan and his associates, having failed in their first attempt, sent me a second letter of this nature: “Jonathan and his associates to Josephus, greetings. We command you to come to us on the third day at the village of Gabaroth without armed men, so that we may hear the charges made against John (of Gischala) by you.”

²³⁰ Ταῦτα γράψαντες καὶ ἀσπασάμενοι τοὺς ΓαλιλαίουςGalilean, οὓς πεπόμφειν, ἀφίκοντο εἰς ἸαφὰνJapha κώμην μεγίστην οὖσαν τῶν ἐν τῇ ΓαλιλαίᾳGalilee, τείχεσιν ὀχυρωτάτην καὶ πολλῶν οἰκητόρων μεστήν. Ὑπηντίαζεν δὲ τὸ πλῆθος αὐτοὺς μετὰ γυναικῶν καὶ τέκνων καὶ κατεβόων κελεύοντες ἀπιέναι καὶ μὴ φθονεῖν αὐτοῖς ἀγαθοῦ τοῦ στρατηγοῦ.
²³⁰ When they had written this letter they saluted the Galileans whom I sent; and came to Japha, which was the largest village of all Galilee, and encompassed with very strong walls, and had a great number of inhabitants in it. There the multitude of men, with their wives and children, met them, and exclaimed loudly against them; and desired them to be gone, and not to envy them the advantage of an excellent commander.	²³⁰ After they wrote this letter, they greeted the Galileans I had sent and came to Japha, the largest village of all Galilee, which was surrounded by very strong walls and had a large population. There the people, including wives and children, met them and shouted at them to be gone and not begrudge them their excellent general.
²³⁰ After writing these things and greeting the Galileans whom I had sent, they arrived at the village of Japha, which was the largest in Galilee, most strongly fortified with walls and full of many inhabitants. But the multitude met them with wives and children and shouted loudly, ordering them to leave and not to begrudge them their good general.

²³¹ Παρηρεθίζοντο δὲ ταῖς φωναῖς οἱ περὶ τὸν ἸωνάθηνJonathan, καὶ φανεροῦν μὲν τὴν‎ ὀργὴν οὐκ ἐτόλμων, οὐκ ἀξιώσαντες δ᾽ αὐτοὺς ἀποκρίσεως εἰς τὰς ἄλλας κώμας ἐπορεύοντο. Ὅμοιαι δ᾽ ὑπήντων αὐτοῖς παρὰ πάντων αἱ καταβοήσεις μεταπείσειν αὐτοὺς βοώντων οὐδένα περὶ τοῦ μὴ στρατηγὸν ἔχειν ἸώσηπονJoseph.
²³¹ With these clamors Jonathan and his partners were greatly provoked, although they durst not show their anger openly; so they made them no answer, but went to other villages. But still the same clamors met them from all the people, who said, “Nobody should persuade them to have any other commander besides Josephus.”	²³¹ Though irritated by these protests, Jonathan's group dared not show their anger openly, so they made no answer but went on to other villages. But the same protests met them from all the people, who roared that no one could persuade them to have any other general but Josephus.
²³¹ But the men with Jonathan were provoked by the shouts, and though they did not dare to show their anger, they proceeded to the other villages without deeming the people worthy of a response. But similar shouts met them from everyone, with people loudly proclaiming that no one would persuade them not to have Josephus as their general.

²³² Ἄπρακτοιdisabling δὲ παρὰ τούτων ἀπελθόντεςto go away, depart from οἱ περὶ τὸν ἸωνάθηνJonathan εἰς ΣέπφωρινSepphoris μεγίστην τῶν ἐν τῇ ΓαλιλαίᾳGalilee πόλιν ἀφικνοῦνταιto arrive at, reach. Οἱ δ᾽ ἐντεῦθεν ἄνθρωποι πρὸς ῬωμαίουςRomans ταῖς γνώμαις ἀποβλέποντες, ἐκείνοις μὲν ὑπήντων, ἐμὲ δὲ οὔτε ἐπῄνουν οὔτ᾽ ἐβλασφήμουν.
²³² So Jonathan and his partners went away from them without success and came to Sepphoris, the greatest city of all Galilee. Now the men of that city, who inclined to the Romans in their sentiments, met them indeed, but neither praised nor reproached me,	²³² So Jonathan's group left them without success and came to Sepphoris, the greatest city of all Galilee. The men of that city, whose preference inclined to the Romans, did indeed meet them, but neither praised nor reproached me.
²³² But the delegates around Jonathan, having departed from these people without accomplishing their mission, arrived at Sepphoris, the largest city in Galilee. The inhabitants there, whose sympathies leaned toward the Romans, met the delegates, but they neither praised nor condemned me.

²³³ Παρὰ δὲ ΣεπφωριτῶνSepphoris εἰς ἈσωχὶνAsochis καταβάντες οἱ ἐντεῦθεν παραπλησίως τοῖς ἸαφηνοῖςJapha κατεβόων αὐτῶν. Οἱ δὲ τὴν‎ ὀργὴν οὐκέτι κατασχόντες κελεύουσιν τοῖς μετ᾽ αὐτῶν ὁπλίταιςarmed warrior τύπτειν ξύλοις τοὺς καταβοῶντας. Κατὰ ΓάβαραGabara δὲ γενομένους ὑπαντιάζει μετὰ τρισχιλίων ὁπλιτῶν ὁ ἸωάννηςJohn.
²³³ and when they were gone down from Sepphoris to Asochis the people of that place made a clamor against them as those of Japha had done; whereupon they were able to contain themselves no longer, but ordered the armed men that were with them to beat those that made the clamor with their clubs; and when they came to Gabara, John met them with three thousand armed men;	²³³ When they went down from Sepphoris to Asochis, the people of that place shouted against them, as those of Japha had done. Unable to restrain themselves any longer, they told the soldiers with them to beat the protesters with their clubs. On their arrival at Gabara, John met them with three thousand soldiers.
²³³ But descending from Sepphoris to Asochis, the people there shouted loudly against them in a similar manner to the inhabitants of Japha. The delegates, no longer able to restrain their anger, commanded the armed men with them to strike the shouters with clubs. But when they reached Gabara, John (of Gischala) met them with three thousand armed men.

²³⁴ Ἐγὼ δ᾽ ἐκ τῆς ἐπιστολῆς ἤδη συνεικώς, ὅτι διεγνώκασι πρός με πολεμεῖν, ἀναστὰς ἀπὸ ΧαβώλωνChabolo μετὰ τρισχιλίων ὁπλιτῶν, καταλιπὼν ἐν τῷ στρατοπέδῳ τὸν πιστότατον τῶν φίλων εἰς ἸωτάπαταJotapata παρεγενόμην πλησίον αὐτῶν εἶναι βουλόμενος ὅσον ἀπὸ τεσσαράκοντα σταδίων, καὶ γράφω πρὸς αὐτοὺς τάδε·
²³⁴ but, as I understood by their letter that they had resolved to fight against me, I arose from Chabolo, with three thousand armed men also, but left in my camp one of my fastest friends, and came to Jotapata as desirous to be near them, the distance being no more than forty furlongs. Whence I wrote thus to them:—	²³⁴ Knowing from their letter that they had resolved to attack me, and wishing to be near to them, I left behind in my camp one of my firmest friends and set out from Chabolo with three thousand soldiers, and came to Jotapata, no more than forty furlongs away. Then I wrote to them as follows:
²³⁴ But I, having already concluded from the letter that they had resolved to make war against me, arose from Chabulon with three thousand armed men, and leaving the most faithful of my friends in the camp, I came to Jotapata, wishing to be near them, about forty stades away (6 km); and I wrote the following to them:

²³⁵ «εἰ πάντως με πρὸς ὑμᾶς ἐλθεῖν βούλεσθε, διακόσιαι καὶ τέσσαρες κατὰ τὴν‎ ΓαλιλαίανGalilee εἰσὶν πόλεις καὶ κῶμαι. Τούτων εἰς ἣν θελήσετε παραγενήσομαι χωρὶς ΓαβάρωνGabara καὶ ΓισχάλωνGischala· ἡ μὲν γὰρ πατρίς ἐστιν ἸωάννουJohn, ἡ δὲ σύμμαχοςally αὐτῷ καὶ φίλη.»
²³⁵ “If you are very desirous that I should come to you, you know there are two hundred and forty cities and villages in Galilee: I will come to any of them which you please, excepting Gabara and Gischala,—the one of which is John’s native city, and the other in confederacy and friendship with him.”	²³⁵ “If you seriously want me to come to you, you know there are two hundred and forty cities and villages in Galilee; I will come to any of them you please, except Gabara and Gischala, as one of them is John's native city and the other is in alliance and friendship with him.”
²³⁵ “If you absolutely wish me to come to you, there are two hundred and four cities and villages throughout Galilee. I will come to any of these you wish, except Gabara and Gischala; for the one is John’s native city and the other is his ally and friend.”

Josephus’s Enemies Devise a New Plan

²³⁶ Ταῦτα τὰ γράμματα λαβόντες οἱ περὶ τὸν ἸωνάθηνJonathan οὐκέτι μὲν ἀντιγράφουσιν· συνέδριον δὲ τῶν φίλων καθίσαντες καὶ τὸν ἸωάννηνJohn παραλαβόντες ἐβουλεύοντο, τίνα τρόπον ἐπιχειρήσωσί μοι.
²³⁶ When Jonathan and his partners had received this letter, they wrote me no more answers, but called a council of their friends together; and taking John into their consultation, they took counsel together by what means they might attack me.	²³⁶ When Jonathan and his group received this letter, they wrote me no more replies but summoned a meeting of their friends including John, and planned together how to lay hands upon me.
²³⁶ When Jonathan and his associates received this letter, they no longer wrote a reply; but they convened a council of their friends and, bringing in John (of Gischala), began to deliberate on what manner they should attack me.

²³⁷ Καὶ ἸωάννῃJohn μὲν ἐδόκει γράφειν πρὸς πάσας τὰς ἐν τῇ ΓαλιλαίᾳGalilee πόλεις καὶ κώμας, εἶναι γὰρ ἐν ἑκάστῃ πάντως ἕνα γοῦν καὶ δεύτερον διάφορον ἐμοί, καὶ καλεῖν τούτους ὡς ἐπὶ πολέμιον ἐκελεύετο πέμπειν τὸ δόγμα τοῦτο καὶ εἰς τὴν‎ ἹεροσολυμιτῶνJerusalem πόλιν, ἵνα κἀκεῖνοι γνόντες ὑπὸ τῶν ΓαλιλαίωνGalilee ἀποκεκρίσθαι με πολέμιον καὶ αὐτοὶ ψηφίσωνται· γενομένου γὰρ τούτου καὶ τοὺς εὔνως ἔχοντάς μοι ΓαλιλαίουςGalilean ἐγκαταλείψειν ἔφη φοβηθέντας.
²³⁷ John’s opinion was, that they should write to all the cities and villages that were in Galilee; for that there must be certainly one or two persons in every one of them that were at variance with me; and that they should be invited to come, to oppose me as an enemy. He would also have them send this resolution of theirs to the city of Jerusalem, that its citizens, upon the knowledge of my being adjudged to be an enemy by the Galileans, might themselves also confirm that determination. He said also, that when this was done, even those Galileans who were well affected to me, would desert me, out of fear.	²³⁷ John held that they should write to every city and village in Galilee, for in each there must be certainly one or two whose views differed from mine, who could be called upon to oppose me as an enemy. He wanted them to send this decree to the citizens of Jerusalem, that seeing me judged an enemy by the Galileans, they should confirm that decree. When this happened, even my Galilean supporters would desert me out of fear.
²³⁷ It seemed best to John (of Gischala) to write to all the cities and villages in Galilee—for he knew there was certainly at least one or two people in every one who were hostile to me—and he commanded them to summon these individuals to declare me an enemy. He also instructed them to send this decree to the city of Jerusalem, so that the authorities there, knowing I had been proclaimed an enemy by the Galileans, would also vote against me. For he said that once this was done, even the Galileans who were favourable to me would abandon me out of fear.

²³⁸ Ταῦτα συμβουλεύσαντος ἸωάννουJohn σφόδρα καὶ τοῖς ἄλλοις ἤρεσεν τὰ λεχθέντα.
²³⁸ When John had given them this counsel, what he had said was very agreeable to the rest of them.	²³⁸ This counsel of John's was well received by the others.
²³⁸ And when John made these proposals with great urgency, the others also heartily approved of what had been said.

²³⁹ περὶ δ᾽ ὥραν τῆς νυκτὸς τρίτην εἰς γνῶσιν ἧκέ μοι ταῦτα, ΣακχαίουSaccheus τῶν σὺν αὐτοῖς τινος αὐτομολήσαντος πρός με καὶ τὴν‎ ἐπιχείρησινan attempt, attack αὐτῶν ἀπαγγείλαντοςto bring news, report· οὐκέτι δὴ δεῖν ὑπερτίθεσθαι τὸν καιρόν.
²³⁹ I was also made acquainted with these affairs about the third hour of the night, by the means of one Saccheus, who had belonged to them, but now deserted them and came over to me, and told me what they were about; so I perceived that no time was to be lost.	²³⁹ News of these matters reached me about the third hour of the night, through Saccheus, who had been on their side but now deserted them and came over to me and told me their plans and said that there was no time to be lost.
²³⁹ About the third hour of the night, this information came to my knowledge, when Sacchaeus, one of their associates, deserted to me and reported their entire plan; and I realized that I ought no longer to delay the opportunity.

²⁴⁰ Ἄξιον δὲ κρίνας ἸάκωβονJacob, James ὁπλίτηνarmed warrior τῶν περὶ ἐμὲ πιστὸν κελεύω διακοσίους ὁπλίταςarmed warrior λαβόντα φρουρεῖν τὰς ἀπὸ ΓαβάρωνGabara εἰς τὴν‎ ΓαλιλαίανGalilee ἐξόδους, καὶ τοὺς παριόντας συλλαμβάνοντα πρὸς ἐμὲ πέμπειν, μάλιστα δὲ τοὺς μετὰ γραμμάτων ἁλισκομένους·
²⁴⁰ Accordingly I gave command to Jacob, an armed man of my guard, whom I esteemed faithful to me, to take two hundred men, and to guard the passages that led from Gabara to Galilee, and to seize upon the passengers, and send them to me, especially such as were caught with letters about them.	²⁴⁰ So I told Jacob, a soldier of my bodyguard, whom I deemed faithful to me, to take two hundred men and guard the routes leading from Gabara to Galilee and to seize all who came through and send them to me, especially if they were carrying letters.
²⁴⁰ And judging James, one of the armed men around me, to be trustworthy, I ordered him to take two hundred armed men and guard the exit roads from Gabara into Galilee, and to seize passers-by and send them to me, especially those who were caught with letters.

²⁴¹ ἸερεμίανJeremiah δὲ καὶ αὐτὸν ἐκ τῶν φίλων μου μεθ᾽ ἑξακοσίων ὁπλιτῶν εἰς τὴν‎ μεθόριον τῆς ΓαλιλαίαςGalilee ἔπεμψα τὰς ἀπὸ ταύτης εἰς τὴν‎ ἹεροσολυμιτῶνJerusalem πόλιν ὁδοὺς παραφυλάξοντα, πρόσταγμα δοὺς κἀκείνῳ τοὺς μετ᾽ ἐπιστολῶν ὁδεύοντας συλλαμβάνειν καὶ τοὺς μὲν ἄνδρας ἐν δεσμοῖς ἐπὶ τόπου φυλάττειν, τὰ δὲ γράμματα πρὸς ἐμὲ διαπέμπειν.
²⁴¹ I also sent Jeremias himself, one of my friends, with six hundred armed men, to the borders of Galilee in order to watch the roads that led from this country to the city Jerusalem; and gave him charge to lay hold of such as travelled with letters about them, to keep the men in bonds upon the place, but to send me the letters.	²⁴¹ I also sent another of my friends, Jeremias, with six hundred soldiers, to the borders of Galilee, to watch the roads leading from that district to Jerusalem, with orders to arrest any who travelled carrying letters, to imprison the men where they were but to send me the letters.
²⁴¹ I also sent Jeremiah, one of my friends, with six hundred armed men to the border of Galilee to guard the roads leading from there to the city of Jerusalem, giving him the command to arrest those traveling with letters, and to keep the men under guard in bonds on the spot, but to send the letters on to me.

²⁴² Ταῦτα τοῖς πεμπομένοις ἐντειλάμενος ΓαλιλαίοιςGalileans διήγγειλα κελεύων εἰς τὴν‎ ἐπιοῦσανthe next day ἀναλαβόντας τὰ ὅπλα καὶ τριῶν ἡμερῶν τροφὴν εἰς ΓαβαρὼθGabaroth κώμην παραγενέσθαι πρός με. Τῶν δὲ περὶ ἐμὲ ὁπλιτῶν μοίρας τέτταρας νείμας τοὺς πιστοτάτους αὐτῶν περὶ τὴν‎ τοῦ σώματος φυλακὴν ἔταξα, ταξιάρχους αὐτοῖς ἐπιστήσαςto set, place upon καὶ φροντίζειν κελεύσας ὑπὲρ τοῦ μηδένα στρατιώτην ἄγνωστον αὐτοῖς συναναμίγνυσθαι.
²⁴² When I had laid these commands upon them I gave them orders, and bid them take their arms and bring three days’ provision with them, and be with me the next day. I also parted those that were about me into four parts, and ordained those of them that were most faithful to me to be a guard to my body. I also set over them centurions; and commanded them to take care that not a soldier which they did not know should mingle himself among them.	²⁴² After giving them these orders, I sent to the Galileans to join me the next day, bringing their weapons and food for three days. I separated my company into four parts and assigned those who were most faithful to me as my bodyguard, and I set officers over them, with orders that no soldier whom they did not know should be allowed to mix with them.
²⁴² Having instructed the Galileans who were being sent, I sent word, commanding them on the next day to take up arms and three days' provisions and to come to me at the village of Gabara. And having divided the armed men with me into four divisions, I stationed the most faithful among them as a bodyguard around my person, placing commanders over them and commanding them to take care that no unknown soldier should mingle among them.

²⁴³ Τῇ δ᾽ ἐπιούσῃ περὶ πέμπτην ὥραν ἐν ΓαβαρὼθGabaroth γενόμενος εὑρίσκω πᾶν τὸ πεδίον τὸ πρὸ τῆς κώμης ὁπλιτῶν πλῆρες τῶν ἐκ τῆς ΓαλιλαίαςGalilee ἐπὶ τὴν‎ συμμαχίαν παρόντων, ὡς αὐτοῖς παρηγγέλκειν· πολὺς δὲ καὶ ἄλλος ἐκ τῶν κωμῶν ὄχλος συνέτρεχεν.
²⁴³ Now on the fifth day following, when I was at Gabaroth, I found the entire plain that was before the village full of armed men who were come out of Galilee to assist me; many others of the multitude also out of the village, ran along with me;	²⁴³ Reaching Gabaroth about the fifth hour of the following day, I found the entire plain in front of the village full of soldiers, who had come from Galilee to help me, and many others were hurrying in from the villages.
²⁴³ But on the following day, about the fifth hour (11 a.m.), having arrived at Gabara, I found the entire plain in front of the village full of armed men—those from Galilee who had come to my support, as I had commanded them. And a large number of other people from the villages were gathering as well.

²⁴⁴ Ἐπεὶ δὲ καταστὰς εἰς αὐτοὺς λέγειν ἠρξάμην, ἐβόων ἅπαντες ΕὐεργέτηνEuergetes καὶ σωτῆρα τῆς χώρας αὐτῶν καλοῦντες. Κἀγὼ χάριν αὐτοῖς ἔχειν ὁμολογήσας συνεβούλευον πρὸς μηδένα μήτε πολεμεῖν μήτε ἁρπαγῇ μολύνειν τὰς χεῖρας, ἀλλὰ σκηνοῦν κατὰ τὸ πεδίον ἀρκουμένουςto satisfy τοῖς ἑαυτῶν ἐφοδίοις· θέλειν γὰρ ἔφασκονto say, affirm τὰς ταραχὰς χωρὶς φόνων καταστεῖλαι.
²⁴⁴ but as soon as I had taken my place, and began to speak to them, they all made an acclamation, and called me the Benefactor and Savior of the country; and when I had made them my acknowledgments, and thanked them [for their affection to me], I also advised them to fight with nobody, nor to spoil the country, but to pitch their tents in the plain, and be content with their sustenance they had brought with them; for I told them that I had a mind to compose these troubles without shedding any blood.	²⁴⁴ When I stood up and began to address them, they greeted me with acclamations, calling me the benefactor and saviour of their country. I thanked them and advised them not to attack anyone, nor to soil their hands with looting, but to camp in the plain and be content with their rations; for I said that my wish was to settle these troubles without bloodshed.
²⁴⁴ And when I stood before them and began to speak, they all shouted, calling me the Benefactor and Saviour of their country. And I, acknowledging my gratitude to them, advised them neither to wage war against anyone nor to defile their hands with plunder, but to camp in the plain, being content with their own provisions; for I stated that I wished to quell the disturbances without bloodshed.

²⁴⁵ Συνέβη δ᾽ αὐθημερὸν εἰς τὰς ὑπ᾽ ἐμοῦ κατασταθείσας τῶν ὁδῶν φυλακὰς τοὺς παρὰ τοῦ ἸωνάθουJonathan πεμφθέντας μετὰ τῶν ἐπιστολῶν ἐμπεσεῖν. Καὶ οἱ μὲν ἄνδρες ἐφυλάχθησαν ἐπὶ τῶν τόπων, ὡς παρήγγειλα, τοῖς δὲ γράμμασιν ἐντυχὼν πλήρεσι βλασφημιῶν καὶ ψευσμάτων, οὐδενὶ ταῦτα φράσας ὁρμᾶν ἐπ᾽ αὐτοὺς διενοούμην.
²⁴⁵ Now it came to pass that on the very same day those who were sent by John with letters, fell among the guards whom I had appointed to watch the roads; so the men were themselves kept upon the place, as my orders were; but I got the letters which were full of reproaches and lies; and I intended to fall upon these men, without saying a word of these matters to any body.	²⁴⁵ Now on that very day the guards whom I had appointed to watch the roads captured some letter-bearers sent by John. The men themselves were arrested on the spot, as I had ordered, but when I got the letters, which were full of reproaches and lies, without saying a word of them to anyone, I planned to proceed against them.
²⁴⁵ It so happened that on the same day, those sent by Jonathan with the letters fell into the road-guards that I had established. And the men were kept under guard on the spot, as I had commanded, but having read the letters, which were full of slanders and falsehoods, I revealed them to no one, and resolved to launch an attack upon them.

Josephus Addresses the Legates Before the Multitude

²⁴⁶ Ἀκούσαντες δὲ οἱ περὶ τὸν ἸωνάθηνJonathan περὶ τῆς ἐμῆς ἀφίξεως τοὺς ἰδίους πάντας ἀναλαβόντες καὶ τὸν ἸωάννηνJohn ὑπεχώρησαν εἰς τὴν‎ ἸησοῦJesus, Joshua οἰκίαν· βᾶρις δ᾽ ἦν αὕτη μεγάλη καὶ οὐδὲν ἀκροπόλεως ἀποδέουσα. Κρύψαντες οὖν λόχον ὁπλιτῶν ἐν αὐτῇ καὶ τὰς ἄλλας ἀποκλείσαντες θύρας, μίαν δὲ ἀνοίξαντες, προσεδόκων ἥκειν ἐκ τῆς ὁδοῦ με πρὸς αὐτοὺς ἀσπασόμενονto greet, welcome.
²⁴⁶ Now, as soon as Jonathan and his companions heard of my coming, they took all their own friends, and John with them, and retired to the house of Jesus, which indeed was a large castle, and no way unlike a citadel; so they privately led a band of armed men therein, and shut all the other doors but one, which they kept open, and they expected that I should come out of the road to them, to salute them;	²⁴⁶ When Jonathan's group heard of my arrival, they retreated with John to the residence of Joshua, a large castle like a citadel. Here they hid a band of soldiers and locked all the doors except one which they kept open, waiting for me to come to greet them after my journey.
²⁴⁶ But Jonathan and his associates, having heard of my arrival, took all their own men and John and retreated into the house of Joshua (Jesus); this was a large tower and was in no way inferior to a citadel. Hiding, therefore, an ambush of armed men in it, and having closed the other doors but left one open, they expected me to come to them from the road to greet them.

²⁴⁷ Καὶ δὴ διδόασιν ἐντολὰς τοῖς ὁπλίταιςarmed warrior, ἐπειδὰν παραγένωμαι, μόνον εἰσελθεῖν ἐᾶσαι τοὺς ἄλλους ἀπείρξαντας· οὕτως γὰρ ᾤοντό με γενήσεσθαι ῥᾳδίως αὐτοῖς ὑποχείριον.
²⁴⁷ and indeed they had given orders to the armed men, that when I came they should let nobody besides me come in, but should exclude others; as supposing that, by this means, they should easily get me under their power: but they were deceived in their expectation,	²⁴⁷ They had ordered the soldiers to let no one come in but me, excluding all others; so they expected to have me easily at their mercy.
²⁴⁷ And so, they gave commands to the armed men that when I arrived, they should allow only me to enter, having kept out the others; for in this way, they supposed I would easily become their captive.

²⁴⁸ Ἐψεύσθησαν δὲ τῆς ἐλπίδος· ἐγὼ γὰρ τὴν‎ ἐπιβουλὴν προαισθόμενος, ὡς ἐκ τῆς ὁδοῦ παρεγενόμην καταλύσας ἄντικρυς αὐτῶν καθεύδειν ἐσκηπτόμην.
²⁴⁸ for I perceived what snares they had laid for me. Now as soon as I was got off my journey, I took up my lodgings over against them, and pretended to be asleep;	²⁴⁸ But their hopes were disappointed, for I saw their plot and at the end of my march took up lodgings across the road, and pretended to go to sleep there.
²⁴⁸ But they were disappointed in their hope; for I, having known the plot beforehand, when I arrived from the road, took up lodging directly opposite them and pretended to be settling down to sleep.

²⁴⁹ Καὶ οἱ περὶ τὸν ἸωνάθηνJonathan ὑπολαμβάνοντες ὄντως ἀναπαύεσθαί με καθυπνωμένον ὥρμησαν καταβάντες εἰς τὸ πλῆθος μεταπείθειν αὐτοὺς ὡς ἐμοῦ κακῶς στρατηγοῦντος.
²⁴⁹ so Jonathan and his party, thinking that I was really asleep and at rest, made haste to go down into the plain to persuade the people that I was an ill governor:	²⁴⁹ Jonathan and his party, thinking me really asleep and at rest, hastened to go down into the open, to persuade the people that I was a bad governor.
²⁴⁹ And Jonathan and his associates, supposing that I was truly resting and asleep, rushed down and went to the multitude to try to persuade them that I was a poor general.

²⁵⁰ τἀναντία δὲ αὐτοῖς συνέπεσεν· ὀφθέντων γὰρ εὐθὺς ἐγένετο βοὴ παρὰ τῶν ΓαλιλαίωνGalilee πρὸς ἐμὲ τὸν στρατηγὸν εὐνοίας ἀξία, κατάμεμψίν τε ἐποιοῦντο τῶν περὶ τὸν ἸωνάθηνJonathan, ὅτι πάρεισιν οὐδὲν μὲν αὐτοὶ κακὸν προπεπονθότες, ἀνατρέψοντες δὲ τὰ ἐκείνων πράγματα, καὶ παρεκελεύοντο ἀπιέναι· μὴ γὰρ ἄν ποτε μεταπεισθῆναι προστάτην ἕτερον ἀντ᾽ ἐμοῦ λαβεῖν.
²⁵⁰ but the matter proved otherwise; for upon their appearance, there was a cry made by the Galileans immediately, declaring their good opinion of me as their governor; and they made a clamor against Jonathan and his partners for coming to them when they had suffered no harm, and as though they would overturn their happy settlement; and desired them by all means to go back again, for that they would never be persuaded to have any other to rule over them but myself.	²⁵⁰ But the matter proved otherwise; for as soon as they appeared, the Galileans shouted out their good opinion of me as their governor; they criticized Jonathan and his partners for coming to them unprovoked, to throw their affairs into disorder, and ordered them to leave, as they were determined to accept no other ruler but myself.
²⁵⁰ But the opposite happened to them; for as soon as they were seen, there was an immediate shout from the Galileans that showed their good will toward me, their general. They also made accusations against Jonathan and his associates, stating that they were present though they had suffered no harm themselves, only to overturn the affairs of the Galileans, and they ordered them to leave; for they said they would never be persuaded to take another leader instead of me.

²⁵¹ Τούτων ἀπαγγελθέντων μοι προελθεῖν εἰς μέσους οὐκ ὤκνησα. κατέβαινον οὖν εὐθέως, αὐτὸς τί λέγουσιν οἱ περὶ τὸν ἸωνάθηνJonathan ἀκουσόμενος. προελθόντος δέ μου κρότος παρὰ παντὸς τοῦ πλήθους εὐθὺς ἦν καὶ μετ᾽ εὐφημιῶν ἐπιβοήσεις χάριν ἔχειν ὁμολογούντων τῇ ἐμῇ στρατηγίᾳ.
²⁵¹ When I heard of this, I did not fear to go down into the midst of them; I went therefore myself down presently, to hear what Jonathan and his companions said. As soon as I appeared, there was immediately an acclamation made to me by the whole multitude, and a cry in my commendation by them, who confessed their thanks was owing to me for my good government of them.	²⁵¹ When I heard this, I no longer hesitated to go down but immediately went to hear what Jonathan's group had to say. At my appearance, the whole crowd acclaimed me and shouted my praises, expressing gratitude for my leadership.
²⁵¹ When these things were reported to me, I did not hesitate to come forward into their midst. I immediately went down, intending to hear for myself what Jonathan and his associates were saying. When I came forward, there was instantly a great applause from the entire multitude, accompanied by shouts of acclamation, as they acknowledged their gratitude for my generalship.

²⁵² Ταῦτα δ᾽ οἱ περὶ τὸν ἸωνάθηνJonathan ἀκούοντες ἐφοβήθησαν, μὴ καὶ κινδυνεύσωσιν ἀποθανεῖν ἐπ᾽ αὐτοὺς ὁρμησάντων τῶν ΓαλιλαίωνGalilee κατὰ τὴν‎ πρὸς ἐμὲ χάριν· δρασμὸν οὖν ἐπενόουν. Μὴ δυνηθέντες δὲ ἀπελθεῖν, προσμεῖναι γὰρ αὐτοὺς ἠξίωσα, κατηφεῖς ἐστησάμενοιto take a stand τῷ λόγῳ.
²⁵² When Jonathan and his companions heard this, they were in fear of their own lives, and in danger lest they should be assaulted by the Galileans on my account; so they contrived how they might run away; but as they were not able to get off, for I desired them to stay, they looked down with concern at my words to them.	²⁵² When Jonathan and his companions heard this, they were afraid for their own lives and in danger of being attacked by the Galileans for my sake. They sought a way out but were unable to get away, for I told them to stay, so they had to stand there and listen as I spoke.
²⁵² But Jonathan and his associates, hearing these things, became afraid, lest the Galileans, in their loyalty to me, might rush upon them and they might be in danger of death; they therefore plotted escape. But being unable to leave—for I had requested them to remain—they stood there crestfallen at the words (they had heard).

²⁵³ Προστάξας οὖν τῷ μὲν πλήθει τὰς εὐφημίας ἐπισχεῖν, καὶ τῶν ὁπλιτῶν τοὺς πιστοτάτους ταῖς ὁδοῖς ἐπιστήσαςto set, place upon ὑπὲρ τοῦ φρουρεῖν, μὴ ἀπροσδοκήτως ἡμῖν ὁ ἸωάννηςJohn ἐπιπέσῃ, παραινέσας δὲ καὶ τοῖς ΓαλιλαίοιςGalileans ἀναλαβεῖν τὰ ὅπλα, μὴ πρὸς τὴν‎ ἔφοδον τῶν πολεμίων, ἐὰν γένηταί τις αἰφνίδιος. ταραχθῶσιν,
²⁵³ I ordered, therefore, the multitude to restrain entirely their acclamations, and placed the most faithful of my armed men upon the avenues, to be a guard to us; lest John should unexpectedly fall upon us; and I encouraged the Galileans to take their weapons, lest they should be disturbed at their enemies, if any sudden insult should be made upon them; and then,	²⁵³ I told the people to stop their shouting and placed the most faithful of my soldiers at the exits, to guard us against an unexpected attack by John. I encouraged the Galileans to hold their weapons, for fear of being troubled by their enemies, if any sudden attack be made on them.
²⁵³ Therefore, having commanded the multitude to cease their acclamations, and having placed the most faithful of the armed men to guard the roads, lest John should unexpectedly fall upon us, and having also exhorted the Galileans to take up their arms—so that they might not be thrown into confusion by a sudden attack of the enemy, should one occur,

²⁵⁴ πρῶτον τῆς ἐπιστολῆς τοὺς περὶ τὸν ἸωνάθηνJonathan ὑπεμίμνησκον, ὃν τρόπον γράψειαν ὑπὸ τοῦ κοινοῦ τῶν ἹεροσολυμιτῶνJerusalem πεπέμφθαι διαλύσοντές μου τὰς πρὸς τὸν ἸωάννηνJohn φιλονεικίας, ὡς παρακαλέσειάν τέ με πρὸς αὐτοὺς ἀφικέσθαι.
²⁵⁴ in the first place, I put Jonathan and his partners in mind of their [former] letter, and after what manner they had written to me, and declared they were sent by the common consent of the people of Jerusalem, to make up the differences I had with John, and how they had desired me to come to them;	²⁵⁴ Then I reminded Jonathan and his partners first of all how they had written to me that they were sent by the council of Jerusalem to resolve the differences between me and John and how they had asked me to come to them.
²⁵⁴ I began by reminding Jonathan and his associates of the matter of the letter, in which they wrote that they had been sent by the community of the Jerusalemites to settle my disputes with John, and how they had requested me to come to them.

²⁵⁵ Καὶ ταῦτα διεξιὼν τὴν‎ ἐπιστολὴν εἰς μέσους προύτεινον, ἵνα μηδὲν ἀρνήσασθαι δυνηθῶσιν ἐλεγχόντων αὐτοὺς τῶν γραμμάτων.
²⁵⁵ and as I spake thus, I publicly showed that letter they had written, till they could not at all deny what they had done, the letter itself convicting them.	²⁵⁵ As I said this, I publicly showed the letter they had written, so that they could not deny it, with the letter itself as proof against them.
²⁵⁵ And as I was explaining these things, I held out the letter into the middle (of them), so that they would not be able to deny anything for the writings convicted them.

²⁵⁶ Καὶ μήν, ἔφην, «ἸωνάθηJonathan ὑμεῖς τε οἱ συμπρέσβειςco-legates, εἰ πρὸς ἸωάννηνJohn κρινόμενος ὑπὲρ τοῦ παραστῆσαι τὸν ἐμαυτοῦ βίον δύο τινὰς ἢ τρεῖς μάρτυρας καλοὺς κἀγαθοὺς ἤγαγον, δῆλον ὡς ἀνάγκην ἂν εἴχετε προεξετάσαντες καὶ τοὺς τούτων βίους ἀπαλλάξαι με τῶν ἐγκλημάτων.
²⁵⁶ I then said, “O Jonathan! and you that are sent with him as his colleagues, if I were to be judged as to my behavior, compared with that of John’s, and had brought no more than two or three witnesses, good men and true, it is plain you had been forced, upon the examination of their characters beforehand, to discharge the accusations:	²⁵⁶ Then I said, “Jonathan, and you his fellow-delegates, if I were to be judged in John's presence regarding my behaviour, and only brought here two or three good and true witnesses, it is clear that when you saw their characters, you would have to drop the accusations.
²⁵⁶ Surely, I said, “Jonathan, and you co-legates, if, when being judged by John, I had brought two or three good and honest witnesses to present my own life, it is clear that you would have been compelled, after first examining their lives as well, to acquit me of the charges.

²⁵⁷ Ἵν᾽ οὖν γνῶτε καλῶς πεπρᾶχθαί μοι τὰ κατὰ τὴν‎ ΓαλιλαίανGalilee, τρεῖς μὲν μάρτυρας ὀλίγους εἶναι νομίζω τῷ καλῶς βεβιωκότι, τούτους δὲ πάντας ὑμῖν δίδωμι.
²⁵⁷ that, therefore, you may be informed that I have acted well in the affairs of Galilee, I think three witnesses too few to be brought by a man that hath done as he ought to do; so I gave you all these for witnesses.	²⁵⁷ Now so that you may be convinced that I have acted well in the affairs of Galilee, I think three witnesses too few to be brought by a man who has done his duty; so I gave you all these people as witnesses.
²⁵⁷ In order, therefore, that you may know that my conduct in Galilee has been good, I consider three witnesses to be few for a man who has lived nobly, but I hand all of them over to you.

²⁵⁸ Παρὰ τούτων οὖν πύθεσθε, τίνα τρόπον ἐβίωσα, εἰ μετὰ πάσης σεμνότητος καὶ πάσης ἀρετῆς ἐνθάδε πεπολίτευμαι. Καὶ δὴ Ὁρκίζω ὑμᾶς, ὦ ΓαλιλαῖοιGalileans, μηδὲν ἐπικρύψασθαι τῆς ἀληθείας, λέγειν δ᾽ ἐπὶ τούτων ὡς δικαστῶν, εἴ τι μὴ καλῶς πέπρακται.»
²⁵⁸ Inquire of them how I have lived, and whether I have not behaved myself with all decency, and after a virtuous manner among them. And I further conjure you, O Galileans! to hide no part of the truth, but to speak before these men as before judges, whether I have in any thing acted otherwise than well.”	²⁵⁸ Ask them how I have lived and whether I have not behaved decently and virtuously among them. And I urge you, my Galileans, to hide nothing of the truth, but declare before these men as before judges, whether in anything I have acted otherwise than well.”
²⁵⁸ Inquire of these [witnesses], therefore, what manner of life I have led, and whether I have conducted myself here with all solemnity and with all virtue. And furthermore, I adjure you, O Galileans, to conceal nothing of the truth, but to speak before these men as judges, if anything has been done improperly.”

²⁵⁹ Ταῦτ᾽ ἔτι λέγοντος κοιναὶ παρὰ πάντων ἐγένοντο φωναὶ καλούντων ΕὐεργέτηνEuergetes με καὶ σωτῆρα, καὶ περὶ μὲν τῶν πεπραγμένων ἐμαρτύρουν, περὶ δὲ τῶν πραχθησομένων παρεκάλουν, πάντες δ᾽ ὤμνυον ἀνυβρίστους μὲν ἔχειν τὰς γυναῖκας, λελυπῆσθαι δὲ μηδέποτε μηδὲν ὑπ᾽ ἐμοῦ.
²⁵⁹ While I was thus speaking, the united voices of all the people joined together, and called me their Benefactor and Savior, and attested to my former behavior, and exhorted me to continue so to do hereafter; and they all said, upon their oaths, that their wives had been preserved free from injuries, and that no one had ever been aggrieved by me.	²⁵⁹ as I was saying this, the people together with one voice called me their benefactor and saviour and attested to my past behaviour and urged me to continue the same in the future. They all swore that their wives had been preserved from harm and that no one had ever suffered injury from me.
²⁵⁹ While he was still speaking these things, a unified shout arose from all, calling me their Benefactor and Savior. And they testified concerning my past actions, and appealed regarding my future actions; and all swore that their wives had been kept from outrage, and that they had never been wronged by me in any way.

²⁶⁰ μετὰ τοῦτο δύο τῶν ἐπιστολῶν, ἃς οἱ κατασταθέντες ὑπ᾽ ἐμοῦ φρουροὶ πεμφθείσας ὑπὸ τῶν περὶ τὸν ἸωνάθηνJonathan ἑλόντες ἀπεστάλκεισαν πρὸς ἐμέ, παρανεγίνωσκον τοῖς ΓαλιλαίοιςGalileans πολλῶν βλασφημιῶν πλήρεις καὶ καταψευδομένας, ὅτι τυραννίδι μᾶλλον ἢ στρατηγίᾳ χρῶμαι κατ᾽ αὐτῶν.
²⁶⁰ After this, I read to the Galileans two of those epistles which had been sent by Jonathan and his colleagues, and which those whom I had appointed to guard the road had taken, and sent to me. These were full of reproaches and of lies, as if I had acted more like a tyrant than a governor against them;	²⁶⁰ After this, I read to the Galileans two of the letters sent by Jonathan's group, which those whom I had appointed to guard the highway had taken and sent to me. These were full of reproaches and lies, claiming that I had acted with them more like a tyrant than a governor.
²⁶⁰ After this, I read aloud to the Galileans two of the letters—which the guards appointed by me had captured and sent to me, having been dispatched by the men under Jonathan—letters which were full of many slanders and false accusations, (alleging) that I was using tyranny rather than as governor against them.

²⁶¹ Ἕτερά τε πολλὰ πρὸς τούτοις ἐνεγέγραπτο μηδὲν παραλιπόντων ἀναισχύντου ψευδολογίας. Ἔφην δ᾽ ἐγὼ πρὸς τὸ πλῆθος τὰ γράμματα λαβεῖν δόντων ἑκουσίως τῶν κομιζόντων· οὐ γὰρ ἐβουλόμην αὐτοὺς τὰ περὶ τὰς φρουρὰς τοὺς ἐναντίους εἰδέναι, μὴ δείσαντες τοῦ γράφειν ἀποστῶσιν.
²⁶¹ with many other things besides therein contained, which were no better indeed than impudent falsities. I also informed the multitude how I came by these letters, and that those who carried them delivered them up voluntarily; for I was not willing that my enemies should know any thing of the guards I had set, lest they should be afraid, and leave off writing hereafter.	²⁶¹ There were many other things in them, which were no less than outright lies. I told the people how I came by these letters and that those who carried them handed them over voluntarily; for I did not want my enemies to know I had set a guard, lest they give up writing to me.
²⁶¹ And many other things besides these were written in (the letter), since they omitted nothing of shameless falsehood. And I said to the multitude that I would take the letters, as the bearers were willingly giving them; for I did not want our opponents to know the details concerning the garrisons, lest they should become afraid and stop writing.

Josephus Attempts to Restrain the Multitude;
He Departs for Sogane

²⁶² Ταῦτ᾽ ἀκοῦσαν τὸ πλῆθος σφόδρα παροξυνθὲν ἐπὶ τὸν ἸωνάθηνJonathan ὥρμα καὶ τοὺς σὺν αὐτῷ συμπαρόντας ὡς διαφθεροῦντες· κἂν ἐπεπράχεισαν τὸ ἔργον, εἰ μὴ τοὺς μὲν ΓαλιλαίουςGalilean ἔπαυσαto stop τῆς ὀργῆς, τοῖς περὶ τὸν ἸωνάθηνJonathan δ᾽ ἔφην συγγινώσκειν τῶν ἤδη πεπραγμένων, εἰ μέλλοιεν μετανοήσειν καὶ πορευθέντες εἰς τὴν‎ πατρίδα λέγοιεν τοῖς πέμψασι τἀληθῆ περὶ τῶν ἐμοὶ πεπολιτευμένων.
²⁶² When the multitude heard these things, they were greatly provoked at Jonathan and his colleagues that were with him, and were going to attack them, and kill them; and this they had certainly done, unless I had restrained the anger of the Galileans, and said, that “I forgave Jonathan and his colleagues what was past, if they would repent, and go to their own country and tell those who sent them the truth, as to my conduct.”	²⁶² Hearing what I said, the people were so angry with Jonathan and his colleagues that they would have attacked and killed them, and this they would certainly have done, if I had not restrained the Galileans' anger and said that I forgave Jonathan's group what was past, if they would repent and go back to their own region and tell those who sent them the truth about my conduct.
²⁶² Upon hearing these things, the multitude became greatly enraged and rushed upon Jonathan and those who were present with him, intending to destroy them. And they would have carried out the deed, had I not stopped the Galileans from their rage. I told Jonathan and his companions that I would forgive what had already been done, if they intended to repent and, having gone to their homeland, would tell the truth to those who sent them about my administration.

²⁶³ Ταῦτ᾽ εἰπὼν ἀπέλυον αὐτοὺς καίτοι γιγνώσκων, ὅτι μηδὲν ὧν ὑπέσχοντο ποιήσουσιν. Τὸ πλῆθος δ᾽ εἰς ὀργὴν ἐξεκαίετο κατ᾽ αὐτῶν κἀμὲ παρεκάλουν ἐπιτρέπειν αὐτοῖς τιμωρήσασθαιto avenge, punish τοὺς τοιαῦτα τολμήσαντας.
²⁶³ When I had said this, I let them go, although I knew they would do nothing of what they had promised. But the multitude were very much enraged against them, and entreated me to give them leave to punish them for their insolence;	²⁶³ Saying this I let them go, although knowing well that they would fulfill none of their promises; but the people were enraged at them and begged me to let them punish them for their insolence.
²⁶³ Having said these things, I sent them away, although I knew that they would not do any of the things they had promised. But the multitude was inflamed with rage against them and called upon me to permit them to punish those who had dared such things.

²⁶⁴ Παντοῖος μὲν [οὖν] ἐγινόμην πείθων αὐτοὺς φείσασθαι τῶν ἀνδρῶν· πᾶσαν γὰρ ἤιδειν στάσιν ὄλεθρον οὖσαν τοῦ κοινῇ συμφέροντος· τὸ δὲ πλῆθος ἔσχεν τὴν‎ κατ᾽ αὐτῶν ὀργὴν ἀμετάβλητον, καὶ πάντες ὥρμησαν ἐπὶ τὴν‎ οἰκίαν, ἐν ᾗ κατήγοντο οἱ περὶ τὸν ἸωνάθηνJonathan.
²⁶⁴ yet did I try all methods to persuade them to spare the men; for I knew that every instance of sedition was pernicious to the public welfare. But the multitude was too angry with them to be dissuaded; and all of them went immediately to the house in which Jonathan and his colleagues abode.	²⁶⁴ I did everything I could to persuade them to spare the men; for I knew that every civil conflict is harmful to the common good. But the crowd was too angry with them to be dissuaded and they all went immediately to the house where Jonathan's group lodged.
²⁶⁴ I used every means, therefore, persuading them to spare the men; for I knew that all civil strife was ruinous to the common good. But the multitude maintained their anger against them unchangeable, and all rushed upon the house in which Jonathan and his companions were lodged.

²⁶⁵ Ἐγὼ δὲ συνορῶν τὴν‎ ὁρμὴν οὖσαν αὐτῶν ἀνεπίσχετον ἀναπηδήσας ἐφ᾽ ἵππον ἐκέλευσα τοῖς πλήθεσιν πρὸς ΣωγάνηνSogane κώμην ἕπεσθαι ΓαβάρωνGabara ἀπέχουσαν εἴκοσι στάδια. Καὶ τοιούτῳ στρατηγήματι χρησάμενος παρέσχον ἐμαυτῷ τὸ μὴ δοκεῖν ἐμφυλίουkinsfolk πολέμου κατάρχειν.
²⁶⁵ However, when I perceived that their rage could not be restrained, I got on horseback, and ordered the multitude to follow me to the village Sogane, which was twenty furlongs off Gabara; and by using this stratagem, I so managed myself, as not to appear to begin a civil war amongst them.	²⁶⁵ When I saw that their rage could not be restrained, I got on a horse and ordered the crowds to follow me to the village of Sogane, which was twenty furlongs from Gabara, and in this way I guarded myself against appearing to begin a civil war.
²⁶⁵ But I, seeing that their rush was uncontrollable, leaped onto a horse and commanded the multitudes to follow me to the village of Sogane, which was twenty stadia (3 km) distant from Gabara. And by employing such a strategic maneuver, I managed not to appear to be initiating civil war.

Josephus Sends an Embassy to Jerusalem

²⁶⁶ Ἐπεὶ δὲ περὶ τὰς ΣωγανέαςSogane ἐγενόμην, ἐπιστήσαςto set, place upon τὸ πλῆθος καὶ παραινέσει χρησάμενος περὶ τοῦ μὴ πρὸς τὰς ὀργὰς καὶ ταῦτ᾽ ἐπ᾽ ἀνηκέστοις τιμωρίαις ὀξέως φέρεσθαι, κελεύω τοὺς καθ᾽ ἡλικίαν ἤδη προβεβηκότας καὶ πρώτους παρ᾽ αὐτοῖς ἑκατὸν ἄνδρας ὡς πορευσομένους εἰς τὴν‎ ἹεροσολυμιτῶνJerusalem πόλιν εὐτρεπίζεσθαι, μέμψιν ποιησομένουςto make, produce, create ἐπὶ τοῦ δήμου τῶν τὴν‎ χώραν διαστασιαζόντων.
²⁶⁶ But when I was come near Sogane, I caused the multitude to make a halt, and exhorted them not to be so easily provoked to anger, and to the inflicting such punishments as could not be afterwards recalled; I also gave order, that a hundred men, who were already in years, and were principal men among them, should get themselves ready to go to the city of Jerusalem, and should make a complaint before the people, of such as raised seditions in the country.	²⁶⁶ As I approached Sogane, I got the people to halt and urged them not to be so easily stirred to anger nor to inflict punishments that could not later be recalled. I also commanded that a hundred men, of mature age and prominence among them, should get ready to go to Jerusalem with a complaint against those who were splitting the district into factions.
²⁶⁶ When I arrived near Sogane, I halted the multitude and delivered an exhortation regarding the need not to rush into fits of rage, especially those involving irreparable punishments. I then commanded one hundred men, who were already advanced in age and chief among them, to prepare themselves to journey to the city of Jerusalem, intending to make a complaint before the people against those who were stirring up sedition in the country.

²⁶⁷ «Καὶ ἐὰν ἐπικλασθῶσιν,» ἔφην, «πρὸς τοὺς λόγους ὑμῶν, παρακαλέσατε τὸ κοινὸν γράψαι πρὸς ἐμὲ μένειν κελεύοντας ἐπὶ τῆς ΓαλιλαίαςGalilee, τοὺς δὲ περὶ τὸν ἸωνάθηνJonathan ἀναχωρεῖν ἐκεῖθεν.»
²⁶⁷ And I said to them, that “in case they be moved with what you say, you shall desire the community to write to me, and to enjoin me to continue in Galilee, and to order Jonathan and his colleagues to depart out of it.”	²⁶⁷ I said, “If they are moved by what you say, ask the council to write to me and with orders to continue in Galilee and orders for Jonathan's group to leave it.”
²⁶⁷ And I said, “If they are moved by your words, urge the council (of Jerusalem) to write to me, urging me to remain in Galilee, and Jonathan and his companions to withdraw from there.”

²⁶⁸ Ταύτας αὐτοῖς τὰς ὑποθήκαςprecept δοὺς ἐναρμοσαμένωνto fit to, blend τε ταχέως ἐκείνων ἡμέρᾳ τρίτῃ μετὰ τὴν‎ ἐκκλησίαν τὴν‎ ἀποστολὴν ἐποιησάμην, συμπέμψας ὁπλίταςarmed warrior πεντακοσίους.
²⁶⁸ When I had suggested these instructions to them, and while they were getting themselves ready as fast as they could, I sent them on this errand the third day after they had been assembled: I also sent five hundred armed men with them [as a guard].	²⁶⁸ When I had given them these instructions and they got ready as fast as they could, the third day after the meeting I sent them on this errand, escorted by five hundred soldiers.
²⁶⁸ Having given them these instructions, they equipped themselves. I dispatched the delegation on the third day after the assembly, sending along five hundred soldiers with them.

²⁶⁹ Ἐγραψαto write δὲ καὶ τοῖς ἐν ΣαμαρείᾳSamaria φίλοις προνοήσασθαι τοῦ ἀσφαλῆ γενέσθαι τὴν‎ πορείαν αὐτοῖς· ἤδη γὰρ ὑπὸ ῬωμαίοιςRomans ἦν ἡ ΣαμάρειαSamaria καὶ πάντως ἔδει τοὺς ταχὺ βουλομένους ἀπελθεῖν δι᾽ ἐκείνης πορεύεσθαι· τρισὶν [γὰρ ] ἡμέραις ἀπὸ ΓαλιλαίαςGalilee ἔνεστιν οὕτως εἰς ἹεροσόλυμαJerusalem καταλῦσαι.
²⁶⁹ I then wrote to my friends in Samaria, to take care that they might safely pass through the country: for Samaria was already under the Romans, and it was absolutely necessary for those that go quickly [to Jerusalem] to pass through that country; for in that road you may, in three days’ time go from Galilee to Jerusalem.	²⁶⁹ I also wrote to my friends in Samaria, to provide them safe passage through the district. For Samaria was already under the Romans and for a rapid transit it was absolutely necessary to pass through there; for by that route you may get from Galilee to Jerusalem in three days.
²⁶⁹ I also wrote to my friends in Samaria to insure that their journey would be safe, for Samaria was already under Roman control, and it was absolutely necessary for those wishing to travel quickly to pass through that region; for in this way, it is possible to arrive in Jerusalem from Galilee in three days.

²⁷⁰ Συμπαρέπεμψα δὲ τοὺς πρέσβεις κἀγὼ μέχρι τῶν τῆς ΓαλιλαίαςGalilee ὅρωνto see φύλακας ἐπιστήσαςto set, place upon ταῖς ὁδοῖς ὑπὲρ τοῦ μὴ ῥᾳδίως τινὰ μαθεῖν ἀπαλλαττομένουςto set free. Καὶ ταῦτα πράξας ἐν ἸάφοιςJaffa τὴν‎ διατριβὴν ἐποιούμην.
²⁷⁰ I also went myself, and conducted the old men as far as the bounds of Galilee, and set guards in the roads, that it might not be easily known by any one that these men were gone. And when I had thus done, I went and abode at Japha.	²⁷⁰ I myself conducted the delegates as far as the borders of Galilee, posting guards on the roads, that it might not be easily known how they had gone. With this done, I settled at Jaffa.
²⁷⁰ And I also escorted the legates (Jonathan and his companions) as far as the borders of Galilee, posting guards along the roads so that no one might easily discover that they were departing. Having done these things, I took up residence in Japha.

Jonathan and His Colleagues Go to Tiberias

²⁷¹ Οἱ δὲ περὶ τὸν ἸωνάθηνJonathan διαμαρτόντες τῆς κατ᾽ ἐμοῦ πράξεως ἸωάννηνJohn ἀπέλυσαν εἰς τὰ ΓίσχαλαGischala, αὐτοὶ δ᾽ εἰς τὴν‎ ΤιβεριέωνTiberias πόλιν πεπόρευντο λήψεσθαι προσδοκῶντες αὐτὴν ὑποχείριον, ἐπειδὴ καὶ ἸησοῦςJesus, Joshua κατὰ τὸν καιρὸν τοῦτον ἐγεγράφει πρὸς αὐτοὺς πείσειν ἐπαγγελλόμενος τὸ πλῆθος ἐλθόντας ὑποδέχεσθαι καὶ αὐτοῖς ἑλέσθαι προστεθῆναι.
²⁷¹ Now Jonathan and his colleagues, having failed of accomplishing what they would have done against me, sent John back to Gischala, but went themselves to the city of Tiberias, expecting it would submit itself to them; and this was founded on a letter which Jesus, their then governor, had written them, promising that, if they came, the multitude would receive them, and choose to be under their government;	²⁷¹ Having failed to accomplish their plan against me, Jonathan's group sent John back to Gischala, but went themselves to Tiberias, expecting it to submit to them, since Joshua, then its governor, had written them a letter, promising that if they came the people would receive them and elect to join them.
²⁷¹ But Jonathan and his companions, having failed in their scheme against me, sent John back to Gischala. And they themselves proceeded to the city of Tiberias, expecting to take it over easily, since Joshua (Jesus) had also written to them at that time, promising to persuade the multitude to welcome them upon arrival and choose to join their side.

²⁷² ἐκεῖνοι μὲν οὖν ἐπὶ τοιαύταις ἐλπίσιν ἀπῆλθον, ἀπαγγέλλει δέ μοι ταῦτα ΣίλαςSilas διὰ γραμμάτων, ὃν ἔφην τῆς ΤιβεριάδοςTiberias ἐπιμελητὴνgovernor, manager καταλελοιπέναιto leave, forsake, καὶ σπεύδειν ἠξίου. Κἀγὼ ταχέως ὑπακούσας αὐτῷ καὶ παραγενόμενος εἰς κίνδυνον ἀπωλείας κατέστην ἐξ αἰτίας τοιαύτης.
²⁷² so they went their ways with this expectation. But Silas, who, as I said, had been left curator of Tiberias by me, informed me of this, and desired me to make haste thither. Accordingly, I complied with his advice immediately and came thither; but found myself in danger of my life, from the following occasion:	²⁷² So they set out with this expectation. But Silas, whom, as I said, I had left in charge of Tiberias, told me of it and asked me to hurry there. I complied immediately with his advice and came there, but found my own life in danger, in this way:
²⁷² So, those men departed with such hopes, but Silas, whom I had mentioned leaving as the governor of Tiberias, reported these things to me by letter and urged me to hurry. And I quickly obeyed him. When I arrived, I was placed in danger of death for the following reason.

²⁷³ Οἱ περὶ τὸν ἸωνάθηνJonathan γενόμενοι παρὰ τοῖς ΤιβεριεῦσινTiberians καὶ πολλοὺς πείσαντες ἀποστῆναί μου διαφόρους ὄντας, ὡς ἤκουσαν τὴν‎ ἐμὴν παρουσίαν, δείσαντες περὶ ἑαυτῶν ἧκον πρὸς ἐμέ, καὶ ἀσπασάμενοι μακαρίζειν ἔλεγον οὕτως περὶ τὴν‎ ΓαλιλαίανGalilee ἀναστραφέντα, συνήδεσθαί τε διὰ τιμῆς ἀγομένῳ·
²⁷³ Jonathan and his colleagues had been at Tiberias, and had persuaded a great many of such as had a quarrel with me to desert me; but when they heard of my coming, they were in fear for themselves, and came to me; and when they had saluted me, they said that I was a happy man in having behaved myself so well in the government of Galilee; and they congratulated me upon the honors that were paid me;	²⁷³ Jonathan's group had been at Tiberias and had persuaded many who had differed with me to desert me; but when they heard of my coming, they were afraid for themselves and came out to me. After greeting me, they said that I was a fortunate man in having behaved so well in the government of Galilee; and they congratulated me for the honours that were paid me.
²⁷³ Jonathan and his companions, having been among the people of Tiberias, had persuaded many who were disaffected to revolt from me. As soon as they heard of my presence, they became afraid for themselves and came to me. They greeted me and claimed to consider me blessed for having conducted myself so well in Galilee, and professed to share in the joy of my being held in honour.

²⁷⁴ κόσμον γὰρ ἑαυτῶν εἶναι τὴν‎ ἐμὴν δόξαν ἔφασανto affirm, say, ὡς ἂν διδασκάλων τέ μου γενομένων καὶ πολιτῶν ὄντων, δικαιοτέραν τε τῆς ἸωάννουJohn τὴν‎ ἐμὴν πρὸς αὐτοὺς φιλίαν ὑπάρχειν ἔλεγον, καὶ σπεύδειν μὲν εἰς τὴν‎ οἰκείαν ἀπελθεῖν, περιμένειν δ᾽ ἕως ὑποχείριον τὸν ἸωάννηνJohn ἐμοὶ ποιήσωσιν.
²⁷⁴ for they said that my glory was a credit to them, since they had been my teachers and fellow citizens; and they said further, that it was but just that they should prefer my friendship to them rather than John’s, and that they would have immediately gone home, but that they staid that they might deliver up John into my power;	²⁷⁴ For they said that my glory was a credit to them, as my teachers and fellow citizens; they also said that it was only just for them to prefer my friendship rather than John's and that they would have immediately gone home, and only stayed in order to hand over John into my power.
²⁷⁴ For they said that my reputation was their own glory, since they had been both my teachers and fellow citizens, and they claimed that my friendship toward them was more justified than John's. They said they were eager to depart for their own homes, but would wait until they had delivered John into my power.

²⁷⁵ Καὶ ταῦτα λέγοντες ἐπώμοσαν τοὺς φρικωδεστάτους ὅρκους παρ᾽ ἡμῖν, δι᾽ οὓς ἀπιστεῖνto disbelieve, distrust οὐ θεμιτὸν ἡγούμην. Καὶ δὴ παρακαλοῦσίνto call to με τὴν‎ κατάλυσιν ἀλλαχοῦ ποιήσασθαι διὰ τὸ τὴν‎ ἐπιοῦσανthe next day ἡμέραν εἶναι σάββατον· ὀχλεῖσθαι δὲ μὴ δεῖν ὑπ᾽ αὐτῶν τὴν‎ πόλιν τῶν ΤιβεριέωνTiberias ἔφασκονto say, affirm.
²⁷⁵ and when they said this, they took their oaths of it, and those such as are most tremendous amongst us, and such as I did not think fit to disbelieve. However, they desired me to lodge some where else, because the next day was the Sabbath; and that it was not fit the city of Tiberias should be disturbed [on that day].	²⁷⁵ As they said this they swore to it with oaths of the most fearful kind among us, such as I did not think fit to doubt. However, they asked me to lodge somewhere else, because the next day was the Sabbath, when it was not right, they said, to inconvenience the city of the Tiberians.
²⁷⁵ And saying these things, they swore the most dreadful oaths among us, by which I believed it was not permissible to disbelieve them. And then they asked me to take up lodging elsewhere, because the following day was the Sabbath; for they asserted that the city of Tiberias ought not to be troubled by them.

The Meeting at the Proseucha

²⁷⁶ Κἀγὼ μηδὲν ὑπομνήματα ἐς τὰς ΤαριχέαςTarichea ἀπῆλθον καταλιπὼν ὅμως ἐν τῇ πόλει τοὺς πολυπραγμονήσοντας, τί περὶ ἡμῶν λέγοιτο. Διὰ πάσης δὲ τῆς ὁδοῦ τῆς ἀπὸ ΤαριχεῶνTarichea εἰς ΤιβεριάδαTiberias φερούσης ἐπέστησα πολλούς, ἵνα μοι δι᾽ ἀλλήλων σημαίνωσιν ἅπερ ἂν παρὰ τῶν ἐν τῇ πόλει καταλειφθέντων πύθωνται.
²⁷⁶ So I suspected nothing, and went away to Taricheae; yet did I withal leave some to make inquiry in the city how matters went, and whether any thing was said about me: I also set many persons all the way that led from Taricheae to Tiberias, that they might communicate, from one to another, if they learned any news from those that were left in the city.	²⁷⁶ Suspecting nothing I went away to Tarichea; yet I also left some behind, to find out what was said in the city about us. I also set several people along the road from Tarichea to Tiberias, to pass along any news they might learn from those who were back in the city.
²⁷⁶ And I, leaving no record (of my plan), departed to Taricheae, yet I left men in the city who would keenly investigate¹ what was being said about me. And along the whole road that leads from Taricheae to Tiberias, I posted many (men) so that they might signal to me, one to another, whatever they should learn from those left behind in the city.

¹The Greek means to act as one of the local people to find out the latest gossip.

²⁷⁷ Κατὰ τὴν‎ ἐπιοῦσανthe next day οὖν ἡμέραν συνάγονται πάντες εἰς τὴν‎ προσευχὴν μέγιστον οἴκημα καὶ πολὺν ὄχλον ἐπιδέξασθαι δυνάμενον. Εἰσελθὼν δὲ ὁ ἸωνάθηςJonathan φανερῶς μὲν περὶ τῆς ἀποστάσεωςa revolt οὐκ ἐτόλμα λέγειν, ἔφη δὲ στρατηγοῦ κρείττονος χρείαν τὴν‎ πόλιν αὐτῶν ἔχειν.
²⁷⁷ On the next day, therefore, they all came into the Proseucha; it was a large edifice, and capable of receiving a great number of people; thither Jonathan went in, and though he durst not openly speak of a revolt, yet did he say that their city stood in need of a better governor than it then had.	²⁷⁷ Next day there was a meeting in the prayer-house, a large building that could hold a large number of people. Jonathan went in and though he dared not openly speak of a revolt, he said that their city needed a better governor than it then had.
²⁷⁷ On the following day, therefore, everyone gathered in the place of prayer, which was a very large building capable of receiving a great crowd. Jonathan entered and did not dare to speak openly about the revolt, but he did say that their city needed a better commander.

²⁷⁸ ἸησοῦςJesus, Joshua δ᾽ ὁ ἄρχων οὐδὲν ὑποστειλάμενος ἀναφανδὸνvisibly, openly εἶπεν· «Ἄμεινόν ἐστιν, ὦ πολῖται, τέσσαρσιν ἡμᾶς ἀνδράσιν ὑπακούειν ἢ ἑνί, καὶ κατὰ γένος λαμπροῖς καὶ κατὰ σύνεσιν οὐκ ἀδόξοις.» Ὑπεδείκνυεto show, indicate δὲ τοὺς περὶ ἸωνάθηνJonathan.
²⁷⁸ But Jesus, who was the ruler, made no scruple to speak out, and said openly, “O fellow citizens! it is better for you to be in subjection to four than to one; and those such as are of high birth, and not without reputation for their wisdom;” and pointed to Jonathan and his colleagues.	²⁷⁸ Joshua their leader had no such scruple and said openly, “Fellow citizens, it is better for you to be ruled by four rather than one; and by those who are of high birth and with a reputation for wisdom,” pointing to Jonathan's group.
²⁷⁸ But Joshua (Jesus), the ruler, without holding anything back, spoke openly: “It is better, O citizens, for us to obey four men than one, and men who are distinguished by birth and not obscure in understanding.” And he was referring to Jonathan and his companions.

²⁷⁹ Ταῦτ᾽ εἰπόντα τὸν ἸησοῦνJesus, Joshua ἐπῄνειto approve, commend παρελθὼν ἸοῦστοςJustus καί τινας ἐκ τοῦ δήμου συνέπειθεν. Οὐκ ἠρέσκετο δὲ τοῖς λεχθεῖσιν τὸ πλῆθος καὶ πάντως ἂν εἰς στάσιν ἐχώρησαν, εἰ μὴ τὴν‎ σύνοδον διέλυσεν ἐπελθοῦσα ἕκτη ‎ὥρα, καθ᾽ ἣν τοῖς σάββασιν ἀριστοποιεῖσθαι νόμιμόν ἐστιν ἡμῖν, καὶ οἱ περὶ τὸν ἸωνάθηνJonathan εἰς τὴν‎ ἐπιοῦσανthe next day ὑπερθέμενοιto set higher, erect τὴν‎ βουλὴν ἀπῄεσαν ἄπρακτοιdisabling.
²⁷⁹ Upon his saying this, Justus came in and commended him for what he had said, and persuaded some of the people to be of his mind also. But the multitude were not pleased with what was said, and had certainly gone into a tumult, unless the sixth hour, which was now come, had dissolved the assembly, at which hour our laws require us to go to dinner on Sabbath days; so Jonathan and his colleagues put off their council till the next day, and went off without success.	²⁷⁹ As he said this, Justus entered and supported him and persuaded some others of the people to share this view too. But the majority were not pleased with what was said and would have certainly gone into an uproar, except that the arrival of the sixth hour dissolved the meeting, at which hour our laws require us to go to dinner on Sabbath days. So Jonathan's group put off their council until the next day and went off without success.
²⁷⁹ After Joshua (Jesus) had said these things, Justus stepped forward and praised him, and he persuaded some members of the populace to agree. But the multitude was not pleased by what had been said. And they certainly would have resorted to civil strife, had not the sixth hour (noon) arrived and dissolved the assembly—at which time it is customary for us to have dinner on the Sabbath—and Jonathan and his companions, postponing their plan until the following day, went away unsuccessful.

²⁸⁰ Εὐθὺς δέ μοι τούτων ἀπαγγελθέντων πρωῒ διέγνων εἰς τὴν‎ ΤιβεριέωνTiberias πόλιν ἀφικέσθαι, καὶ τῇ ἐπιούσῃ περὶ τὴν‎ ὥραν ἧκον ἀπὸ τῶν ΤαριχεῶνTarichea, καταλαμβάνω δὲ συναγόμενον ἤδη τὸ πλῆθος εἰς τὴν‎ προσευχήν· ἐφ᾽ ὅ τι δ᾽ ἦν αὐτοῖς ἡ σύνοδος οὐκ ἐγίνωσκον οἱ συλλεγόμενοι.
²⁸⁰ When I was informed of these affairs, I determined to go to the city of Tiberias in the morning. Accordingly, on the next day, about the first hour of the day, I came from Taricheae, and found the multitude already assembled in the Proseucha; but on what account they were gotten together, those that were assembled did not know.	²⁸⁰ When told of these matters, I decided to go in the morning to Tiberias. Next day, about the first hour of daylight, I came from Tarichea and found the people already gathered in the prayer-house; but those who were there did not know why they had convened.
²⁸⁰ As soon as these things were reported to me early in the morning, I decided to go to the city of Tiberias, and on the next day, about the first hour (6:00 am), I arrived from Taricheae. I found that the crowd was already gathering for the place of prayer; but those who were assembling did not know the purpose of their meeting.

²⁸¹ Οἱ δὲ περὶ τὸν ἸωνάθηνJonathan ἀπροσδοκήτως θεασάμενοί με παρόντα διεταράχθησαν. Εἶτ᾽ ἐπινοοῦσιν διαδοῦναι λόγον, ὅτι ῬωμαίωνRoman, Latin ἱππεῖς ἐν τῇ μεθορίῳ πόρρω τριάκοντα σταδίων ἀπὸ τῆς πόλεως κατὰ τόπον λεγόμενον Ὁμόνοιαν εἰσὶν ἑωραμένοι.
²⁸¹ But when Jonathan and his colleagues saw me there unexpectedly, they were in disorder; after which they raised a report of their own contrivance, that Roman horsemen were seen at a place called Union, in the borders of Galilee, thirty furlongs distant from the city.	²⁸¹ When Jonathan's group saw me there unexpectedly, they were shaken, and invented a rumour that Roman horsemen had been seen at the border, at a place called Union, thirty furlongs from the city.
²⁸¹ But Jonathan and his companions, seeing me present unexpectedly, were thoroughly distraught. Then they devised a plan to spread a rumor that Roman cavalry had been seen on the frontier, about thirty stadia (5 km) distant from the city, at a place called Homonoia.¹

Homonoia (Ὁμόνοιαν) means "harmony" or "concord."

²⁸² Καὶ προσαγγελθέντων τούτων ἐξ ὑποβολῆς παρεκάλουν οἱ περὶ τὸν ἸωνάθηνJonathan μὴ περιιδεῖν ὑπὸ τῶν πολεμίων λεηλατουμένην αὐτῶν τὴν‎ γῆν. Ταῦτα δ᾽ ἔλεγον δι᾽ ἐννοίας ἔχοντες ἐμὲ προφάσει τῆς κατεπειγούσης βοηθείας μεταστήσαντες αὐτοὶ τὴν‎ πόλιν ἐχθράν μοι κατασκευάσαι.
²⁸² Upon which report Jonathan and his colleagues cunningly exhorted me not to neglect this matter, nor to suffer the land to be spoiled by the enemy. And this they said with a design to remove me out of the city, under the pretense of the want of extraordinary assistance, while they might dispose the city to be my enemy.	²⁸² When this fictitious report arrived, Jonathan's people urged me not to look about me while the land was plundered by the enemy. Their aim was to get me out of the way, under pretext that my help was needed, and in my absence make the city hostile to me.
²⁸² And when this undermining news was announced, Jonathan and his companions appealed to them not to allow their land to be ravaged by the enemy. They said these things, having in mind that, by getting me to leave on the pretext of urgent assistance, they themselves could make the city hostile to me.

Josephus Forces His Enemies to Take the Field with Him

²⁸³ Ἐγὼ δὲ καίπερ εἰδὼς αὐτῶν τὸ ἐνθύμημα ὅμως ὑπήκουσα, μὴ δόξαν παράσχω τοῖς ΤιβεριεῦσινTiberians οὐ προνοούμενος αὐτῶν τῆς ἀσφαλείας. Ἐξῆλθον οὖν, καὶ γενόμενος κατὰ τὸν τόπον, ὡς οὐδ᾽ ἴχνος πολεμίων εὗρον,
²⁸³ As for myself, although I knew of their design, yet did I comply with what they proposed, lest the people of Tiberias should have occasion to suppose that I was not careful of their security. I therefore went out; but when I was at the place, I found not the least footsteps of any enemy;	²⁸³ Although aware of their plan, I complied with their proposal, for fear the Tiberians should think me heedless of their security. Out I went, but when I reached the place I found not the least trace of any enemy,
²⁸³ But I, although I knew their intention, nevertheless obeyed, lest I give the people of Tiberias the impression that I was not providing for their safety. So I went out, and when I arrived at the place, and since I found not even a trace of the enemy,

²⁸⁴ ὑποστρέφωto turn back, return συντόνως ὁδεύσας, καὶ καταλαμβάνω τήν τε βουλὴν πᾶσαν συνεληλυθυῖαν καὶ τὸν δημοτικὸν ὄχλον ποιουμένους τε πολλὴν κατηγορίαν μου τοὺς περὶ τὸν ἸωνάθηνJonathan, ὡς τοῦ μὲν τὸν πόλεμον ἐπελαφρύνειν αὐτοῖς ἀμελοῦντος, ἐν τρυφαῖς δὲ διάγοντος.
²⁸⁴ so I returned as fast as ever I could, and found the whole council assembled, and the body of the people gotten together, and Jonathan and his colleagues bringing vehement accusations against me, as one who had no concern to ease them of the burdens of war, and as one that lived luxuriously.	²⁸⁴ so back I came as fast as I could and found the whole council and the body of the people asembled, and Jonathan's group bringing hot accusations against me, that I had no concern to spare them the burdens of war and that I lived luxuriously.
²⁸⁴ I turned back and travelled rapidly. I caught the entire council assembled and the general populace present, while Jonathan and his companions were bringing many accusations against me, alleging that I was neglecting to make the war easier for them, and was living in luxury.

²⁸⁵ Ταῦτα δὲ λέγοντες προύφερον ἐπιστολὰς τέσσαρας ὡς ἀπὸ τῶν ἐν τῇ μεθορίᾳ τῆς ΓαλιλαίαςGalilee γεγραμμένας πρὸς αὐτοὺς ἐπὶ βοήθειαν ἥκειν παρακαλούντων, ῬωμαίωνRoman, Latin γὰρ δύναμιν μέλλειν ἱππέων τε καὶ πεζῶν εἰς τρίτην ἡμέραν τὴν‎ χώραν αὐτῶν λεηλατεῖν, ἐπισπεύδειν τε καὶ μὴ περιοφθῆναι δεομένων.
²⁸⁵ And as they were discoursing thus, they produced four letters as written to them, from some people that lived at the borders of Galilee, imploring that they would come to their assistance, for that there was an army of Romans, both horsemen and footmen, who would come and lay waste the country on the third day; they desired them also to make haste, and not to overlook them.—	²⁸⁵ As they said this, they produced four letters, as written to them from some people who lived at the borders of Galilee, imploring their help, because an army of Romans, both horsemen and infantry, was about to lay waste the country in three days time; they asked them also to hurry and not to ignore them.
²⁸⁵ And while saying these things, they produced four letters, allegedly written to them by those on the frontier of Galilee, appealing to them to come to their aid, for a Roman force of cavalry and infantry was about to ravage their land on the third day, and they were pleading with them to hurry and not be neglected.

²⁸⁶ Ταῦτ᾽ ἀκούσαντες οἱ ΤιβεριεῖςTiberias λέγειν ἀληθῆ δόξαντες αὐτοὺς καταβοήσεις ἐποιοῦντο, μὴ καθέζεσθαί με δεῖν λέγοντες, ἀλλ᾽ ἀπελθεῖν ἐπικουρήσοντα τοῖς ὁμοεθνέσινsame people αὐτῶν.
²⁸⁶ When the people of Tiberias heard this, they thought they spake truth, and made a clamor against me and said I ought not to sit still, but to go away to the assistance of their countrymen.	²⁸⁶ When the Tiberians heard this, they thought they spoke truth and complained against me and said I ought not to sit idly by, but to go off to the help of their countrymen.
²⁸⁶ When people of Tiberias heard these things, they believed they spoke the truth, and began to shout complaints, saying that I ought not to remain seated, but should go away to bring assistance to their fellow countrymen.

²⁸⁷ Πρὸς ταῦτ᾽ ἐγώ, συνῆκα γὰρ τὴν‎ ἐπίνοιαν τῶν περὶ τὸν ἸωνάθηνJonathan, ὑπακούσεσθαι μὲν ἔφην ἑτοίμως καὶ χωρὶς ἀναβολῆς ὁρμήσειν πρὸς τὸν πόλεμον ἐπηγγειλάμην, συνεβούλευον δ᾽ ὅμως, ἐπεὶ τὰ γράμματα κατὰ τέσσαρας τόπους ῬωμαίουςRomans σημαίνει προσβαλεῖν, εἰς πέντε μοίρας διελόντας τὴν‎ δύναμιν ἑκάστῃ τούτων ἐπιστῆσαι τοὺς περὶ τὸν ἸωνάθηνJonathan καὶ τοὺς ἑταίρους αὐτοῦ‎·
²⁸⁷ Hereupon I said (for I understood the meaning of Jonathan and his colleagues) that I was ready to comply with what they proposed, and without delay to march to the war which they spake of, yet did I advise them, at the same time, that since these letters declared that the Romans would make their assault in four several places, they should part their forces into five bodies, and make Jonathan and his colleagues generals of each body of them,	²⁸⁷ At this, knowing the intentions of Jonathan's group, I said I was ready to agree with what they proposed and to march without delay to the war they spoke about, yet I also advised them that since these letters claimed that the Romans would make their attack in four separate places, they should divide their forces into five troops and make Jonathan's group generals of each troop of them,
²⁸⁷ To this I replied—for I understood the design of Jonathan and his companions—that I would readily obey and promised that I would hurry to the war without delay; but I nevertheless advised that, since the letters indicated the Romans would attack in four places, they should divide the force into five parts and appoint Jonathan and his companions over each of these (divisions).

²⁸⁸ πρέπειν γὰρ ἀνδράσιν ἀγαθοῖς μὴ μόνον συμβουλεύειν, ἀλλὰ χρείας ἐπειγούσης ἡγουμένους βοηθεῖν· ἐγὼ γὰρ πλὴν μιᾶς μοίρας οὐκ ἔφην ἀφηγεῖσθαι δυνατὸς εἶναι.
²⁸⁸ because it was fit for brave men not only to give counsel, but to take the place of leaders, and assist their countrymen when such a necessity pressed them; for, said I, it is not possible for me to lead more than one party.	²⁸⁸ for it was the task of brave men not only to give advice but also to act as leaders and help their countrymen when such a need arose, for, said I , "it is impossible for me to lead more than one troop."
²⁸⁸ For I said that it was proper for good men not only to give advice, but also, when a pressing need arises, to lead and give aid; for I declared that I was not able to command more than one division.

²⁸⁹ Σφόδρα τῷ πλήθει συνήρεσεν ἡ ἐμὴ συμβουλία· κἀκείνους οὖν ἠνάγκαζον ἐπὶ τὸν πόλεμον ἐξιέναι. Τοῖς δ᾽ οὔτι μετρίως συνεχύθησαν αἱ γνῶμαι μὴ κατεργασαμένοις ἃ διενοήθησαν ἐμοῦ τοῖς ἐπιχειρήμασιν αὐτῶν ἀντιστρατηγήσαντος.
²⁸⁹ This advice of mine greatly pleased the multitude; so they compelled them to go forth to the war. But their designs were put into very much disorder, because they had not done what they had designed to do, on account of my stratagem, which was opposite to their undertakings.	²⁸⁹ My advice was favoured by the majority; so they compelled them to go out to the war. When their plans failed due to my counter-ruse, they were embarrassed beyond measure.
²⁸⁹ My advice was extremely pleasing to the multitude, and so they compelled those men (Jonathan and his companions) to go out to the war. Their minds, however, were not just a little confounded, as they had failed to accomplish what they intended, since I had countered their schemes with a stratagem.

The Confrontation in the Proseucha

²⁹⁰ Εἷς δέ τις ἐξ αὐτῶν ἈνανίαςAnanias τοὔνομα, πονηρὸς ἀνὴρ καὶ κακοῦργος, εἰσηγεῖτο τοῖς πλήθεσι πανδημεὶ νηστείαν εἰς τὴν‎ ἐπιοῦσανthe next day τῷ θεῷ προθέσθαι καὶ κατὰ τὴν‎ αὐτὴν ὥραν ἐκέλευεν εἰς τὸν αὐτὸν τόπον ἀνόπλους παρεῖναι τῷ θεῷ φανερὸν ποιήσοντας, ὅτι μὴ τῆς παρ᾽ ἐκείνου τυγχάνοντες βοηθείας πᾶν ὅπλονtool, shield ἄχρηστον εἶναι νομίζουσιν.
²⁹⁰ Now there was one whose name was Ananias (a wicked man he was, and very mischievous); he proposed that a general religious fast should be appointed the next day for all the people, and gave order that at the same hour they should come to the same place, without any weapons, to make it manifest before God, that while they obtained His assistance, they thought all these weapons useless.	²⁹⁰ One of them called Ananias, a wicked and very mischievous man, proposed a public fast for the next day for all the people in God's name, calling for them to assemble at the same hour and the same place, without weapons, to display before God that they considered all these weapons useless as long as they had his help.
²⁹⁰ But one of them, Ananias by name, a wicked and malicious man, proposed to the multitude that they should appoint a universal fast to God for the following day, and he commanded them to come unarmed to the same place at the same time, intending to make it clear to God that, unless they obtained help from Him, they considered all weapons useless.

²⁹¹ Ταῦτα δ᾽ ἔλεγεν οὐ δι᾽ εὐσέβειαν, ἀλλ᾽ ὑπὲρ τοῦ λαβεῖν ἄνοπλόν με καὶ τοὺς ἐμούς. Κἀγὼ δι᾽ ἀνάγκην ὑπήκουον, μὴ δόξω καταφρονεῖν τῆς περὶ τὴν‎ εὐσέβειαν ὑποθήκης.
²⁹¹ This he said, not out of piety, but that they might catch me and my friends unarmed. Now, I was hereupon forced to comply, lest I should appear to despise a proposal that tended to piety.	²⁹¹ This he said, not from piety, but in order to catch me and my friends unarmed. I had to agree, for fear of seeming to despise a devout proposal.
²⁹¹ But he said these things not out of piety, but in order that he might capture me and my men unarmed. And I, out of necessity, complied, lest I appear to despise a command concerning piety.

²⁹² ὡς οὖν ἀνεχωρήσαμεν ἐπὶ τὰ ἑαυτῶν, οἱ μὲν περὶ τὸν ἸωνάθηνJonathan γράφουσι τῷ ἸωάννῃJohn πρὸς αὐτοὺς ἕωθεν ἀφικέσθαι κελεύοντες μεθ᾽ ὅσων ἂν στρατιωτῶν δυνηθῇ· λήψεσθαι γὰρ εὖ ἐμὲ ὑποχείριον καὶ ποιήσειν ὅπερ ἔχει δι᾽ εὐχῆς. Δεξάμενος δὲ τὴν‎ ἐπιστολὴν ἐκεῖνος ὑπακούειν ἔμελλεν.
²⁹² As soon, therefore, as we were gone home, Jonathan and his colleagues wrote to John to come to them in the morning, and desiring him to come with as many soldiers as he possibly could, for that they should then be able easily to get me into their hands, and to do all they desired to do.—When John had received this letter, he resolved to comply with it.	²⁹² As soon as we had gone home, Jonathan's group wrote to John to come to them in the morning and to bring as many soldiers as he possibly could, for then they could easily get me into their hands and do what they wanted to do. When John received this letter, he decided to agree.
²⁹² When, therefore, we withdrew to our own people, the men around Jonathan wrote to John, instructing him to come to them at dawn with as many soldiers as he could; for they would easily take me prisoner and do what they wanted to do. And he, having received the letter, was about to obey.

²⁹³ Ἐγὼ δὲ τῆς ἐπιούσηςthe next day ἡμέρας δύο τῶν περὶ ἐμὲ σωματοφυλάκωνbodyguard τοὺς κατ᾽ ἀνδρείαν δοκιμωτάτους καὶ κατὰ πίστιν βεβαίους κελεύω ξιφίδια κρύψαντας ὑπὸ τὰς ἐσθῆτας ἐμοὶ συμπροελθεῖν, ἵν᾽ εἰ γένοιτο παρὰ τῶν ἐχθρῶν ἐπίθεσιςan attack, deception ἀμυνώμεθα. Θώρακα δ᾽ ἔλαβον αὐτὸς καὶ μάχαιραν ὑπεζωσάμην ὡς οἷόν τ᾽ ἦν ἀφανέστατα καὶ ἦλθον εἰς τὴν‎ προσευχήν.
²⁹³ As for myself, on the next day, I ordered two of the guards of my body, whom I esteemed the most courageous and most faithful, to hide daggers under their garments, and to go along with me, that we might defend ourselves, if any attack should be made upon us by our enemies. I also myself took my breastplate, and girded on my sword, so that it might be, as far as it was possible, concealed, and came into the Proseucha.	²⁹³ The next day I told two of my bodyguards whom I deemed the bravest and most faithful, to accompany me with daggers hidden under their dress, for self defence if any attack were made by our enemies. I myself took my breastplate and wearing my sword as inconspicuously as possible, came into the prayer-house.
²⁹³ But I, on the following day, ordered two of my bodyguards, those who were the most proven in courage and steadfast in loyalty, to hide daggers under their garments and come out with me, so that if there were an attack by the enemies, we might defend ourselves. But I myself took a breastplate and girded on a sword as inconspicuously as possible, and I went to the place of prayer.

²⁹⁴ Τοὺς μὲν οὖν σὺν ἐμοὶ πάντας ἐκκλεῖσαι προσέταξεν ἸησοῦςJesus, Joshua ὁ ἄρχων, αὐτὸς γὰρ ταῖς θύραις ἐφειστήκει, μόνον δ᾽ ἐμὲ μετὰ τῶν φίλων εἰσελθεῖν εἴασεν.
²⁹⁴ Now Jesus, who was the ruler, commanded that they should exclude all that came with me, for he kept the door himself, and suffered none but his friends to go in.	²⁹⁴ Joshua, who was in charge, told them to exclude all who came with me, for he guarded the door himself and let none in except his friends.
²⁹⁴ Then Joshua (Jesus), the ruler, ordered all those with me to be excluded—for he himself was standing by the doors—but allowed only me to enter with my friends.

²⁹⁵ Ἤδη δ᾽ ἡμῶν τὰ νόμιμα ποιούντων καὶ πρὸς εὐχὰς τραπομένων ἀναστὰς ἸησοῦςJesus, Joshua περὶ τῶν ληφθέντων ἐκ τοῦ ἐμπρησμοῦa fire, conflagration τῆς βασιλικῆς αὐλῆς σκευῶν τοῦ ἀσήμου ἀργυρίου ἐπυνθάνετόto ask, inquire μου, παρὰ τίνι τυγχάνει κείμενα. Ταῦτα δ᾽ ἔλεγεν διατρίβειν τὸν χρόνον βουλόμενος, ἕως ἂν ὁ ἸωάννηςJohn παραγένηται.
²⁹⁵ And while we were engaged in the duties of the day, and had betaken ourselves to our prayers, Jesus got up, and inquired of me what was become of the vessels that were taken out of the king’s palace when it was burnt down, [and] of that uncoined silver: and in whose possession they now were? This he said, in order to drive away time till John should come.	²⁹⁵ While we were engaged in the duties of the day and had attended to our prayers, Joshua got up and asked me what became of the vessels and uncoined silver taken from the king's palace when it was burned down, and who held them now. He said this just to pass the time until John's arrival.
²⁹⁵ Now, while we were performing the customary rites and had turned to prayer, Joshua (Jesus) stood up and began to question me about the undecorated silver vessels taken from the burning of the royal court, asking with whom they happened to be kept. He was saying these things, intending to waste time until John arrived.

²⁹⁶ Κἀγὼ πάντα ΚαπέλλανCapella ἔχειν εἶπον καὶ τοὺς δέκα πρώτους ΤιβεριέωνTiberias· «Ἀνάκριναι δ᾽ αὐτός,» ἔφην, «οὐ ψεύδομαι.» Τῶν δὲ παρ᾽ ἑαυτοῖς εἶναι λεγόντων «Οἱ δ᾽ εἴκοσιν,» εἶπεν, «χρυσοῖ, οὓς ἔλαβες πωλήσας τινὰ σταθμὸν ἀσήμου, τί γεγόνασιν;»
²⁹⁶ I said that Capellus, and the ten principal men of Tiberias, had them all; and I told him that they might ask them whether I told a lie or not. And when they said they had them, he asked me, “What is become of those twenty pieces of gold which thou didst receive upon the sale of a certain weight of uncoined money?”	²⁹⁶ I said that Capella and the ten leading Tiberians had them and could say if I was lying or not. When they affirmed they had them, he asked me, “What became of those twenty pieces of gold you got at the sale of some uncoined money?”
²⁹⁶ And I said that Capella and the ten chief men of the Tiberians had everything. “Examine them yourself,” I said, “I am not lying.” When they said that those items were with them, he replied, “What has happened to the twenty gold pieces you received when you sold a weight of uncoined silver?”

²⁹⁷ καὶ τούτους ἔφην δεδωκέναι πρέσβεσιν αὐτῶν ἐφόδιον πεμφθεῖσιν εἰς ἹεροσόλυμαJerusalem. Πρὸς ταῦτα οἱ μὲν περὶ τὸν ἸωνάθηνJonathan οὐ καλῶς ἔφασανto affirm, say πεποιηκέναι με δόντα τοῖς πρέσβεσιν τὸν μισθὸν ἐκ τοῦ κοινοῦ.
²⁹⁷ I replied, that I had given them to those ambassadors of theirs, as a maintenance for them, when they were sent by them to Jerusalem. So Jonathan and his colleagues said that I had not done well to pay the ambassadors out of the public money.	²⁹⁷ I replied that I had given them to their own envoys as a travel allowance, when they were sent by them to Jerusalem but Jonathan's group said it was wrong to pay the envoys out of public money.
²⁹⁷ And I said that I had given these [gold pieces] as a traveling allowance to their own envoys who had been sent to Jerusalem. To this, the men around Jonathan declared that I had not done well in giving the wages from the public treasury to the envoys.

²⁹⁸ Παροξυνθέντος δὲ τοῦ πλήθους ἐπὶ τούτοις, ἐνόησαν γὰρ τῶν ἀνθρώπων τὴν‎ πονηρίαν, συνεὶς ἐγὼ στάσιν μέλλουσαν ἐξάπτεσθαιto fasten from καὶ προσεξερεθίσαι μᾶλλον βουλόμενος τὸν δῆμον ἐπὶ τοὺς ἀνθρώπους, «Ἀλλ᾽But εἴ γε μὴ ὀρθῶς, εἶπον, ἔπραξαto pass through, pass over δοὺς τὸν μισθὸν ἐκ τοῦ κοινοῦ τοῖς πρέσβεσιν ὑμῶν, παύεσθε χαλεπαίνοντες· ἐγὼ γὰρ τοὺς εἴκοσι χρυσοῦς αὐτὸς ἀποτίσω.»
²⁹⁸ And when the multitude were very angry at them for this, for they perceived the wickedness of the men, I understood that a tumult was going to arise; and being desirous to provoke the people to a greater rage against the men, I said, “But if I have not done well in paying our ambassadors out of the public stock, leave off your anger at me, for I will repay the twenty pieces of gold myself.”	²⁹⁸ As the people were exasperated with them, aware of their malice, I saw that a riot was at hand, and wanting to provoke the people to greater rage against the men, I said, “But if I have done wrong in paying our envoys out of the public stock, stop being angry with me, for I will repay the twenty pieces of gold myself.”
²⁹⁸ When the crowd was exasperated by these things—for they understood the wickedness of the men—and I, perceiving that a revolt was about to break out and wishing to further incite the people against these men, said: “Well, if I did not act rightly in giving the payment to your envoys from the public treasury, cease your indignation; for I myself will pay back the twenty gold pieces.”

Chapter 10 He defeats his opponents and grants them amnesty
299-372

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²⁹⁹ Ταῦτ᾽ εἰπόντος, οἱ μὲν περὶ τὸν ἸωνάθηνJonathan ἡσύχασαν, ὁ δὲ δῆμος ἔτι μᾶλλον κατ᾽ αὐτῶν παρωξύνθη φανερὰν ἐπιδεικνυμένων τὴν‎ ἄδικον πρὸς ἐμὲ δυσμένειαν.
²⁹⁹ When I had said this, Jonathan and his colleagues held their peace; but the people were still more irritated against them, upon their openly showing their unjust ill will to me.	²⁹⁹ When I had said this, Jonathan's group held their peace; but the people were still more stirred up against them, as they had openly shown their unjust ill-will to me.
²⁹⁹ When I said these things, the men around Jonathan fell silent, but the populace was even more incited against them, as they clearly demonstrated their unjust hostility toward me.

³⁰⁰ Συνιδὼν δὲ τὴν‎ μεταβολὴν αὐτῶν ἸησοῦςJesus, Joshua τὸν μὲν δῆμον ἐκέλευεν ἀναχωρεῖν, προσμεῖναι δὲ τὴν‎ βουλὴν ἠξίωσεν· οὐ γὰρ δύνασθαι θορυβουμένους περὶ πραγμάτων τοιούτων τὴν‎ ἐξέτασινa close exam ποιεῖσθαι.
³⁰⁰ When Jesus saw this change in the people, he ordered them to depart, but desired the senate to stay, for that they could not examine things of such a nature in a tumult;	³⁰⁰ Seeing this change in the people, Joshua made them leave but asked the council to stay, since they could not examine things of this nature in such a rowdy scene.
³⁰⁰ But Joshua (Jesus), perceiving their change of attitude, ordered the common people to withdraw, but requested the council to remain; for he said that it was not possible for them to carry out the investigation of such matters while they were in an uproar.

³⁰¹ Τοῦ δὲ δήμου βοῶντος μὴ ἐγκαταλείψειν παρ᾽ αὐτοῖς ἐμὲ μόνον, ἧκέν τις ἀγγέλλων κρύφα τοῖς περὶ τὸν ἸησοῦνJesus, Joshua ἸωάννηνJohn μετὰ τῶν ὁπλιτῶν πλησιάζειν. Καὶ οἱ περὶ τὸν ἸωνάθηνJonathan οὐκέτι κατασχόντες αὑτούς, τάχα καὶ τοῦ θεοῦ προνοοῦντος τῆς ἐμῆς σωτηρίας, μὴ γὰρ ἂν γενομένου τούτου πάντως ὑπὸ τοῦ ἸωάννουJohn διεφθάρην,
³⁰¹ and as the people were crying out that they would not leave me alone, there came one and told Jesus and his friends privately, that John and his armed men were at hand: whereupon Jonathan and his colleagues, being able to contain themselves no longer (and perhaps the providence of God hereby procuring my deliverance, for, had not this been so, I had certainly been destroyed by John), said,	³⁰¹ As the people called out that they would not leave me alone, a messenger came and secretly told Joshua and his friends that John and his soldiers were at hand, so Jonathan's group, no longer restraining themselves, (and perhaps the providence of God saved me through this, for had it not happened I would certainly have been killed by John,) said,
³⁰¹ While the people were shouting that they would not abandon me alone among them, someone arrived secretly announcing to the men with Joshua (Jesus) that John was approaching with the heavy-armed soldiers. And the men with Jonathan, no longer restraining themselves (perhaps also because God was providing for my safety—for if this had not happened, I would certainly have been destroyed by John), said,

³⁰² «Παύσασθε, ἔφη, ὦ ΤιβεριεῖςTiberias, τὴν‎ ζήτησιν εἴκοσι χρυσῶν ἕνεκεν· διὰ τούτους μὲν γὰρ οὐκ ἄξιός ἐστιν ἸώσηποςJoseph, Josephus ἀποθανεῖν, ὅτι δὲ τυραννεῖν ἐπεθύμησεν καὶ τὰ τῶν ΓαλιλαίωνGalilee πλήθη λόγοις ἀπατήσας τὴν‎ ἀρχὴν αὑτῷ κατεκτήσατο.» Ταῦτα λέγοντος εὐθύς μοι τὰς χεῖρας ἐπέβαλον ἀναιρεῖν τ᾽ ἐπειρῶντο.
³⁰² “O you people of Tiberias! leave off this inquiry about the twenty pieces of gold; for Josephus hath not deserved to die for them; but he hath deserved it by his desire of tyrannizing, and by cheating the multitude of the Galileans with his speeches, in order to gain the dominion over them.” When he had said this, they presently laid hands upon me and endeavored to kill me,	³⁰² “People of Tiberias, be done with this inquiry about the twenty pieces of gold. It is not for them that Josephus has deserved to die; but for wanting to be a tyrant and deceiving the Galilean people with his speeches, to gain power over them.” As he was saying this, they laid hands upon me to kill me.
³⁰² “Stop this pursuit, men of Tiberias, for the sake of twenty gold pieces; for Josephus is not worthy to die because of these, but because he desired to become a tyrant and acquired the leadership for himself by deceiving the multitude of the Galileans with words.” As he was saying this, they immediately laid hands on me and attempted to kill me.

³⁰³ ὡς δ᾽ εἶδον οἱ σὺν ἐμοὶ τὸ γιγνόμενον, σπασάμενοι τὰς μαχαίρας καὶ παίειν ἀπειλήσαντες, εἰ βιάζοιντο, τοῦ τε δήμου λίθους ἀραμένουto take up, raise καὶ βάλλειν ἐπὶ τὸν ἸωνάθηνJonathan ὁρμήσαντοςto set in motion, impel ἐξαρπάζουσί με τῆς τῶν πολεμίων βίας.
³⁰³ but as soon as those that were with me saw what they did, they drew their swords, and threatened to smite them, if they offered any violence to me. The people also took up stones, and were about to throw them at Jonathan; and so they snatched me from the violence of my enemies.	³⁰³ But as soon as my supporters saw what they were doing, they drew their swords, threatening to strike if any violence was done to me. The people also took up stones to throw at Jonathan; and so they hurried me away from the violence of my enemies.
³⁰³ When those with me saw what was happening, they drew their swords and threatened to strike if they were met with force; and when the populace took up stones and rushed to cast them at Jonathan, they snatched me away from the violence of the enemies.

Josephus Escapes by Ship

³⁰⁴ Ἐπεὶ δὲ προελθὼν ὀλίγον ὑπαντιάζειν ἔμελλον τῷ ἸωάννῃJohn προσιόντι μετὰ τῶν ὁπλιτῶν, δείσας ἐκεῖνον μὲν ἐξέκλινα, διὰ στενωποῦ δέ τινος ἐπὶ τὴν‎ λίμνην σωθεὶς καὶ πλοίου λαβόμενος, ἐμβὰς εἰς τὰς ΤαριχέαςTarichea διεπεραιώθην ἀπροσδοκήτως τὸν κίνδυνον διαφυγών.
³⁰⁴ But as I was gone out a little way, I was just upon meeting John, who was marching with his armed men. So I was afraid of him, and turned aside, and escaped by a narrow passage to the lake, and seized on a ship, and embarked in it, and sailed over to Taricheae. So, beyond my expectation, I escaped this danger.	³⁰⁴ But on my way out, I almost bumped into John, who was coming in with his soldiers. I turned aside from him in alarm and escaping through a narrow passage to the lake I seized a boat, embarked in it and sailed over to Tarichea. So, beyond all expectations, I escaped this danger.
³⁰⁴ But when I advanced a short distance and was about to meet John, who was approaching with his armed men, I was afraid, and I avoided him. Being brought safely through a certain narrow street to the lake and securing a boat, I embarked and crossed over to Tarichaea, having unexpectedly escaped the danger.

³⁰⁵ Μεταπέμπομαί τ᾽ εὐθὺς τοὺς πρωτεύοντας τῶν ΓαλιλαίωνGalilee καὶ φράζω τὸν τρόπον, ᾧ παρασπονδηθεὶς ὑπὸ τῶν περὶ τὸν ἸωνάθηνJonathan καὶ τοὺς ΤιβεριεῖςTiberias παρ᾽ ὀλίγον παρ᾽ αὐτῶν διαφθαρείην.
³⁰⁵ Whereupon I presently sent for the chief of the Galileans, and told them after what manner, against all faith given, I had been very near to destruction from Jonathan and his colleagues, and the people of Tiberias.	³⁰⁵ Immediately I sent for the chief Galileans and told them how, despite all the promises given by Jonathan's friends and the Tiberians, I had very nearly been killed by them.
³⁰⁵ And immediately I sent for the chief men of the Galileans and explained the manner in which I had nearly been destroyed by the men around Jonathan and the Tiberians, after having been treacherously dealt with by them.

³⁰⁶ Ὀργισθὲν δ᾽ ἐπὶ τούτοις τῶν ΓαλιλαίωνGalilee τὸ πλῆθος παρεκελεύετό μοι μηκέτι μέλλειν τὸν πρὸς αὐτοὺς πόλεμον ἐκφέρειν, ἀλλ᾽ ἐπιτρέπειν αὐτοῖς ἐλθοῦσιν ἐπὶ τὸν ἸωάννηνJohn ἄρδην αὐτὸν ἀφανίσαι καὶ τοὺς περὶ τὸν ἸωνάθηνJonathan.
³⁰⁶ Upon which the multitude of the Galileans were very angry, and encouraged me to delay no longer to make war upon them, but to permit them to go against John, and utterly to destroy him, as well as Jonathan and his colleagues.	³⁰⁶ At this the ordinary Galileans were furious and urged me to delay no longer in making war, but to let them proceed against John and the friends of Jonathan, and wipe them out.
³⁰⁶ The populace of the Galileans, being angered by these things, urged me no longer to delay in bringing war against them, but to allow them to go against John and utterly destroy him and the men around Jonathan.

³⁰⁷ Ἐπεῖχον δ᾽ ὅμως αὐτοὺς ἐγὼ καίπερ οὕτως ὀργιζομένουςto make angry, περιμένειν αὐτοὺς κελεύων ἕως μάθωμεν, τί οἱ πεμφθέντες ὑπ᾽ αὐτῶν εἰς τὴν‎ ἹεροσολυμιτῶνJerusalem πόλιν ἀπαγγελοῦσιν· μετὰ τῆς ἐκείνων γὰρ γνώμης τὰ δοκοῦντα πράξειν αὐτοὺς ἔφην.
³⁰⁷ However, I restrained them, though they were in such a rage, and desired them to tarry a while, till we should be informed what orders those ambassadors that were sent by them to the city of Jerusalem should bring thence; for I told them that it was best to act according to their determination;	³⁰⁷ I still restrained them, furious as they were, and asked them to delay a while, until we should hear the report of the envoys they had sent to Jerusalem, since only with their advice would we know what was best to do.
³⁰⁷ Nevertheless, I restrained them, even though they were so angered, instructing them to wait until we learned what the men they had sent to the city of Jerusalem would report; for I said that they would carry out what seemed best with the consent of those men.

³⁰⁸ Καὶ ταῦτ᾽ εἰπὼν ἔπεισαto persuade. Τότε δὴ καὶ ἸωάννηςJohn οὐ λαβούσης αὐτοῦ‎ τέλος τῆς ἐνέδρας ἀνεζεύγνυεν εἰς τὰ ΓίσχαλαGischala.
³⁰⁸ whereupon they were prevailed on. At which time also, John, when the snares he had laid did not take effect, returned back to Gischala.	³⁰⁸ My words convinced them. At this time also, when the snares he had laid proved a failure, John went back to Gischala.
³⁰⁸ When I had said these things, I convinced them. At that point, since his ambush had not achieved its goal, John also retreated to Gischala.

The Appointment of Josephus Is Confirmed

³⁰⁹ Μετ᾽ οὐ πολλὰς δ᾽ ἡμέρας ἀφικνοῦνταιto arrive at, reach πάλιν οὓς ἐπέμψαμεν καὶ ἀπήγγελλον σφόδρα τὸν δῆμον ἐπὶ τοὺς περὶ τὸν ἌνανονAnanus καὶ τὸν ΣίμωναSimon τὸν τοῦ ΓαμαλιήλουGamaliel παρωξύνθαι, ὅτι χωρὶς γνώμης τοῦ κοινοῦ πέμψαντες εἰς τὴν‎ ΓαλιλαίανGalilee ἐκπεσεῖν με ταύτης παρεσκεύασαν.
³⁰⁹ Now, in a few days those ambassadors whom we had sent, came back again and informed us that the people were greatly provoked at Ananus, and Simon the son of Gamaliel, and their friends; that, without any public determination, they had sent to Galilee, and had done their endeavors that I might be turned out of the government.	³⁰⁹ A few days later the envoys he had sent returned and told us that the people were indignant at Ananus and Simon, son of Gamaliel, and their friends, for having sent people to Galilee without public support, to try to have me removed from the province.
³⁰⁹ But after not many days, those whom we had sent arrived again and reported that the populace was greatly incited against the men around Ananus and Simon, the son of Gamaliel, because, having sent men into Galilee without the consent of the council, they had prepared to have me expelled from it.

³¹⁰ Ἐφασαν δ᾽ οἱ πρέσβεις, ὅτι καὶ τὰς οἰκίας αὐτῶν ὁ δῆμος ὥρμησεν ἐμπιπράναι. Ἔφερον δὲ καὶ γράμματα, δι᾽ ὧν οἱ τῶν ἹεροσολυμιτῶνJerusalem πρῶτοι πολλὰ τοῦ δήμου δεηθέντος αὐτῶν ἐμοὶ μὲν τὴν‎ τῆς ΓαλιλαίαςGalilee ἀρχὴν ἐβεβαίουν, τοῖς περὶ τὸν ἸωνάθηνJonathan δὲ προσέτασσον εἰς τὴν‎ οἰκείαν ὑποστρέφειν θᾶσσον.
³¹⁰ The ambassadors said further, that the people were ready to burn their houses. They also brought letters, whereby the chief men of Jerusalem, at the earnest petition of the people, confirmed me in the government of Galilee, and enjoined Jonathan and his colleagues to return home quickly.	³¹⁰ The envoys said that the people were ready to burn those men's houses and brought letters in which, at the people's earnest request, the Jerusalem leaders confirmed me as governor of Galilee and ordered Jonathan's group to return home quickly.
³¹⁰ The envoys also said that the populace had rushed to burn down their houses. They also brought letters, through which the chief men of the Jerusalemites, after the populace had earnestly pleaded with them, confirmed my governorship of Galilee and ordered the men around Jonathan to return home immediately.

³¹¹ Ἐντυχὼν οὖν ταῖς ἐπιστολαῖς εἰς ἌρβηλαArbela κώμην ἀφικόμην, ἔνθα σύνοδον τῶν ΓαλιλαίωνGalilee ποιησάμενος ἐκέλευσα τοὺς πρέσβεις διηγεῖσθαι τὴν‎ ἐπὶ τοῖς πεπραγμένοις ὑπὸ τῶν περὶ τὸν ἸωνάθηνJonathan ὀργὴν καὶ μισοπονηρίαν,
³¹¹ The ambassadors said further, that the people were ready to burn their houses. They also brought letters, whereby the chief men of Jerusalem, at the earnest petition of the people, confirmed me in the government of Galilee, and enjoined Jonathan and his colleagues to return home quickly.	³¹¹ Armed with these letters, I came to the village of Arbela, where I called a meeting of the Galileans and bade the envoys tell them about what had occurred and the anger and hatred expressed at the wicked conduct of Jonathan's group;
³¹¹ Having therefore examined the letters, I went to the village of Arbela, where, having convened an assembly of the Galileans, I ordered the envoys to recount the anger and hatred of wickedness that had been shown in Jerusalem regarding the actions of the men around Jonathan;

³¹² καὶ ὡς κυρώσειαν ἐμοὶ τῆς χώρας αὐτῶν τὴν‎ προστασίαν, τά τε πρὸς τοὺς περὶ τὸν ἸωνάθηνJonathan γεγραμμένα περὶ ἀπαλλαγῆς, πρὸς οὓς δὴ καὶ τὴν‎ ἐπιστολὴν εὐθέως διεπεμψάμην πολυπραγμονῆσαι τὸν κομίσαντα κελεύσας, τί ποιεῖν μέλλουσιν.
³¹² and how they had confirmed me in the government of their country, as also what related to the order they had in writing for Jonathan and his colleagues to return home. So I immediately sent them the letter, and bid him that carried it to inquire, as well as he could, how they intended to act [on this occasion].	³¹² also, how I had been confirmed as governor of their district, and of the order they had in writing for Jonathan's group to return home; and I sent them the letter immediately, telling the bearer to inquire, as best he could, how they intended to proceed.
³¹² and how they had confirmed the charge over their district to me, and the contents of the letter written to the men around Jonathan concerning their departure, a letter which I immediately sent on to them, instructing the bearer to find out what they intended to do.

Reaction of the Jerusalem Embassy

³¹³ Δεξάμενοι δ᾽ ἐκεῖνοι τὴν‎ ἐπιστολὴν καὶ ταραχθέντες οὐχὶ μετρίως μεταπέμπονται τὸν ἸωάννηνJohn καὶ τοὺς ἐκ τῆς βουλῆς τῶν ΤιβεριέωνTiberias τούς τε πρωτεύοντας ΓαβάρωνGabara, βουλήν τε προτιθέασιν σκοπεῖσθαι κελεύοντες, τί πρακτέον ἐστὶν αὐτοῖς.
³¹³ Now when they had received that letter, and were thereby greatly disturbed, they sent for John, and for the senators of Tiberias, and for the principal men of the Gabarenes, and proposed to hold a council, and desired them to consider what was to be done by them.	³¹³ They were greatly shaken on receiving the letter and sent for John and the senators of Tiberias and the leading men of the Gabarenes, proposing to hold a meeting to consider what they ought to do.
³¹³ Having received the letter, and being greatly disturbed, they sent for John and the men from the council of the Tiberians, as well as the chief men of Gabara, and proposed a council, instructing them to consider what they ought to do.

³¹⁴ ΤιβεριεῦσιTiberians μὲν οὖν ἀντέχεσθαιto defend, withstand μᾶλλον ἐδόκει τῶν πραγμάτων· οὐ δεῖν γὰρ ἔφασανto affirm, say ἐγκαταλιπέσθαι τὴν‎ πόλιν αὐτῶν ἅπαξ ἐκείνοις προστεθειμένηνto put to, persist, ἄλλως τε μηδ᾽ ἐμοῦ μέλλοντος αὐτῶν ἀφέξεσθαι· τοῦτο γὰρ ὡς ἠπειληκότος ἐμοῦ κατεψεύδοντο.
³¹⁴ However, the governors of Tiberias were greatly disposed to keep the government to themselves; for they said it was not fit to desert their city, now it was committed to their trust, and that otherwise I should not delay to fall upon them; for they pretended falsely that so I had threatened to do.	³¹⁴ The Tiberians were strongly disposed to take things in hand themselves, thinking it wrong to desert their city, now it was in their power, especially since I would soon attack them, as they falsely pretended that I had made such a threat.
³¹⁴ The Tiberians, therefore, thought it better to cling to the current state of affairs; for they said that they ought not to abandon their city, which had once been allied with those men, especially since I was not going to restrain myself from them; for this they falsely asserted, saying that I had made this threat.

³¹⁵ Ὁ δ᾽ ἸωάννηςJohn οὐ μόνον τούτοις συνηρέσκετο, καὶ πορευθῆναι δὲ συνεβούλευεν αὐτῶν τοὺς δύο κατηγορήσοντάς μου πρὸς τὸ πλῆθος, ὅτι μὴ καλῶς τὰ κατὰ τὴν‎ ΓαλιλαίανGalilee διοικῶ, καὶ πείσειν ῥᾳδίως αὐτοὺς ἔφη διά τε τὸ ἀξίωμα καὶ παντὸς πλήθους εὐτρέπτως ἔχοντος.
³¹⁵ Now John was not only of their opinion, but advised them, that two of them should go to accuse me before the multitude [at Jerusalem], that I do not manage the affairs of Galilee as I ought to do; and that they would easily persuade the people, because of their dignity, and because the whole multitude are very mutable.—	³¹⁵ Now John not only shared this view but also advised that two of them should go to accuse me to the crowd, of not properly managing the affairs of Galilee; and that their rank would easily persuade the people, because the populace are very fickle.
³¹⁵ But John not only agreed with these men, but he also advised that two of them should go and accuse me before the populace, claiming that I was not governing the affairs of Galilee well, and he said that they would easily persuade them both because of their prestige and because every populace is easily swayed.

³¹⁶ Δόξαντος οὖν τοῦ ἸωάννουJohn κρατίστην εἰσενηνοχέναι γνώμην, ἔδοξε δύο μὲν ἀπιέναι πρὸς τοὺς ἹεροσολυμίταςJerusalem, ἸωνάθηνJonathan καὶ ἈνανίανAnanias, τοὺς ἑτέρους δὲ δύο μένοντας ἐν τῇ ΤιβεριάδιTiberians καταλιπεῖν. Συνεπηγάγοντο δὲ φυλακῆς ἕνεκα τῆς ἑαυτῶν ὁπλίταςarmed warrior ἑκατόν.
³¹⁶ When, therefore, it appeared that John had suggested the wisest advice to them, they resolved that two of them, Jonathan and Ananias, should go to the people of Jerusalem and the other two [Simon and Joazar] should be left behind to tarry at Tiberias. They also took along with them a hundred soldiers for their guard.	³¹⁶ When John's proposal pleased them best, they voted that two of them, Jonathan and Ananias, should go to the people of Jerusalem while the other two stayed behind in Tiberias. They took with them an escort of a hundred infantry.
³¹⁶ Since, therefore, John was thought to have presented the best advice, it was decided that two men, Jonathan and Ananias, should depart for the Jerusalemites, while the other two should remain behind in Tiberias. For their own protection, they brought along one hundred armed men.

Exploits of Josephus

³¹⁷ ΤιβεριεῖςTiberias δὲ τὰ μὲν τείχη προυνόησανto plan ahead ἀσφαλισθῆναι, τοὺς ἐνοίκους δὲ κελεύουσιν ἀναλαβεῖν τὰ ὅπλα, καὶ παρὰ ἸωάννουJohn δὲ μετεπέμψαντο στρατιώτας οὐκ ὀλίγους συμμαχήσοντας, εἰ δεήσειεν, αὐτοῖς τὰ πρὸς ἐμέ.
³¹⁷ However, the governors of Tiberias took care to have their city secured with walls, and commanded their inhabitants to take their arms. They also sent for a great many soldiers from John, to assist them against me, if there should be occasion for them. Now John was at Gischala.	³¹⁷ The Tiberians took care to have their city walls strengthened, and told the inhabitants to carry their weapons and sent to John for a number of soldiers to help them against me should occasion arise; now that John was at Gischala.
³¹⁷ The Tiberians, however, took forethought to secure the walls, and they ordered the inhabitants to take up arms, and they also sent for a considerable number of soldiers from John to fight along with them, if necessary, against me.

³¹⁸ Ἦν δὲ ὁ ἸωάννηςJohn ἐν ΓισχάλοιςGischala. Οἱ τοίνυν περὶ τὸν ἸωνάθηνJonathan ἀναζεύξαντες ἀπὸ τῆς ΤιβεριάδοςTiberias, ὡς ἧκον εἰς ΔαβάριτταDabaritta κώμην ἐν ταῖς ἐσχατιαῖς τῆς ΓαλιλαίαςGalilee κειμένην ἐν τῷ μεγάλῳ πεδίῳ, περὶ μέσην νύκτα τοῖς ἐμοῖς φύλαξιν ἐμπίπτουσιν, οἳ καὶ κελεύσαντες αὐτοὺς τὰ ὅπλα καταθέσθαι ἐφύλασσον ἐν δεσμοῖς ἐπὶ τόπου καθὼς αὐτοῖς ἐντετάλμην.
³¹⁸ Jonathan, therefore, and those that were with him, when they were departed from Tiberias, and as soon as they were come to Dabaritta, a village that lay in the utmost parts of Galilee, in the great plain, they, about midnight, fell among the guards I had set, who both commanded them to lay aside their weapons, and kept them in bonds upon the place, as I had charged them to do.	³¹⁸ Therefore Jonathan and his friends left Tiberias and about midnight, when they had reached Dabaritta, a village on the border of Galilee in the great plain, they met with the guards I had set, who ordered them to lay down their weapons and put them in chains on the spot, as I had instructed them.
³¹⁸ Now John was in Gischala. Therefore, the men around Jonathan, having set out from Tiberias, when they reached the village of Dabaritta, which is situated on the borders of Galilee in the great plain, fell upon my guards about midnight. These guards, having ordered them to lay down their arms, kept them under guard in chains on the spot, just as I had instructed them.

³¹⁹ Γράφει δὲ πρὸς ἐμὲ ταῦτα δηλῶν ΛευίςLevi, ᾧ τὴν‎ φυλακὴν πεπιστεύκειν. Παραλιπὼν οὖν ἡμέρας δύο καὶ μηδὲν ἐγνωκέναι προσποιησάμενος, πέμψας πρὸς τοὺς ΤιβεριεῖςTiberias συνεβούλευον αὐτοῖς τὰ ὅπλα καταθεμένοις ἀπολύειν τοὺς ἀνθρώπους εἰς τὴν‎ ἑαυτῶν.
³¹⁹ This news was written to me by Levi, who had the command of that guard committed to him by me. Hereupon I said nothing of it for two days; and, pretending to know nothing about it, I sent a message to the people of Tiberias, and advised them to lay their arms aside, and to dismiss their men, that they might go home;	³¹⁹ This news was reported by Levi, whom I had put in command of that patrol. I said nothing about it for two days; and, pretending to be unaware of it, I sent a message to the Tiberians advising them to lay down their arms and tell the envoys to go home.
³¹⁹ Now Levi, to whom I had entrusted the guard, wrote to me informing me of these things. Therefore, I waited two days, pretending to know nothing, and then, sending word to the Tiberians, I advised them to lay down their arms and dismiss the men to their own homes.

³²⁰ Οἱ δέ, δόξαν γὰρ εἶχον περὶ τὸν ἸωνάθηνJonathan εἰς τὰ ἹεροσόλυμαJerusalem ἤδη διαπεπορεῦσθαι, βλασφήμους ἐποιήσαντο τὰς ἀποκρίσεις· μὴ καταπλαγεὶς δ᾽ ἐγὼ καταστρατηγεῖν αὐτοὺς ἐπενόουν.
³²⁰ but supposing that Jonathan, and those that were with him, were already arrived at Jerusalem, they made reproachful answers to me; yet was I not terrified thereby, but contrived another stratagem against them;	³²⁰ But thinking that Jonathan and his friends had already reached Jerusalem, they answered me with insults. Undaunted, I used another ruse against them,
³²⁰ Believing that Jonathan had already proceeded to Jerusalem, they made insulting replies; but I, not being panic-stricken, planned to out-maneuver them by strategy.

³²¹ Πρὸς μὲν οὖν τοὺς πολίτας ἐξάπτειν πόλεμον οὐκ ἐνόμιζον εὐσεβὲς εἶναι, βουλόμενος δ᾽ αὐτοὺς ἀποσπάσαι τῶν ΤιβεριέωνTiberias, μυρίους ὁπλίταςarmed warrior τοὺς ἀρίστους ἐπιλέξας εἰς τρεῖς μοίρας διεῖλον, καὶ τούτους μὲν ἀφανῶς ἐν δώμαις προσέταξα λοχῶντας περιμένειν,
³²¹ for I did not think it agreeable with piety to kindle the fire of war against the citizens. As I was desirous to draw those men away from Tiberias, I chose out ten thousand of the best of my armed men, and divided them into three bodies, and ordered them to go privately and lie still as an ambush, in the villages.	³²¹ thinking it would be wrong to kindle the flame of war against the citizens. As I wished to draw them out of Tiberias, I chose ten thousand of my best soldiers and divided them into three groups, with orders to remain concealed in ambush, at Adomah.
³²¹ On the one hand, I did not think it pious to wage war against fellow citizens, but wishing to draw them away from the Tiberians, I selected ten thousand of the best armed men and divided them into three detachments. And these I instructed to lie in ambush in houses secretly and wait.

³²² χιλίους δ᾽ εἰς ἑτέραν κώμην ὀρεινὴν μὲν ὁμοίως, ἀπέχουσαν δὲ τῆς ΤιβεριάδοςTiberias τέσσαρας σταδίους, εἰσήγαγον κελεύσας ἐκείνους ἐπειδὰν λάβωσιν σημεῖον εὐθὺς καταβαίνειν· αὐτὸς δὲ τῆς κώμης προελθὼν ἐν προύπτῳ καθεζόμην.
³²² I also led a thousand into another village, which lay indeed in the mountains, as did the others, but only four furlongs distant from Tiberias; and gave orders, that when they saw my signal, they should come down immediately, while I myself lay with my soldiers in the sight of every body.	³²² I sent a thousand into another village in the hills, four furlongs from Tiberias, with orders that at my signal, they should immediately come down, while I myself took up position within sight of the village.
³²² I led one thousand into another village, which was likewise mountainous but distant from Tiberias by four stades (0.6 km), instructing them that they should descend immediately when they received a signal. But I myself advanced from the village and sat down in plain sight.

³²³ Οἱ δὲ ΤιβεριεῖςTiberias ὁρῶντες ἐξέτρεχον συνεχῶς καὶ πολλὰ κατεκερτόμουν· τοσαύτη γοῦν ἀφροσύνη κατέσχεν αὐτούς, ὥστε ποιήσαντες εὐτρεπῆ κλίνην προύθεσαν καὶ περὶ αὐτὴν ἱστάμενοι ὠδύροντό με μετὰ παιδιᾶς καὶ γέλωτος. Διετιθέμην δ᾽ ἐγὼ τὴν‎ ψυχὴν ἡδέως τὴν‎ ἄνοιαν αὐτῶν ἐπιβλέπων.
³²³ Hereupon the people of Tiberias, at the sight of me, came running out of the city perpetually, and abused me greatly. Nay, their madness was come to that height, that they made a decent bier for me, and, standing about it, they mourned over me in the way of jest and sport; and I could not but be myself in a pleasant humor upon the sight of this madness of theirs.	³²³ Seeing me, the Tiberians made frequent sorties out of the city and shouted curses at me. Indeed their foolery went so far that they made an elegant bier for me, and standing around it, they mourned my death with jesting and laughter and I could not help being amused at the sight of their tomfoolery.
³²³ The Tiberians, seeing me, rushed out continuously and hurled many insults. Such great folly, at any rate, possessed them that they prepared a coffin and set it out, and standing around it, they lamented over me with mockery and laughter. But I was happily composed in my spirit, observing their foolishness.

³²⁴ βουλόμενος δὲ δι᾽ ἐνέδρας λαβεῖν τὸν ΣίμωναSimon καὶ σὺν αὐτῷ ἸώζαρονJoazar, πέμψας πρὸς αὐτοὺς παρεκάλουν ὀλίγον τῆς πόλεως πόρρω μετὰ φίλων πολλῶν τῶν παραφυλαξόντων αὐτοὺς ἐλθεῖν· βούλεσθαι γὰρ ἔφην καταβὰς σπείσασθαι πρὸς αὐτοὺς καὶ διανείμασθαι τὴν‎ προστασίαν τῆς ΓαλιλαίαςGalilee.
³²⁴ And now being desirous to catch Simon by a wile, and Joazar with him, I sent a message to them, and desired them to come a little way out of the city, and many of their friends to guard them; for I said I would come down to them, and make a league with them, and divide the government of Galilee with them.	³²⁴ Wanting to trap Simon and Joazar I invited them to come a little way out of the city with many friends to protect them; for I said I would come down to parley with them and share with them the leadership of Galilee.
³²⁴ Wishing, however, to take Simon and Joazar with him by ambush, I sent to them and urged them to come a short distance outside the city with many friends who would guard them; for I said that I wished to descend and make a truce with them and divide the command of Galilee.

³²⁵ ΣίμωνSimon μὲν οὖν διὰ νεότητα καὶ πρὸς ἐλπίδα κέρδους ἀπατηθεὶς οὐκ ὤκνησεν ἐλθεῖν, ὁ δ᾽ ἸώζαροςJoazar ἐνέδραν ὑποπτεύσας ἔμεινεν. Ἀναβάντα δὴ τὸν ΣίμωναSimon μετὰ φίλων τῶν παραφυλασσόντων αὐτὸν ὑπαντιάσας ἠσπαζόμην τε φιλοφρόνως καὶ χάριν ἔχειν ὡμολόγουν ἀναβάντι.
³²⁵ Accordingly Simon was deluded, on account of his imprudence, and out of the hopes of gain, and did not delay to come; but Joazar, suspecting snares were laid for him, staid behind. So when Simon was come out, and his friends with him for his guard, I met him, and saluted him with great civility, and professed that I was obliged to him for his coming up to me;	³²⁵ Due to his imprudence and his hopes of profit, Simon fell for this trick and came without delay; but Joazar held back, suspecting the trap laid for him. So when Simon came out, with his friends acting as a bodyguard for him, I met him and greeted him cordially, professing my gratitude that he had come.
³²⁵ Simon, therefore, being deceived because of his youth and the hope of profit, did not hesitate to come, but Joazar, suspecting an ambush, remained behind. When Simon came up with friends who were guarding him, I met him, greeted him kindly, and acknowledged my gratitude to him for coming up.

³²⁶ Μετ᾽ οὐ πολὺ δὲ συμπεριπατῶν ὡς κατὰ μόνας τι βουλόμενος εἰπεῖν, ἐπεὶ πορρωτέρω τῶν φίλων ἀπήγαγον, μέσον ἀράμενος ἀγαγεῖν εἰς τὴν‎ κώμην τοῖς μετ᾽ ἐμοῦ φίλοις ἔδωκα, τοὺς ὁπλίταςarmed warrior δὲ καταβῆναι κελεύσας προσέβαλλον μετ᾽ αὐτῶν τῇ ΤιβεριάδιTiberians.
³²⁶ but a little while afterward I walked along with him, as though I would say something to him by himself; and when I had drawn him a good way from his friends, I took him about the middle, and gave him to my friends that were with me, to carry him into a village; and commanding my armed men to come down, I with them made an assault upon Tiberias.	³²⁶ Not long after, when walking beside him as though to say something to him in private, after leading him a good way from his friends I caught him around the waist and handed him over to my friends who were with me, to bring him into a village; and, ordering my soldiers to come down, I attacked Tiberias with them.
³²⁶ And after not long, walking with him as if I wished to say something privately, when I had led him further away from his friends, I gave him to my friends with me to lift up and take to the village. Ordering the armed men to descend, I, with them, attacked Tiberias.

³²⁷ Μάχης δὲ γενομένης ἀμφοτέρωθεν καρτερᾶς καὶ ὅσον οὔπω τῶν ΤιβεριέωνTiberias νικώντων, πεφεύγεισαν γὰρ οἱ παρ᾽ ἡμῶν ὁπλῖταιheavy-armed, τὸ γινόμενον ἰδὼν καὶ τοὺς μετ᾽ ἐμαυτοῦ παρακαλέσας νικῶντας ἤδη τοὺς ΤιβεριεῖςTiberias εἰς τὴν‎ πόλιν συνεδίωξα. Ἑτέραν δὲ δύναμιν εἰσπέμψας διὰ τῆς λίμνης προσέταξα τὴν‎ πρώτην λαβοῦσιν οἰκίαν ἐμπρῆσαι.
³²⁷ Now, as the fight grew hot on both sides, and the soldiers belonging to Tiberias were in a fair way to conquer me (for my armed men were already fled away), I saw the posture of my affairs; and encouraging those that were with me, I pursued those of Tiberias, even when they were already conquerors, into the city. I also sent another band of soldiers into the city by the lake, and gave them orders to set on fire the first house they could seize upon.	³²⁷ After hard fighting on both sides and when some of my infantry fled and the Tiberians were winning, I saw the situation and rallying those around me, chased the victorious Tiberians into their city. I sent another band of soldiers into the city by way of the lake with orders to set fire to the first house they could seize.
³²⁷ A fierce battle ensued on both sides. The Tiberians were on the verge of winning for our armed men had fled. When I saw what was happening and encouraged the men with me, I pursued the already victorious Tiberians back into the city. And sending another force by way of the lake, I instructed them to seize the first house they found and burn it down.

³²⁸ Τούτου γενομένου νομίσαντες οἱ ΤιβεριεῖςTiberias εἰλῆφθαι κατὰ κράτος αὐτῶν τὴν‎ πόλιν, ὑπὸ φόβου ῥίπτουσιν τὰ ὅπλα, μετὰ γυναικῶν δὲ καὶ τέκνων ἱκέτευον φείσασθαι τῆς πόλεως αὐτῶν.
³²⁸ When this was done the people of Tiberias thought that their city was taken by force, and so threw down their arms for fear; and implored, they, their wives, and children, that I would spare their city.	³²⁸ When this was done, the Tiberians thought their city had been taken by storm and threw down their arms in fear and, with their wives and children, begged me to spare their city.
³²⁸ When this happened, the Tiberians, thinking their city had been captured by force, threw down their weapons out of fear, and with their wives and children, they begged me to spare their city.

³²⁹ Ἐγὼ δὲ πρὸς τὰς δεήσεις ἐπικλασθεὶς τοὺς μὲν στρατιώτας τῆς ὁρμῆς ἐπέσχον, αὐτὸς δέ, καὶ γὰρ ἑσπέρα κατέλαβεν, μετὰ τῶν ὁπλιτῶν ἀπὸ τῆς πολιορκίας ὑποστρέψας περὶ τὴν‎ τοῦ σώματος θεραπείαν ἐγινόμην.
³²⁹ So I was over-persuaded by their entreaties, and restrained the soldiers from the vehemency with which they pursued them; while I myself, upon the coming on of the evening, returned back with my soldiers, and went to refresh myself.	³²⁹ Yielding to their pleas I restrained the soldiers from pursuing them vigourously, and in the evening I abandoned the siege with my soldiers and retired for bodily refreshment.
³²⁹ And I, being moved by their pleas, restrained the soldiers from their rush; and since evening had fallen, I myself returned from the siege with the armed men and attended to the care of my own body.

³³⁰ Καλέσας δὲ ἐπὶ τὴν‎ ἑστίασιν τὸν ΣίμωναSimon παρεμυθούμην περὶ τῶν γεγονότων ὑπισχνούμην τε δοὺς ἐφόδιαprovision αὐτῷ καὶ τοῖς σὺν αὐτῷ παραπέμψειν εἰς ἹεροσόλυμαJerusalem μετὰ πάσης ἀσφαλείας.
³³⁰ I also invited Simon to sup with me, and comforted him on occasion of what had happened; and I promised that I would send him safe and secure to Jerusalem, and withal would give him provisions for his journey thither.	³³⁰ Inviting Simon to sup with me, I consoled him about what had happened and promised to send him and his group safe and secure to Jerusalem and give them provisions for the journey there.
³³⁰ And having invited Simon to the feast, I consoled him concerning the things that had happened, and I promised that, after giving him and those with him provisions for the journey, I would send them on to Jerusalem with complete safety.

³³¹ Κατὰ δὲ τὴν‎ ἐπιοῦσανthe next day ἡμέραν μυρίους ἐπαγόμενος ὁπλίταςarmed warrior ἧκον εἰς τὴν‎ ΤιβεριάδαTiberias, καὶ μεταπεμψάμενος εἰς τὸ στάδιον τοὺς πρώτους αὐτῶν τοῦ πλήθους ἐκέλευσα φράζειν, οἵτινες εἶεν αἴτιοι τῆς ἀποστάσεωςa revolt.
³³¹ But on the next day, I brought ten thousand armed men with me, and came to Tiberias. I then sent for the principal men of the multitude, into the public place, and enjoined them to tell me who were the authors of the revolt;	³³¹ Next day I went to Tiberias with ten thousand men and summoned the leading citizens to the stadium, demanded to know who were the authors of the revolt.
³³¹ On the following day, bringing ten thousand armed men with me, I went to Tiberias, and having summoned the chief men of their populace to the stadium, I ordered them to declare who the instigators of the revolt were.

³³² ἐνδειξαμένων δὲ τοὺς ἄνδρας ἐκείνους μὲν δεδεμένους εἰς τὴν‎ ἸωταπάτηνJotapata πόλιν ἐξέπεμψα, τοὺς δὲ περὶ τὸν ἸωνάθηνJonathan καὶ ἈνανίανAnanias λύσας τῶν δεσμῶν καὶ δοὺς ἐφόδιαprovision μετὰ ΣίμωνοςSimon καὶ ἸωζάρουJoazar καὶ ὁπλιτῶν πεντακοσίων, οἳ παραφυλάξουσιν αὐτούς, ἐξέπεμψα εἰς τὰ ἹεροσόλυμαJerusalem.
³³² and when they told me who the men were, I sent them bound to the city Jotapata; but, as to Jonathan and Ananias, I freed them from their bonds, and gave them provisions for their journey, together with Simon and Joazar, and five hundred armed men who should guard them; and so I sent them to Jerusalem.	³³² When they told me who they were, I sent the men bound to the city of Jotapata. But I set free the men sent by Jonathan and Ananias and gave them provisions for their journey, sending them along with Simon and Joazar to Jerusalem, with five hundred soldiers as escort.
³³² And when they pointed out the men, I sent those men away, bound in chains, to the city of Jotapata. But the men around Jonathan and Ananias I released from their bonds and, giving them provisions, sent them away to Jerusalem along with Simon and Joazar and five hundred armed men who would guard them.

³³³ ΤιβεριεῖςTiberias δὲ πάλιν προσελθόντες συγγινώσκειν αὐτοῖς παρεκάλουν περὶ τῶν πεπραγμένων, ἐπανορθώσεσθαι τὰς ἁμαρτίας τῇ μετὰ ταῦτα πρὸς ἐμὲ πίστει λέγοντες, τὰ δ᾽ ἐκ τῆς διαρπαγῆς περισσεύσαντα σῶσαί με τοῖς ἀπολέσασιν ἐδέοντο.
³³³ The people of Tiberias also came to me again, and desired that I would forgive them for what they had done; and they said they would amend what they had done amiss with regard to me, by their fidelity for the time to come; and they besought me to preserve what spoils remained upon the plunder of the city, for those that had lost them.	³³³ The Tiberians came to me again, asking my forgiveness for what they had done, promising to make amends for their past wrongs by their future fidelity to me, and imploring me to recover the remainder of the plunder for those who had lost everything.
³³³ And the Tiberians approached me again and urged me to pardon them for what had happened, saying that they would mend their offenses with future loyalty toward me, and they begged me to save the remaining items from the plunder for those who had lost them.

³³⁴ Κἀγὼ τοῖς ἔχουσιν προσέταττον εἰς μέσον πάντα φέρειν, ἀπειθούντων δὲ μέχρι πολλοῦ, θεασάμενός τινα τῶν περὶ ἐμὲ στρατιωτῶν λαμπροτέραν τοῦ συνήθους περικείμενον στολὴν ἐπυθόμην, πόθεν ἔχοι.
³³⁴ Accordingly, I enjoined those that had got them, to bring them all before us; and when they did not comply for a great while, and I saw one of the soldiers that were about me with a garment on that was more splendid than ordinary, I asked him whence he had it;	³³⁴ So I ordered those who had got it, to bring it all into the open. When for a long while they did not comply and I saw one of my soldiers wearing an extraordinarily magnificent garment, I asked him how he had got it.
³³⁴ And I ordered those who had them to bring everything to the middle, but when they were disobedient for a long time, seeing one of the soldiers around me wearing a robe more splendid than usual, I asked him where he got it.

³³⁵ Εἰπόντος δὲ ἐκ τῆς κατὰ πόλιν ἁρπαγῆς, ἐκεῖνον μὲν πληγαῖς ἐκόλασα, τοῖς δὲ ἄλλοις ἅπασιν ἠπείλησα μείζω τιμωρίαν ἐπιθήσειν μὴ κομίσασιν εἰς τοὐμφανὲς ὅσα ἡρπάκεισαν. Πολλῶν δὲ συνενεχθέντων ἑκάστῳ τῶν ΤιβεριέωνTiberias τὸ ἐπιγνωσθὲν ἀπέδωκα.
³³⁵ and when he replied that he had it out of the plunder of the city, I had him punished with stripes; and I threatened all the rest to inflict a severer punishment upon them, unless they produced before us whatsoever they had plundered; and when a great many spoils were brought together, I restored to every one of Tiberias what they claimed to be their own.	³³⁵ When he replied that he got it from the plunder of the city, I had him punished with beating; then I threatened all the rest with more severe punishment if they did not bring us whatever they had plundered; and when a great many spoils were brought together, I restored to each of the Tiberians what they claimed as their own.
³³⁵ When he said it was from the plunder within the city, I punished that man with lashes, and I threatened all the others that I would inflict a greater punishment if they did not bring into the open everything they had plundered. And when many things were brought together, I returned what was recognized to each of the Tiberians.

Remarks on Justus

³³⁶ Γεγονὼς δ᾽ ἐνταῦθα τῆς διηγήσεως βούλομαι πρὸς ἸοῦστονJustus καὶ αὐτὸν τὴν‎ περὶ τούτων πραγματείαν γεγραφότα πρός τε τοὺς ἄλλους τοὺς ἱστορίαν μὲν γράφειν ὑπισχνουμένουςto promise to do, περὶ δὲ τὴν‎ ἀλήθειαν ὀλιγώρους καὶ δι᾽ ἔχθραν ἢ χάριν τὸ ψεῦδος οὐκ ἐντολὰς, μικρὰ διελθεῖν.
³³⁶ And now I am come to this part of my narration, I have a mind to say a few things to Justus, who hath himself written a history concerning these affairs; as also to others who profess to write history, but have little regard to truth, and are not afraid, either out of ill will or good will to some persons, to relate falsehoods.	³³⁶ At this point in my story, I wish to say a few things to Justus, who has also written a history about these events, and to others who profess to write history but have little regard for truth and whether from ill-will or favour do not hesitate to lie.
³³⁶ Having reached this point in my narrative, I wish to digress briefly concerning Justus (who himself also wrote an account of these events) and the others who promise to write history but are careless about the truth and do not heed falsehood, whether out of enmity or favour.

³³⁷ Πράττουσι μὲν γὰρ ὅμοιόνlike, resembling τι τοῖς περὶ συμβολαίων πλαστὰ γράμματα συντεθεικόσι, τῷ δὲ μηδεμίαν ὁμοίως τιμωρίαν ἐκείνοις δεδιέναι καταφρονοῦσι τῆς ἀληθείας.
³³⁷ These men do like those who compose forged deeds and conveyances; and because they are not brought to the like punishment with them, they have no regard to truth.	³³⁷ They act like forgers of deeds and conveyances but disregard the truth since they are not subject to similar punishment.
³³⁷ For they act similarly to those who fabricate forged documents concerning contracts, but because they fear no punishment similar to theirs, they despise the truth.

³³⁸ ἸοῦστοςJustus γοῦν συγγράφειν τὰς περὶ τούτων ἐπιχειρήσας πράξεις τὸν πόλεμον, ὑπὲρ τοῦ δοκεῖν φιλόπονος εἶναι ἐμοῦ μὲν κατέψευσται, ἠλήθευσε δὲ οὐδὲ περὶ τῆς πατρίδος. Ὅθεν ἀπολογήσασθαι γὰρ νῦν ἀνάγκην ἔχω καταψευδομαρτυρούμενος, Ἐρῶ τὰ μέχρι νῦν σεσιωπημένα.
³³⁸ When, therefore, Justus undertook to write about these facts, and about the Jewish war that he might appear to have been an industrious man, he falsified in what he related about me, and could not speak truth even about his own country; whence it is that, being belied by him, I am under a necessity to make my defense;	³³⁸ When Justus undertook to write about these facts and about the war, in order to look industrious he made up his statements about me and could not speak the truth even about his own country. Being maligned by him, I must defend myself and so I shall tell what I have concealed up to now.
³³⁸ Justus, at any rate, having undertaken to compose an account of these events (the war), lied about me for the sake of seeming diligent, and he did not even speak the truth about his own homeland. Therefore, since I now have the necessity to defend myself, being falsely testified against, I will state the things that have been kept silent until now.

³³⁹ Καὶ μὴ θαυμάσῃ τις, ὅτι μὴ πάλαι περὶ τούτων ἐδήλωσα· τῷ γὰρ ἱστορίαν ἀναγράφοντιto engrave and display τὸ μὲν ἀληθεύειν ἀναγκαῖον, ἔξεστιν δ᾽ ὅμως μὴ πικρῶς τὰς τινῶν πονηρίας ἐλέγχειν, οὐ διὰ τὴν‎ πρὸς ἐκείνους χάριν, ἀλλὰ διὰ τὴν‎ αὐτοῦ‎ μετριότητα.
³³⁹ and so I shall say what I have concealed till now; and let no one wonder that I have not told the world these things a great while ago; for although it be necessary for a historian to write the truth, yet is such a one not bound severely to animadvert on the wickedness of certain men,—not out of any favor to them, but out of an author’s own moderation.	³³⁹ Let no one wonder that I have not told these things already, for although a historian should write the truth, he is not strictly bound to comment on the malice of individuals, not from any favour to them, but from the author's own sense of propriety.
³³⁹ And let no one be surprised that I did not disclose these things earlier; for although it is necessary for one who writes history to tell the truth, it is nevertheless permissible not to expose the wickedness of certain people harshly, not out of favour toward them, but because of one's own moderation.

³⁴⁰ Πῶς οὖν, ἵνα φῶ πρὸς αὐτὸν ὡς παρόντα, ἸοῦστεJustus δεινότατε συγγραφέων, τοῦτο γὰρ αὐχεῖς περὶ σεαυτοῦ, αἴτιοι γεγόναμεν ἐγώ τε καὶ ΓαλιλαῖοιGalileans τῇ πατρίδι σου τῆς πρὸς ῬωμαίουςRomans καὶ πρὸς τὸν βασιλέα στάσεως;
³⁴⁰ How then comes it to pass, O Justus! thou most sagacious of writers (that I may address myself to him as if he were here present), for so thou boastest of thyself, that I and the Galileans have been the authors of that sedition which thy country engaged in, both against the Romans and against the king [Agrippa, junior]?—	³⁴⁰ How is it then, Justus (addressing him as if he were present,) you cleverest of writers, as you claim to be, that I and the Galileans caused your district to rebel against the Romans and against the king?
³⁴⁰ How then, so that I may speak to him as if he were present, O Justus, most skilled of writers (for you boast about this concerning yourself), did I and the Galileans become the cause to your homeland of the revolt against the Romans and against the king?

³⁴¹ πρότερον γὰρ ἢ ἐμὲ τῆς ΓαλιλαίαςGalilee στρατηγὸν ὑπὸ τοῦ κοινοῦ τῶν ἹεροσολυμιτῶνJerusalem χειροτονηθῆναι σὺ καὶ πάντες ΤιβεριεῖςTiberias οὐ μόνον ἀνειλήφατε τὰ ὅπλα, ἀλλὰ καὶ τὰς ἐν τῇ ΣυρίᾳSyria δέκα πόλεις ἐπολεμεῖτε· σὺ γοῦν τὰς κώμας αὐτῶν ἐνέπρησας καὶ ὁ σὸς οἰκέτης ἐπὶ τῆς παρατάξεως ἐκείνης ἔπεσεν.
³⁴¹ for before ever I was appointed governor of Galilee by the community of Jerusalem, both thou and all the people of Tiberias had not only taken up arms, but had made war with Decapolis of Syria. Accordingly, thou hadst ordered their villages to be burnt, and a domestic servant of thine fell in the battle.	³⁴¹ For before ever I was appointed governor of Galilee by the community of Jerusalem, both you and all the Tiberians had not only taken up arms, but also had made war on Decapolis of Syria. It was you who ordered their villages to be burnt and a domestic servant of yours fell in the battle.
³⁴¹ For before I was chosen general of Galilee by the council of the Jerusalemites, you and all the Tiberians had not only taken up arms, but were also making war against the ten cities in Syria; you, at any rate, burned their villages, and your servant fell in that battle.

³⁴² Ταῦτα δὲ οὐκ ἐγὼ λέγω μόνος, ἀλλὰ καὶ ἐν τοῖς ΟὐεσπασιανοῦVespasianus τοῦ αὐτοκράτορος ὑπομνήμασιν οὕτως γέγραπται, καὶ τίνα τρόπον ἐν ΠτολεμαΐδιPtolemais ΟὐεσπασιανοῦVespasianus κατεβόησαν οἱ τῶν δέκα πόλεων ἔνοικοιinhabitant τιμωρίαν ὑποσχεῖν σε τὸν αἴτιον ἀξιοῦντες.
³⁴² Nor is it I only who say this; but so it is written in the Commentaries of Vespasian, the emperor; as also how the inhabitants of Decapolis came clamoring to Vespasian at Ptolemais, and desired that thou, who wast the author [of that war], mightst be brought to punishment;	³⁴² It is not I alone who say this; but so it is written in the Commentaries of Vespasian the emperor; as also how the people of Decapolis came clamouring to Vespasian at Ptolemais and asked that you be punished as the culprit.
³⁴² And these things I am not alone in saying, but they are also thus written in the memoranda of Vespasian the Emperor, and in what manner the inhabitants of the Ten Cities cried out against Vespasian in Ptolemais, demanding that you, the guilty one, should receive punishment.

³⁴³ Καὶ δεδώκεις ἂν δίκην ΟὐεσπασιανοῦVespasianus κελεύσαντος, εἰ μὴ βασιλεὺς ἈγρίππαςAgrippa λαβὼν ἐξουσίαν ἀποκτεῖναί σε, πολλὰ τῆς ἀδελφῆς ΒερενίκηςBerenice δεηθείσης οὐκ ἀνελὼν δεδεμένον ἐπὶ πολὺν χρόνον ἐφύλαξεν.
³⁴³ and thou hadst certainly been punished at the command of Vespasian, had not king Agrippa, who had power given him to have thee put to death, at the earnest entreaty of his sister Berenice, changed the punishment from death into a long imprisonment.	³⁴³ You certainly would have been punished at Vespasian's command, if king Agrippa, who was entrusted with your execution, had not commuted your penalty from death to a long imprisonment, at the earnest petition of his sister Berenice.
³⁴³ And you would have been punished, since Vespasian commanded it, if King Agrippa had not received authority to execute you and, after his sister Berenice pleaded greatly, kept you in chains for a long time without killing you.

³⁴⁴ Καὶ αἱ μετὰ ταῦτα δὲ πολιτεῖαίcitizenship σου σαφῶς ἐμφανίζουσιν τόν τε βίον τὸν ἄλλον καὶ ὅτι σὺ τὴν‎ πατρίδα ῬωμαίωνRoman, Latin ἀπέστησας, ὧν τὰ τεκμήρια κἀγὼ δηλώσω μετ᾽ ὀλίγον.
³⁴⁴ Thy political administration of affairs afterward doth also clearly discover both thy other behavior in life, and that thou wast the occasion of thy country’s revolt from the Romans; plain signs of which I shall produce presently.	³⁴⁴ Your subsequent political administration also clearly reveals other aspects of your behaviour and that it was you who caused your country's revolt from the Romans; evidence of which I shall soon produce.
³⁴⁴ And your policies after these events clearly display your entire other life and how you caused your homeland to revolt from the Romans, the proofs of which I shall also declare shortly.

³⁴⁵ Βούλομαι δ᾽ εἰπεῖν καὶ πρὸς τοὺς ἄλλους ΤιβεριεῖςTiberias ὀλίγα διὰ σὲ καὶ παραστῆσαι τοῖς ἐντυγχάνειν μέλλουσιν ταῖς ἱστορίαις, ὅτι μήτε φιλορώμαιοι μήτε φιλοβασιλεῖς γεγόνατε·
³⁴⁵ I have also a mind to say a few things to the rest of the people of Tiberias on thy account; and to demonstrate to those that light upon this history that you bare no good will, neither to the Romans nor to the king.	³⁴⁵ Let me say a few things about you to the rest of the Tiberians and prove to those who encounter this history that you were no friend either to the Romans or to the king.
³⁴⁵ And I wish to speak briefly also to the other Tiberians on account of you [Justus], and to show those who are about to read the histories that you were neither friends of the Romans nor friends of the King.

³⁴⁶ τῶν ἐν τῇ ΓαλιλαίᾳGalilee πόλεων αἱ μέγισται ΣέπφωριςSepphoris καὶ ΤιβεριὰςTiberias ἡ σὴ πατρίς, ὦ ἸοῦστεJustus. Ἀλλὰ ΣέπφωριςSepphoris μὲν ἐν τῷ μεσαιτάτῳ τῆς ΓαλιλαίαςGalilee κειμένη καὶ περὶ αὐτὴν κώμας ἔχουσα πολλὰς καί τι καὶ θρασύνεσθαι δυναμένη πρὸς ῬωμαίουςRomans εἴπερ ἠθέλησεν εὐχερῶς, διεγνωκυῖα τῇ πρὸς τοὺς δεσπότας ἐμμένειν πίστει κἀμὲ τῆς πόλεως αὐτῶν ἐξέκλεισε καὶ στρατεύσασθαί τινα τῶν πολιτῶν ἸουδαίοιςJews ἐκώλυσεν.
³⁴⁶ To be sure, the greatest cities of Galilee, O Justus! were Sepphoris, and thy country Tiberias; but Sepphoris, situated in the very midst of Galilee, and having many villages about it, and able with ease to have been bold and troublesome to the Romans, if they had so pleased,—yet did it resolve to continue faithful to those their masters, and at the same time excluded me out of their city, and prohibited all their citizens from joining with the Jews in the war;	³⁴⁶ Justus, the greatest cities of Galilee were Sepphoris and your own native Tiberias. But while Sepphoris, situated in the very centre of Galilee and surrounded by many villages, could easily have put up a bold resistance to the Romans, if they had so pleased, they still resolved to continue faithful to them as their masters, and excluded me from their city and let none of their citizens join with the Jews in the war.
³⁴⁶ The greatest of the cities in Galilee are Sepphoris and Tiberias, your homeland, O Justus. But Sepphoris, being situated in the very middle of Galilee and having many villages around it and being quite able to show boldness towards the Romans, had it wished, nevertheless, having decided to abide by its loyalty to its masters, both shut me out of their city and prevented any of its citizens from joining the war with the Jews.

³⁴⁷ Ὅπως δὲ καὶ τὰ πρὸς ἡμᾶς ἀσφαλεῖς εἶεν, ἠπάτησάν με τείχεσιν αὐτῶν τὴν‎ πόλιν ὀχυρῶσαι προτρέψαντες, καὶ παρὰ ΚεστίουCestius ΓάλλουGallus τοῦ τῶν ἐν τῇ ΣυρίᾳSyria ῬωμαϊκῶνRoman ταγμάτων ἡγεμονεύοντος φρουρὰν ἑκόντεςwilling, readily ἐδέξαντο, καταφρονήσαντες ἐμοῦ τότε μέγα δυναμένου καὶ πᾶσιν δι᾽ ἐκπλήξεωςconsternation ὄντος.
³⁴⁷ and that they might be out of danger from me, they, by a wile, got leave of me to fortify their city with walls: they also, of their own accord, admitted of a garrison of Roman legions, sent them by Cestius Gallus, who was then president of Syria, and so had me in contempt, though I was then very powerful, and all were greatly afraid of me;	³⁴⁷ In order to protect themselves from me, they tricked me and got my permission to fortify their city with walls: they also, of their own accord, accepted a garrison of Roman legions, sent them by Cestius Gallus, who was then governor of Syria and so despised me, though I was then very powerful and all others feared me.
³⁴⁷ And so that they might be secure with respect to us, they deceived me into urging them to fortify their city with walls, and they voluntarily received a garrison from Cestius Gallus, the governor of the Roman legions in Syria, despising me at that time when I was very powerful and an object of amazement to all.

³⁴⁸ Πολιορκουμένης τε τῆς μεγίστης ἡμῶν πόλεως ἹεροσολύμωνJerusalem καὶ τοῦ κοινοῦ πάντων ἱεροῦ κινδυνεύοντος ἐν τῇ τῶν πολεμίων ἐξουσίᾳ γενέσθαι συμμαχίαν οὐκ ἔπεμψαν μὴ βουλόμενοι δοκεῖν κατὰ ῬωμαίωνRoman, Latin ὅπλα λαβεῖν.
³⁴⁸ and at the same time that the greatest of our cities, Jerusalem, was besieged, and that temple of ours, which belonged to us all, was in danger of falling under the enemy’s power, they sent no assistance thither, as not willing to have it thought they would bear arms against the Romans;	³⁴⁸ Similarly when Jerusalem, the greatest of our cities, was besieged and our temple, which belonged to us all, was in danger of falling into the enemy's power, they sent it no help, unwilling to seem to bear arms against the Romans.
³⁴⁸ And when our greatest city, Jerusalem, was being besieged, and the sanctuary common to all was in danger of falling into the power of the enemies, they did not send aid, not wishing to appear to have taken up arms against the Romans.

³⁴⁹ ἡ δὲ σὴ πατρίς, ὦ ἸοῦστεJustus, κειμένη ἐν τῇ ΓεννησαρίδιGennesareth λίμνῃ καὶ ἀπέχουσα Ἵππου μὲν στάδια τριάκοντα, ΓαδάρωνGadaraf δὲ ἑξήκοντα, ΣκυθοπόλεωςScythopolis δὲ εἴκοσι καὶ ἑκατὸν τῆς ὑπηκόουsubject, ovedient βασιλεῖ, μηδεμιᾶς δὲ πόλεως ἸουδαίωνJews παρακειμένης, εἰ ἤθελεν τὴν‎ πρὸς ῬωμαίουςRomans πίστιν φυλάττειν, ῥᾳδίως ἐδύνατο.
³⁴⁹ but as for thy country, O Justus! situated upon the lake of Genesareth, and distant from Hippose thirty furlongs, from Gadara, sixty, and from Scythopolis, which was under the king’s jurisdiction, a hundred and twenty; when there was no Jewish city near, it might easily have preserved its fidelity [to the Romans] if it had so pleased them to do;	³⁴⁹ But your own native place, Justus, situated on the lake of Gennesareth only thirty furlongs from Hippos, sixty from Gadara and a hundred and twenty from Scythopolis, which was under the king's jurisdiction, and with no Jewish city nearby, how easily it might have stayed faithful to the Romans.
³⁴⁹ But your homeland, O Justus, situated on the Lake of Gennesaret and distant from Hippos by thirty stades (5 km), from Gadara by sixty (10 km), and from Scythopolis by one hundred and twenty stades (19 km) (which is subject to the King), and with no Jewish city bordering it, could easily have maintained its loyalty to the Romans, had it wished.

³⁵⁰ Καὶ γὰρ πολὺς ἦτε δῆμος καὶ ὅπλων εὐπορεῖτε. Ἀλλ᾽But, ὡς σὺ φῄς, αἴτιος ὑμῖν ἐγὼ τότε. μετὰ ταῦτα δὲ τίς, ὦ ἸοῦστεJustus; πρὸ γὰρ τῆς ἹεροσολύμωνJerusalem πολιορκίας οἶδας ὑπὸ ῬωμαίοιςRomans ἐμὲ γενόμενον, καὶ ἸωτάπαταJotapata κατὰ κράτος ληφθέντα φρούριά τε πολλά, πολύν τε ΓαλιλαίωνGalilee ὄχλον κατὰ τὴν‎ μάχην πεσόντα.
³⁵⁰ for the city and its people had plenty of weapons; but, as thou sayest, I was then the author [of their revolt]; and pray, O Justus, who was that author afterwards?—for thou knowest that I was in the power of the Romans before Jerusalem was besieged, and before the same time Jotapata was taken by force, as well as many other fortresses, and a great many of the Galileans fell in the war.	³⁵⁰ The population was large and you had plenty of weapons. But you say it was I who instigated the revolt; then pray, Justus, who instigated it later? For you know that before Jerusalem was besieged I was in the power of the Romans, and Jotapata had been taken by force, and many other fortresses, and that many of the Galileans had fallen in the war.
³⁵⁰ For you were a large populace and you had plenty of arms. But, as you say, I was the cause for you at that time. But who was the cause after that, O Justus? For you know that before the siege of Jerusalem, I fell into the hands of the Romans, and Jotapata was captured by force, and many strongholds, and a great multitude of Galileans fell in battle.

³⁵¹ Τότ᾽ οὖν ἐχρῆν ὑμᾶς παντὸς ἀπηλλαγμένουςto wish to be delivered from τοῦ δι᾽ ἐμὲ φόβου ῥῖψαί τε τὰ ὅπλα καὶ παραστῆσαι τῷ βασιλεῖ καὶ ῬωμαίοιςRomans, ὅτι δὴ οὐχ ἑκόντεςwilling, readily, ἀλλ᾽ ἀναγκασθέντεςto force, compel ἐπὶ τὸν πρὸς αὐτοὺς ὡρμήσατε πόλεμον.
³⁵¹ It was therefore then a proper time, when you were certainly freed from any fear on my account, to throw away your weapons, and to demonstrate to the king and to the Romans, that it was not of choice, but as forced by necessity, that you fell into the war against them;	³⁵¹ Then was the proper time, when you were certainly freed from any fear on my account, to throw down your arms and demonstrate to the king and to the Romans, that it was not by choice, but only under necessity, that you were driven into war against them.
³⁵¹ It was therefore necessary for you at that time, having been freed from all fear on my account, both to throw down your arms and to show the King and the Romans that you had entered the war against them, not willingly, but under compulsion.

³⁵² Ὑμεῖς δὲ καὶ περιεμείνατε ΟὐεσπασιανόνVespasian, ἕως αὐτὸς ἀφικόμενος μετὰ πάσης τῆς δυνάμεως προσέλθοι τοῖς τείχεσιν, καὶ τότε διὰ φόβον τὰ ὅπλα κατέθεσθε· καὶ πάντως ἂν ὑμῶν ἡ πόλις ἥλω κατὰ κράτος, εἰ μὴ τῷ βασιλεῖ δεομένῳ καὶ τὴν‎ ἄνοιαν ὑμῶν παραιτουμένῳ συνεχώρησεν ΟὐεσπασιανόςVespasian. Οὐκ ἐγὼ τοίνυν αἴτιος, ἀλλ᾽ ὑμεῖς οἱ πολεμικὰ φρονήσαντες.
³⁵² but you staid till Vespasian came himself as far as your walls, with his whole army; and then you did indeed lay aside your weapons out of fear, and your city had for certain been taken by force, unless Vespasian had complied with the king’s supplication for you, and had excused your madness. It was not I, therefore, who was the author of this, but your own inclinations to war.	³⁵² But you waited until Vespasian himself came as far as your walls, with his whole army; and then indeed out of fear you laid aside your weapons and your city would for certain have been taken by storm, if Vespasian had not heard with the king's plea for you and excused your madness. It was not I, therefore, who instigated all this, but your own lust for war.
³⁵² But you waited for Vespasian until he himself arrived with all his force and approached the walls, and only then did you lay down your arms out of fear. And your city would certainly have been captured by force, had not Vespasian yielded to the King, who pleaded and interceded for your foolishness. Therefore, I was not the cause, but you were the ones who harbored warlike thoughts.

³⁵³ Ἢ οὐ μέμνησθε, ὅτι τοσαυτάκιςso great, so large, so many ὑμῶν ἐγκρατὴς γενόμενος οὐδένα διέφθειρα, στασιάζοντες δ᾽ ὑμεῖς πρὸς ἀλλήλους, οὐ διὰ τὴν‎ πρὸς ῬωμαίουςRomans καὶ τὸν βασιλέα εὔνοιαν, διὰ δὲ τὴν‎ ὑμετέραν αὐτῶν πονηρίαν ἑκατὸν ὀγδοηκονταπέντε τῶν πολιτῶν ἀπεκτείνατε, κατὰ τὸν καιρὸν ἐκεῖνον ἐμοῦ πολιορκουμένουto besiege ἐν ἸωταπάτοιςJotapata ὑπὸ ῬωμαίωνRoman, Latin.
³⁵³ Do not you remember how often I got you under my power, and yet put none of you to death? Nay, you once fell into a tumult one against another, and slew one hundred and eighty-five of your citizens, not on account of your good will to the king and to the Romans, but on account of your own wickedness, and this while I was besieged by the Romans in Jotapata.	³⁵³ Do you not remember how I often had you in my power and yet put none of you to death? Indeed you once began fighting each other, not for any love for the king and the Romans but due to your own malice, and killed one hundred and eighty-five of your citizens, while I was besieged by the Romans in Jotapata.
³⁵³ Or don't you remember that, having gained control over you so many times, I put to death no one? But you, because of your own wickedness, and not because of goodwill toward the Romans and the King, killed one hundred and eighty-five of your own citizens while you were quarrelling with one another, at the very time I was being besieged by the Romans in Jotapata.

³⁵⁴ Τί δ᾽ οὐχὶ καὶ κατὰ τὴν‎ τῶν ἹεροσολύμωνJerusalem πολιορκίαν δισχίλιοι ΤιβεριέωνTiberias ἐξητάσθησαν, οἱ μὲν πεπτωκότες, οἱ δὲ ληφθέντες αἰχμάλωτοι; ἀλλὰ σὺ πολέμιος οὐ γεγονέναι φήσεις, ὅτι πρὸς βασιλέα τότ᾽ ἔφυγες. Καὶ τοῦτο δὲ διὰ τὸν ἐξ ἐμοῦ φόβον φημί σε πεποιηκέναι.
³⁵⁴ Nay, indeed, were there not reckoned up two thousand of the people of Tiberias during the siege of Jerusalem, some of whom were slain, and the rest caught and carried captives? But thou wilt pretend that thou didst not engage in the war, since thou didst flee to the king! Yes, indeed, thou didst flee to him; but I say it was out of fear of me.	³⁵⁴ Indeed, were there not as many as two thousand Tiberians caught in the siege of Jerusalem, some of whom were killed and the rest taken prisoner? But you claim that you did not engage in the war, since you fled to the king. Yes, indeed, you did flee to him; but only out of fear of me.
³⁵⁴ And why were not two thousand Tiberians also investigated during the siege of Jerusalem, some having fallen and others having been taken captive? But you will say that you were not an enemy because you fled to the King at that time. Even this I say you did out of fear of me.

³⁵⁵ Κἀγὼ μὲν πονηρός, ὡς λέγεις, ὁ δὲ βασιλεὺς ἈγρίππαςAgrippa, ὁ τὴν‎ ψυχήν σοι συγχωρήσας ὑπὸ ΟὐεσπασιανοῦVespasianus θανεῖν κατακριθέντι, ὁ τοσούτοις δωρησάμενος χρήμασιν, τίνος ἕνεκεν ὕστερον δὶς μὲν ἔδησε, τοσαυτάκιςso great, so large, so many δὲ φυγεῖν τὴν‎ πατρίδα προσέταξεν, καὶ ἀποθανεῖν δὲ κελεύσας ἅπαξ τῇ ἀδελφῇ ΒερενίκῃBerenice πολλὰ δεηθείσῃ τὴν‎ σὴν σωτηρίαν ἐχαρίσατο;
³⁵⁵ Thou sayest, indeed, that it is I who am a wicked man. But then, for what reason was it that king Agrippa, who procured thee thy life when thou wast condemned to die by Vespasian, and who bestowed so much riches upon thee, did twice afterward put thee in bonds, and as often obliged thee to run away from thy country, and, when he had once ordered thee to be put to death, he granted thee a pardon at the earnest desire of Berenice?	³⁵⁵ You say it was I who was the bad one. But then, why was it that king Agrippa, who saved your life when you were condemned to death by Vespasian, and lavished such riches on you, later had you imprisoned twice and as often made you flee the country, and once, after ordering you to be executed, granted you a pardon at the earnest wish of Berenice?
³⁵⁵ And granted, I am wicked, as you say, but King Agrippa, who pardoned your life after you were condemned to death by Vespasian, who bestowed so much wealth upon you—for what reason did he afterwards twice imprison you, so many times order you to flee your homeland, and even once command your death, only to grant your preservation to his sister Berenice, who pleaded greatly?

³⁵⁶ καὶ μετὰ τοσαῦτα δέ σου κακουργήματα τάξιν ἐπιστολῶν σοι πιστεύσας, ὡς καὶ ταύταις εὗρε ῥᾳδιουργόν, ἀπήλασεto drive away τῆς ὄψεως. Ἀλλὰ περὶ μὲν τούτων ἐλέγχειν ἐπ᾽ ἀκριβὲς ἐῶto permit; to be.
³⁵⁶ And when (after so many of thy wicked pranks) he had made thee his secretary, he caught thee falsifying his epistles, and drove thee away from his sight. But I shall not inquire accurately into these matters of scandal against thee.	³⁵⁶ After all your trickery, when he made you his secretary, he caught you tricking again and drove you out of his sight; but I shall inquire no further into these matters.
³⁵⁶ And after so many of your wicked acts, having entrusted you with the management of correspondence, since he found you to be a scoundrel even with these, he banished you from his sight. But as for these matters, I waive the need for a precise examination.

³⁵⁷ Θαυμάζειν δ᾽ ἔπεισί μοι τὴν‎ σὴν ἀναίδειαν, ὅτι τολμᾷςaudacity, daring, courage λέγειν ἁπάντων τῶν τὴν‎ πραγματείαν ταύτην γεγραφότων αὐτὸς ἄμεινον ἐξηγγελκέναι, μήτε τὰ πραχθέντα κατὰ τὴν‎ ΓαλιλαίανGalilee ἐπιστάμενος, ἦς γὰρ ἐν ΒηρυτῷBerytus τότε παρὰ βασιλεῖ, μηθ᾽ ὅσα ἔπαθον ῬωμαῖοιRomans ἐπὶ τῆς ἸωταπάτωνJotapata πολιορκίας ἢ ἔδρασαν ἡμᾶς παρακολουθήσας, μήθ᾽ ὅσα κατ᾽ ἐμαυτὸν ἔπραξαto pass through, pass over πολιορκούμενος δυνηθεὶς πυθέσθαι· πάντες γὰρ οἱ ἀπαγγείλαντες ἂν διεφθάρησαν ἐπὶ τῆς παρατάξεως ἐκείνης.
³⁵⁷ Yet cannot I but wonder at thy impudence, when thou hast the assurance to say, that thou hast better related these affairs [of the war] than have all the others that have written about them, whilst thou didst not know what was done in Galilee, for thou wast then at Berytus with the king; nor didst thou know how much the Romans suffered at the siege of Jotapata, or what miseries they brought upon us; nor couldst thou learn by inquiry what I did during that siege myself; for all those that might afford such information were quite destroyed in that siege.	³⁵⁷ Yet I cannot I but be amazed at your impudence, that you dare to claim that your report is better than that of all others who have written about it, while you neither knew what happened in Galilee—since you were then at Berytus with the king—nor what the Romans suffered or inflicted on us at the siege of Jotapata; nor could you find out what I myself did during that siege; for all who might have such information died in that siege.
³⁵⁷ And I am astonished at your audacity for daring to claim that you have related this history better than all those who have written it, seeing that you were neither acquainted with the things that happened in Galilee—for you were then in Berytus with the King—nor were you an eyewitness of the sufferings or the actions of the Romans during the siege of Jotapata, nor were you able to learn the things I did while I was besieged, since all those who might have reported them perished in that engagement.

³⁵⁸ Ἀλλ᾽But ἴσως τὰ κατὰ τὴν‎ ἹεροσόλυμαJerusalem πραχθέντα μετὰ ἀκριβείας φήσεις συγγεγραφέναι. Καὶ πῶς οἷόν τε; οὔτε γὰρ τῷ πολέμῳ παρέτυχες οὔτε τὰ ΚαίσαροςCaesar ἀνέγνως ὑπομνήματα. Μέγιστον δὲ τεκμήριον· τοῖς γὰρ ΚαίσαροςCaesar ὑπομνήμασιν ἐναντίανopposite, against πεποίησαι τὴν‎ γραφήν.
³⁵⁸ But perhaps thou wilt say, thou hast written of what was done against the people of Jerusalem exactly. But how should that be? for neither wast thou concerned in that war, nor hast thou read the commentaries of Caesar; of which we have evident proof, because thou hast contradicted those commentaries of Caesar in thy history.	³⁵⁸ Still, you may perhaps claim to have described exactly what was done against the people of Jerusalem. But how could that be? You neither took part in that war, nor have you read the emperor's commentaries, as is evident from the fact that you contradicted those commentaries in your history.
³⁵⁸ But perhaps you will say that you have written with accuracy concerning the events that took place in Jerusalem. And how is that possible? For you neither participated in the war nor have you read Caesar's commentaries. The greatest proof of this is that you have made your account contrary to Caesar's commentaries.

³⁵⁹ Εἰ δὲ θαρρεῖς ἄμεινον ἁπάντων συγγεγραφέναι, διὰ τί ζώντων ΟὐεσπασιανοῦVespasianus καὶ ΤίτουTitus τῶν αὐτοκρατόρων τῶν τὸν πόλεμον κατεργασαμένων καὶ βασιλέως ἈγρίππαAgrippa περιόντος ἔτι καὶ τῶν ἐκ γένους αὐτοῦ‎ πάντων, ἀνδρῶν τῆς ἙλληνικῆςGreek παιδείας ἐπὶ πλεῖστον ἡκόντων, τὴν‎ ἱστορίαν οὐκ ἔφερες εἰς μέσον;
³⁵⁹ But if thou art so hardy as to affirm that thou hast written that history better than all the rest, why didst thou not publish thy history while the emperors Vespasian and Titus, the generals in that war, as well as king Agrippa and his family, who were men very well skilled in the learning of the Greeks, were all alive?	³⁵⁹ But if you are so bold as to claim that your history is better than all the rest, why did you not publish it while the emperors Vespasian and Titus, the generals in that war, as well as king Agrippa and his family, all skilled in Hellenistic culture, were still alive?
³⁵⁹ But if you are confident that you have written a better history than all others, why did you not bring the account forth into the public eye while Vespasian and Titus, the emperors who finished the war, were still living, and while king Agrippa was still surviving, along with all of his family, men who had achieved the highest level of Greek education?

³⁶⁰ πρὸ γὰρ εἴκοσι ἐτῶν εἶχες γεγραμμένην καὶ παρ᾽ εἰδότων ἔμελλες τῆς ἀκριβείας τὴν‎ μαρτυρίαν ἀποφέρεσθαι· νῦν δ᾽, ὅτ᾽when ἐκεῖνοι μὲν οὐκέτ᾽ εἰσὶν μεθ᾽ ἡμῶν, ἐλεγχθῆναι δ᾽ οὐ νομίζεις, τεθάρρηκας.
³⁶⁰ for thou hast had it written these twenty years, and then mightst thou have had the testimony of thy accuracy. But now when these men are no longer with us, and thou thinkest thou canst not be contradicted, thou venturest to publish it.	³⁶⁰ For you had written it twenty years ago and at that time could have had their testimony to your accuracy. But only now, when these are no longer with us and you think you cannot be contradicted, you venture to publish it.
³⁶⁰ For twenty years ago you could have had it (your history) written and you would have been likely to obtain the testimony to its accuracy from those who knew; but now, when those people are no longer with us, and you think you cannot be refuted, you have become bold (to publish it).

³⁶¹ Οὐ μὴν ἐγώ σοι τὸν αὐτὸν τρόπον περὶ τῆς ἐμαυτοῦ γραφῆς ἔδεισα, ἀλλ᾽ αὐτοῖς ἐπέδωκα τοῖς αὐτοκράτορσι τὰ βιβλία μόνον οὐ τῶν ἔργων ἔτι βλεπομένων· συνῄδειν γὰρ ἐμαυτῷ τετηρηκότι τὴν‎ τῆς ἀληθείας παράδοσιν, ἐφ᾽ ᾗ μαρτυρίας τεύξεσθαι προσδοκήσας οὐ διήμαρτον.
³⁶¹ But then I was not in like manner afraid of my own writing, but I offered my books to the emperors themselves, when the facts were almost under men’s eyes; for I was conscious to myself that I had observed the truth of the facts; and as I expected to have their attestation to them, so I was not deceived in such expectation.	³⁶¹ I had no such fear about my own writing, but I presented my books to the emperors themselves, when the facts were barely faded from sight; for I was conscious of preserving the truth of the facts; and as I was confident of their testimony to them, my hopes were not disappointed.
³⁶¹ However, I was not afraid of you in the same manner concerning my own account, but I submitted the books to the Emperors themselves while the events were still almost visible. For I was conscious to myself that I had preserved the tradition of the truth, and I was not mistaken in my expectation of obtaining their testimony.

³⁶² Καὶ ἄλλοις δὲ πολλοῖς εὐθὺς ἐπέδωκα τὴν‎ ἱστορίαν, ὧν ἔνιοι καὶ παρατετεύχεισαν τῷ πολέμῳ, καθάπερ βασιλεὺς ἈγρίππαςAgrippa καί τινες αὐτοῦ‎ τῶν συγγενῶν.
³⁶² Moreover, I immediately presented my history to many other persons, some of whom were concerned in the war, as was king Agrippa and some of his kindred.	³⁶² Moreover, I immediately presented my history to many others, some of whom were involved in the war, as was king Agrippa and some of his family.
³⁶² And indeed, I submitted the history immediately to many other people, some of whom were also present during the war, such as King Agrippa and some of his relatives.

³⁶³ Ὁ μὲν γὰρ αὐτοκράτωρ ΤίτοςTitus ἐκ μόνων αὐτῶν ἐβουλήθη τὴν‎ γνῶσιν τοῖς ἀνθρώποις παραδοῦναι τῶν πράξεων, ὥστε χαράξας τῇ ἑαυτοῦ χειρὶ τὰ βιβλία δημοσιῶσαι προσέταξεν,
³⁶³ Now the emperor Titus was so desirous that the knowledge of these affairs should be taken from these books alone, that he subscribed his own hand to them, and ordered that they should be published;	³⁶³ The emperor Titus was so anxious that people should learn of these matters only from my books, that he signed them himself and ordered that they be published.
³⁶³ For the Emperor Titus himself desired to hand down the knowledge of the events to mankind from those very books, so much so that he inscribed the books with his own hand and ordered them to be made public.

³⁶⁴ ὁ δὲ βασιλεὺς ἈγρίππαςAgrippa ἑξηκονταδύο62 γέγραφεν ἐπιστολὰς τῇ τῆς ἀληθείας παραδόσει μαρτυρῶν. Ὧν δὴ καὶ δύο ὑπέταξα καὶ βουληθέντι σοι τὰ γεγραμμένα γνῶναι πάρεστιν ἐξ αὐτῶν·
³⁶⁴ and for king Agrippa, he wrote me sixty-two letters, and attested to the truth of what I had therein delivered: two of which letters I have here subjoined, and thou mayst thereby know their contents:—	³⁶⁴ And king Agrippa wrote me sixty-two letters attesting to the truth of my record, two of which I have attached here, that you may know what is written in them:
³⁶⁴ And King Agrippa wrote sixty-two letters [to me], bearing witness to the tradition of the truth. Of these, I have attached two, and if you wish to know what was written, it is possible for you to know it from them.

³⁶⁵ «Βασιλεὺς ἈγρίππαςAgrippa ἸωσήπῳJoseph τῷ φιλτάτῳ χαίρειν. ἥδιστα διῆλθον τὴν‎ βύβλον, καί μοι πολὺ ἐπιμελέστερον ἔδοξας τῶν ταῦτα συγγραψάντων ἠκριβωκέναι. Πέμπε δέ μοι καὶ τὰς λοιπάς. Ἔρρωσο.»
³⁶⁵ “King Agrippa to Josephus, his dear friend, sendeth greeting. I have read over thy book with great pleasure, and it appears to me that thou hast done it much more accurately and with greater care than have the other writers. Send me the rest of these books. Farewell, my dear friend.”	³⁶⁵ “King Agrippa to dearest Josephus, greetings. I have read the book with great pleasure. Of all writers, you appear to me to have written these things with far the greatest care and accuracy. Send me the remaining volumes. Farewell.”
³⁶⁵ “King Agrippa to his dearest Josephus, greetings. I have read through the book with the greatest pleasure, and it seems to me that you have described these matters with much greater accuracy than those who have written about them. Send me the rest of the volumes as well. Farewell.”

³⁶⁶ «Βασιλεὺς ἈγρίππαςAgrippa ἸωσήπῳJoseph τῷ φιλτάτῳ χαίρειν. Ἐξ ὧν ἔγραψας οὐδεμιᾶς ἔοικας χρῄζειν διδασκαλίας ὑπὲρ τοῦ μαθεῖν ἡμᾶς ὅλους ἀρχῆθεν. ὅταν μέντοι συντύχῃς μοι, καὶ αὐτός σε πολλὰ κατηχήσω τῶν ἀγνοουμένωνnot to know.»
³⁶⁶ “King Agrippa to Josephus, his dear friend, sendeth greeting. It seems by what thou hast written, that thou standest in need of no instruction, in order to our information from the beginning. However, when thou comest to me, I will inform thee of a great many things which thou dost not know.”	³⁶⁶ “King Agrippa to dearest Josephus, greetings. From what you wrote, you seem to need no instruction, in order to let us know all things from the beginning. But when you meet me, I will inform you of much that is unknown.”
³⁶⁶ “King Agrippa to his dearest Josephus, greetings. From what you have written, you appear to need no instruction in order to fully inform us of everything from the beginning. However, when you meet with me, I myself will also fully instruct you in many things which are unknown.”

³⁶⁷ Ἐμοὶ δὲ ἀπαρτισθείσης τῆς ἱστορίας ἀληθείᾳ οὐ κολακεύων, οὐδὲ γὰρ ἐπέβαλλεν αὐτῷ, οὐδὲ εἰρωνευόμενος, ὡς σὺ φήσεις, πόρρω γὰρ ἦν ἐκεῖνος τοιαύτης κακοηθείας, ἀλλὰ τὴν‎ ἀλήθειαν ἐμαρτύρει, καθάπερ πάντες οἱ ταῖς ἱστορίαις ἐντυγχάνοντες. Ἀλλὰ τὰ μὲν πρὸς ἸοῦστονJustus ἀναγκαίαν λαβόντα τὴν‎ παρέκβασινtransgression μέχρι τούτων ἡμῖν λελέχθω.
³⁶⁷ So when this history was perfected, Agrippa, neither by way of flattery, which was not agreeable to him, nor by way of irony, as thou wilt say (for he was entirely a stranger to such an evil disposition of mind), but he wrote this by way of attestation to what was true, as all that read histories may do. And so much shall be said concerning Justus, which I am obliged to add by way of digression.	³⁶⁷ So when this history was finished, it was neither by way of flattery, for that was not his way, nor, as you will claim, by way of irony (for he was above such malice) but quite sincerely, that he, like all who have read these histories, attested to their truth. Here I end my digression about Justus which he forced upon me.
³⁶⁷ But when the history was completed, it was truly not out of flattery—for that was not proper for him—nor was it through irony, as you might claim, for he was far removed from such malice; rather, he bore witness to the truth, just as all those who read the histories do. But let the digression which was necessary concerning Justus be said up to this point.

Four Thousand Men Desert John

³⁶⁸ Διοικήσας δ᾽ ἐγὼ τὰ κατὰ τὴν‎ ΤιβεριάδαTiberias καὶ καθίσας τῶν φίλων συνέδριον ἐβουλευόμην περὶ τῶν πρὸς ἸωάννηνJohn πραχθησομένων. Ἐδόκει μὲν οὖν πᾶσι τοῖς ΓαλιλαίοιςGalileans ὁπλίσαντα πάντας ἀπελθεῖν ἐπὶ τὸν ἸωάννηνJohn καὶ λαβεῖν παρ᾽ αὐτοῦ‎ δίκας ὡς πάσης τῆς στάσεως αἰτίου γεγονότος.
³⁶⁸ Now, when I had settled the affairs of Tiberias, and had assembled my friends as a sanhedrin, I consulted what I should do as to John: whereupon it appeared to be the opinion of all the Galileans that I should arm them all, and march against John, and punish him as the author of all the disorders that had happened.	³⁶⁸ When I had settled the affairs of Tiberias I called a meeting of my friends and consulted them on what to do about John. The unanimous opinion of the Galileans was that I should arm them and march against John to punish him as the author of all the disorders that had happened.
³⁶⁸ After I had settled the affairs in Tiberias and had convened a council of my friends, I began deliberating about what measures should be taken against John [of Gischala]. It was the opinion of all the Galileans that we should arm everyone and march against John, and exact punishment from him as the person responsible for the whole insurrection.

³⁶⁹ Οὐκ ἠρεσκόμην δ᾽ ἐγὼ ταῖς γνώμαις αὐτῶν προαίρεσιν ἔχων τὰς ταραχὰς χωρὶς φόνου Καταστέλλειν. Ὅθεν δὴ παρῄνεσα πᾶσαν εἰσενέγκασθαι πρόνοιαν ὑπὲρ τοῦ γνῶναι τὰ ὀνόματα τῶν ὑπὸ τὸν ἸωάννηνJohn ὄντων.
³⁶⁹ Yet was not I pleased with their determination; as purposing to compose these troubles without bloodshed. Upon this I exhorted them to use the utmost care to learn the names of all that were under John;	³⁶⁹ Yet I did not share their view, as I wished to resolve these troubles without bloodshed, so I urged them to carefully find out the names of all that were under John.
³⁶⁹ However, I was not pleased with their judgment, as it was my intention to suppress the disturbances without bloodshed. Therefore, I advised them to use every caution to learn the names of those who were under the command of John.

³⁷⁰ ποιησάντων δ᾽ ἐκείνων γνοὺς ἐγὼ τοὺς ἀνθρώπους οἵτινες ἦσαν ἐξέθηκα πρόγραμμαa public proclamation, διὰ τούτου πίστιν καὶ δεξιὰν προτείνων τοῖς μετὰ ἸωάννουJohn θελήσασιν λαβεῖν μετάνοιαν, καὶ ἡμερῶν εἴκοσι χρόνον προέτεινα τοῖς βουλεύσασθαι θέλουσιν περὶ τῶν ἑαυτοῖς συμφερόντων. ἠπείλουνto hold out; to keep away δέ, εἰ μὴ ῥίψουσιν τὰ ὅπλα, καταπρήσειν αὐτῶν τὰς οἰκήσεις καὶ δημοσιώσειν τὰς οὐσίας.
³⁷⁰ which when they had done, and I thereby was apprised who the men were, I published an edict, wherein I offered security and my right hand to such of John’s party as had a mind to repent; and I allowed twenty days’ time to such as would take this most advantageous course for themselves. I also threatened, that unless they threw down their arms, I would burn their houses, and expose their goods to public sale.	³⁷⁰ When they had done this and I knew who the men were, I published an edict, offering security and my guarantee to those of John's side who wished to repent; I allowed twenty days' time to any who wished to take this course for their own good. I also threatened, if they did not throw down their arms, I would burn their houses and offer their goods for public sale.
³⁷⁰ When they had done this and I had learned who the men were, I issued a proclamation, thereby offering an assurance and a pledge¹ to those with John who wished to repent. And I granted a period of twenty days to those who wished to consider what was best for their own interests. I threatened, moreover, that if they did not throw down their arms, I would burn their houses and confiscate their property.

¹literally: "right hand"

³⁷¹ Ταῦτα δὲ ἀκούσαντες οἱ ἄνθρωποι καὶ ταραχθέντες οὔ τι μετρίως καταλείπουσιν μὲν τὸν ἸωάννηνJohn, τὰ δ᾽ ὅπλα ῥίψαντες ἧκον πρός με τετρακισχίλιοι τὸν ἀριθμὸν ὄντες.
³⁷¹ When the men heard of this, they were in no small disorder, and deserted John; and to the number of four thousand threw down their arms, and came to me.	³⁷¹ When they heard this, they were alarmed and deserted John; and four thousand of them threw down their arms and joined me.
³⁷¹ When the men heard this, they were extremely alarmed, and they abandoned John, threw down their arms, and came to me, being four thousand in number.

³⁷² Μόνοι δὲ τῷ ἸωάννῃJohn παρέμειναν οἱ πολῖται καὶ ξένοι τινὲς ἐκ τῆς ΤυρίωνTyrians μητροπόλεως ὡς χίλιοι καὶ πεντακόσιοι. ἸωάννηςJohn μὲν οὖν οὕτω καταστρατηγηθεὶς ὑπ᾽ ἐμοῦ τὸ λοιπὸν ἐν τῇ πατρίδι περίφοβος ἔμεινεν.
³⁷² So that no others staid with John but his own citizens, and about fifteen hundred strangers that came from the metropolis of Tyre; and when John saw that he had been outwitted by my stratagem, he continued afterward in his own country, and was in great fear of me.	³⁷² Only his fellow-citizens stayed with John, with about fifteen hundred aliens from the metropolis of Tyre; and outmanoeuvred by me, from then on John was afraid and stayed in his own town.
³⁷² Only the citizens [of Gischala] and some foreigners from the mother-city of Tyre remained with John, being about fifteen hundred in number. John, therefore, having been thus outmaneuvered by me, remained fearful in his native city for the future.

Chapter 11 Josephus tries to spare Sepphoris and Tiberias
373-393

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Josephus Takes Sepphoris

³⁷³ Κατὰ τοῦτον δὲ τὸν καιρὸν ΣεπφωρῖταιSepphorites θαρρήσαντες ἀναλαμβάνουσιν ὅπλα πεποιθότες τῇ τε τῶν τειχῶν ὀχυρότητι καὶ τῷ πρὸς ἑτέροις ὄντα με ὁρᾶν. Πέμπουσι δὴ πρὸς ΚέστιονCestius ΓάλλονGallus, ΣυρίαςSyria δ᾽ ἦν οὗτος ἡγεμών, παρακαλοῦντες ἢ αὐτὸν ἥκειν θᾶττον παραληψόμενον αὐτῶν τὴν‎ πόλιν ἢ πέμψαι τοὺς φρουρήσοντας.
³⁷³ But about this time it was that the people of Sepphoris grew insolent, and took up arms, out of a confidence they had in the strength of their walls, and because they saw me engaged in other affairs also. So they sent to Cestius Gallus, who was president of Syria, and desired that he would either come quickly to them, and take their city under his protection, or send them a garrison.	³⁷³ About this time the Sepphorites, confident in the strength of their walls and because they seeing me busy with other matters, boldly took up arms. They sent to Cestius Gallus, the governor of Syria, asking him either to come quickly and take their city under his protection, or to send them a garrison.
³⁷³ At this very time, the people of Sepphoris took courage and took up arms, relying on both the strength of their walls and the fact that they saw me preoccupied with other matters. They therefore sent a delegation to Cestius Gallus—who was the governor of Syria—entreating him either to come quickly himself to take charge of their city or to send a garrison to protect it.

³⁷⁴ Ὁ δὲ ΓάλλοςGallus ἐλεύσεσθαι μὲν ὑπέσχετο, πότε δὲ οὐ διεσάφησεν. Κἀγὼ ταῦτα πυθόμενος, ἀναλαβὼν τοὺς σὺν ἐμοὶ στρατιώτας καὶ ὁρμήσας ἐπὶ τοὺς ΣεπφωρίταςSepphoris εἷλον αὐτῶν κατὰ κράτος τὴν‎ πόλιν.
³⁷⁴ Accordingly Gallus promised them to come, but did not send word when he would come; and when I had learned so much, I took the soldiers that were with me, and made an assault upon the people of Sepphoris, and took the city by force.	³⁷⁴ Accordingly, Gallus promised to come, but did not say when he would come; so when I learned this, I took my soldiers and attacked the Sepphorites and took the city by force.
³⁷⁴ Gallus indeed promised that he would come, but he did not specify when. And when I learned this, I took the soldiers who were with me and swiftly marched against the people of Sepphoris, and I captured their city by force.

³⁷⁵ Λαβόμενοι δ᾽ ἀφορμῆς οἱ ΓαλιλαῖοιGalileans καὶ παρεῖναι τοῦ μίσους τὸν καιρὸν οὐ βουληθέντες, εἶχον γὰρ ἀπεχθῶς καὶ πρὸς ταύτην τὴν‎ πόλιν, ὥρμησαν ὡς ἄρδην ἀφανίσοντες πάντας σὺν τοῖς ἐποίκοις.
³⁷⁵ The Galileans took this opportunity, as thinking they had now a proper time for showing their hatred to them, since they bore ill will to that city also. They then exerted themselves, as if they would destroy them all utterly, with those that sojourned there also.	³⁷⁵ The Galileans, seeing this as an opportunity to vent their hatred on a city they detested, rushed forward intending to destroy them all including the aliens living there.
³⁷⁵ The Galileans, seizing this opportunity, and being unwilling to let the moment for their hatred pass—for they also held this city in dislike—rushed forward with the intention of utterly destroying everyone, including the resident aliens.¹

¹A resident alien is a foreign person who is living in this country but is not a citizen of it.

³⁷⁶ Εἰσδραμόντες οὖν ἐνεπίμπρασαν αὐτῶν τὰς οἰκίας ἐρήμους καταλαμβάνοντες· οἱ γὰρ ἄνθρωποι δείσαντες εἰς τὴν‎ ἀκρόπολιν συνέφυγον· διήρπαζον δὲ πάντα καὶ τρόπον οὐδένα πορθήσεως κατὰ τῶν ὁμοφύλωνof the same race παρελίμπανον.
³⁷⁶ So they ran upon them, and set their houses on fire, as finding them without inhabitants; for the men, out of fear, ran together to the citadel. So the Galileans carried off every thing, and omitted no kind of desolation which they could bring upon their countrymen.	³⁷⁶ So they rushed in and finding their houses empty, set them on fire, for the people had fled in fear to the citadel. They looted everything and spared their countrymen no kind of misery.
³⁷⁶ Having rushed in, they proceeded to burn their houses, but found them empty, for the inhabitants, being afraid, had fled together into the citadel. And they plundered everything, omitting no form of devastation against their fellow countrymen.

³⁷⁷ Ταῦτ᾽ ἐγὼ θεασάμενος σφόδρα διετέθην ἀνιαρῶς καὶ παύεσθαι προσέταττον αὐτοῖς, ὑπομιμνήσκωνto draw attention to ὅτι τοιαῦτα δρᾶν ὁμοφύλους οὐκ ἔστιν ὅσιον.
³⁷⁷ When I saw this, I was exceedingly troubled at it, and commanded them to leave off, and put them in mind that it was not agreeable to piety to do such things to their countrymen:	³⁷⁷ I was distressed at this and ordered them to stop, reminding them that it was impious to do such things to their own countrymen.
³⁷⁷ When I saw these things, I was very greatly distressed and I commanded them to stop, reminding them that it is not right to commit such actions against fellow countrymen.

³⁷⁸ Ἐπεὶ δ᾽ οὔτε παρακαλοῦντος οὔτε προστάσσοντος ἤκουον, ἐνίκα δὲ τὸ μῖσος τὰς παραινέσεις, τοὺς πιστοτάτους τῶν περὶ ἐμὲ φίλων ἐκέλευσα διαδοῦναι λόγους, ὡς ῬωμαίωνRoman, Latin μετὰ μεγάλης δυνάμεως κατὰ τὸ ἕτερον μέρος τῆς πόλεως εἰσβεβληκότων.
³⁷⁸ but since they neither would hearken to what I exhorted, nor to what I commanded them to do (for the hatred they bore to the people there was too hard for my exhortations to them), I bade those my friends, who were most faithful to me, and were about me, to give out reports, as if the Romans were falling upon the other part of the city with a great army;	³⁷⁸ But since they heeded neither my urgings nor my orders, for their hatred for the people there was stronger than all my words, I bade my closest and most faithful friends to spread a rumour that the Romans were attacking the other side of the city with a large army.
³⁷⁸ But since they would not listen to me, neither when I pleaded nor when I commanded, and their hatred overcame my appeals, I ordered the most trusted of my friends to spread the report that the Romans had invaded the city with a large force on the other side.

³⁷⁹ Ταῦτα δ᾽ ἐποίουν ὑπὲρ τοῦ τῆς φήμης ἐμπεσούσηςto fall upon ἐπισχεῖν μὲν τῶν ΓαλιλαίωνGalilee τὰς ὁρμάς, διασῶσαι δὲ τὴν‎ τῶν ΣεπφωριτῶνSepphoris πόλιν. Καὶ τέλος προυχώρησε τὸ στρατήγημα·
³⁷⁹ and this I did, that, by such a report being spread abroad, I might restrain the violence of the Galileans, and preserve the city of Sepphoris. And at length this stratagem had its effect;	³⁷⁹ This I did so that, when this report spread around it would restrain the violence of the Galileans and save the city of Sepphoris.
³⁷⁹ I did these things so that, when the rumour was spread, I might restrain the impulse of the Galileans, and thereby save the city of Sepphoris. And in the end, the stratagem succeeded.

³⁸⁰ τῆς γὰρ ἀγγελίαςa message ἀκούσαντες ἐφοβήθησαν ὑπὲρ αὑτῶν· καὶ καταλιπόντες τὰς ἁρπαγὰς ἔφευγον, μάλιστα δ᾽, ἐπεὶ κἀμὲ τὸν στρατηγὸν ἑώρων ταῦτα ποιοῦντα· πρὸς γὰρ τὸ πιστὸν τῆς φήμης ἐσκηπτόμην ὁμοίως αὐτοῖς διατεθεῖσθαι. ΣεπφωρῖταιSepphorites δὲ παρ᾽ ἐλπίδα τὴν‎ ἑαυτῶν ὑπὸ τοῦ ἐμοῦ σοφίσματος ἐσώθησαν.
³⁸⁰ for, upon hearing this report, they were in fear for themselves, and so they left off plundering, and ran away; and this more especially, because they saw me, their general, do the same also; for that I might cause this report to be believed, I pretended to be in fear as well as they.—Thus were the inhabitants of Sepphoris unexpectedly preserved by this contrivance of mine.	³⁸⁰ In the end this plan worked; for when they heard this report, fearing for their own selves they left off looting and ran away; and especially when they saw me, their general, also doing the same; for, to make this report credible I also pretended to be as much afraid as they. That is how the Sepphorites were unexpectedly saved by this trick of mine.
³⁸⁰ For having heard the report, they became afraid for themselves; and abandoning their plunder, they fled, especially since they saw me, the general, doing the same things; for, to make the rumor credible, I pretended to be similarly affected (i.e., afraid) as they were. And the Sepphorites were saved, contrary to their own expectation, by my stratagem.

Tiberias, Endangered, Is Delivered by Josephus

³⁸¹ Καὶ ΤιβεριὰςTiberias δὲ παρ᾽ ὀλίγον ἀνηρπάσθη ὑπὸ ΓαλιλαίωνGalilee τοιαύτης αἰτίας ὑποπεσούσης· τῶν ἐκ τῆς βουλῆς οἱ πρῶτοι γράφουσι πρὸς τὸν βασιλέα παρακαλοῦντες ἀφικέσθαι πρὸς αὐτοὺς παραληψόμενον τὴν‎ πόλιν.
³⁸¹ Nay, indeed, Tiberias had like to have been plundered by the Galileans also upon the following occasion:—The chief men of the senate wrote to the king, and desired that he would come to them, and take possession of their city.	³⁸¹ Indeed, even Tiberias narrowly escaped being plundered by the Galileans, on the following occasion. The leaders of the council wrote to the king, asking him to come to them and take over their city.
³⁸¹ And Tiberias was also very nearly seized by the Galileans when a similar incident occurred: the leading men of the council wrote to the King (Agrippa II, 27 AD-100 AD), entreating him to come to them and take charge of the city.

³⁸² Ὑπέσχετο δ᾽ ὁ βασιλεὺς ἔρχεσθαι, καὶ τὰς ἐπιστολὰς ἀντιγράφει καὶ τῶν περὶ τὸν κοιτῶνα τινί, ΚρίσπῳCrispus μὲν τοὔνομα, τὸ δὲ γένος ἸουδαίῳJew, δίδωσι πρὸς τοὺς ΤιβεριεῖςTiberias φέρειν.
³⁸² The king promised to come, and wrote a letter in answer to theirs, and gave it to one of his bed chamber, whose name was Crispus, and who was by birth a Jew, to carry it to Tiberias.	³⁸² The king promised to come and wrote a letter in response, giving it to his chamberlain, named Crispus, who was by birth a Jew, to bring it to Tiberias.
³⁸² And the King promised to come, and he wrote letters in response, and gave them to a certain man of his chamber staff—Crispus by name, and a Jew by birth—to carry to the people of Tiberias.

³⁸³ Τοῦτον κομίσαντα τὰ γράμματα γνωρίσαντες οἱ ΓαλιλαῖοιGalileans καὶ συλλαβόντες ἄγουσιν ἐπ᾽ ἐμέ. Τὸ δὲ πᾶν πλῆθος, ὡς ἤκουσεν, παροξυνθὲν ἐφ᾽ ὅπλα τρέπεται.
³⁸³ When the Galileans knew that this man carried such a letter, they caught him and brought him to me; but as soon as the whole multitude heard of it, they were enraged, and betook themselves to their arms.	³⁸³ When the Galileans learned that this man carried such a letter, they caught him and brought him to me; and as soon as the crowd heard of it, they were enraged and took to arms.
³⁸³ And when the Galileans recognized this man who was carrying the letters, they arrested him and brought him to me. And the whole populace, as soon as they heard (the news), was greatly provoked and turned to arms.

³⁸⁴ Συναχθέντες δὲ πολλοὶ πολλαχόθεν κατὰ τὴν‎ ἐπιοῦσανthe next day ἧκον εἰς ἌσωχινAsochis πόλιν, ἔνθα δὴ τὴν‎ κατάλυσιν ἐποιούμην, καταβοήσεις τε σφόδρα ἐποιοῦντο, προδότιν ἀποκαλοῦντεςto recall τὴν‎ ΤιβεριάδαTiberias καὶ βασιλέως φίλην, ἐπιτρέπειν τε ἠξίουν αὐτοῖς καταβᾶσιν ἄρδην ἀφανίσαι· καὶ γὰρ πρὸς τοὺς ΤιβεριεῖςTiberias εἶχον ἀπεχθῶς, ὡς πρὸς τοὺς ΣεπφωρίταςSepphoris.
³⁸⁴ So a great many of them got together from all quarters the next day, and came to the city Asochis, where I then lodged, and made heavy clamors, and called the city of Tiberias a traitor to them, and a friend to the king; and desired leave of me to go down and utterly destroy it; for they bore the like ill will to the people of Tiberias as they did to those of Sepphoris.	³⁸⁴ Next day a great many of them came from all quarters to the town of Asochis, where I was then staying and bitterly complained, calling the city of Tiberias a traitor to them and a friend to the king; and asking my leave to go down and utterly destroy it; for they hated the Tiberians as much as the Sepphorites.
³⁸⁴ Many, having gathered from many places, came on the following day to the city of Asochis, where I was staying, and they raised a great clamour, calling Tiberias city a traitor and a friend of the King, and they demanded that I permit them to go down and utterly destroy it; for they also held the people of Tiberias in dislike, just as they did toward the people of Sepphoris.

³⁸⁵ Ἐγὼ δ᾽ ἀκούσας ἠπόρουν, τίνα τρόπον ἐξαρπάσω τὴν‎ ΤιβεριάδαTiberias τῆς ΓαλιλαίωνGalilee ὀργῆς. Ἀρνήσασθαι γὰρ οὐκ ἐδυνάμην μὴ γεγραφέναι τοὺς ΤιβεριεῖςTiberias καλοῦντας τὸν βασιλέα· ἤλεγχον γὰρ αἱ παρ᾽ ἐκείνου πρὸς αὐτοὺς ἀντιγραφαὶ τὴν‎ ἀλήθειαν.
³⁸⁵ When I heard this, I was in doubt what to do, and hesitated by what means I might deliver Tiberias from the rage of the Galileans; for I could not deny that those of Tiberias had written to the king, and invited him to come to them; for his letters to them, in answer thereto, would fully prove the truth of that.	³⁸⁵ When I heard this, I was stuck for a way to save Tiberias from the rage of the Galileans, since I could not deny that the Tiberians had written to the king inviting him to come to them; his answering letters to them proved the truth of that.
³⁸⁵ When I heard this, I was at a loss as to what way I could rescue Tiberias from the wrath of the Galileans. For I could not deny that the people of Tiberias had written to summon the King; since the letters of reply from him to them proved the truth.

³⁸⁶ Σύννους οὖν πολλὴν γενόμενος ὥραν, «Ὅτι μὲν ἠδικήκασιν,» εἶπον, «ΤιβεριεῖςTiberias, οἶδα κἀγώ, τὴν‎ πόλιν δ᾽ αὐτῶν ὑμᾶς οὐ κωλύσω διαρπάσαι. Δεῖ δ᾽ ὅμως καὶ μετὰ κρίσεως τὰ τηλικαῦτα πράττειν· οὐ γὰρ μόνοι ΤιβεριεῖςTiberias προδόται τῆς ἐλευθερίας ἡμῶν γεγόνασιν, ἀλλὰ πολλοὶ καὶ τῶν ἐν ΓαλιλαίᾳGalilee δοκιμωτάτων.
³⁸⁶ So I sat a long time musing with myself, and then said to them, “I know well enough that the people of Tiberias have offended; nor shall I forbid you to plunder the city. However, such things ought to be done with discretion; for they of Tiberias have not been the only betrayers of our liberty, but many of the most eminent patriots of the Galileans, as they pretended to be, have done the same.	³⁸⁶ So I sat a long time musing and then said to them, “I know well enough how the Tiberians have offended and will not stop you from plundering the city. But such things should be done with care, for the Tiberians are not the only ones to betray our liberty, for many of the foremost Galileans have done likewise.
³⁸⁶ Therefore, after remaining deep in thought for a long time, I said: “I also know that the people of Tiberias have acted wrongly, and I will not prevent you from plundering their city. However, such serious matters must still be undertaken with judgment; for the people of Tiberias have not been the only traitors to our freedom, but many of the most respected men in Galilee as well.

³⁸⁷ Προσμείνατε δὴ μέχρι τοὺς αἰτίους ἀκριβῶς ἐκμάθω, καὶ τότε πάντας ὑποχειρίους ἕξετε καὶ ὅσους ἰδίᾳ ἐπάξαι δυνήσεσθε.»
³⁸⁷ Tarry therefore till I shall thoroughly find out those authors of our danger, and then you shall have them all at once under your power; with all such as you shall yourselves bring in also.”	³⁸⁷ So wait until I find out exactly who are guilty and then you shall have them all together under your power, along with whomever you shall yourselves bring in.”
³⁸⁷ Wait then, until I learn precisely who the guilty parties are, and then you will have all of them under your control, and as many as you can individually seize.”

³⁸⁸ Ταῦτ᾽ εἰπὼν ἔπεισαto persuade τὸ πλῆθος καὶ παυσάμενοι τῆς ὀργῆς διελύθησαν. Τὸν παρὰ βασιλέως δὲ πεμφθέντα δῆσαι κελεύσας, μετ᾽ οὐ πολλὰς ἡμέρας ἐπί τινα τῶν ἐμαυτοῦ χρειῶν ἐπείγουσαν σκηψάμενος ἐκδημεῖν τῆς βασιλείας, καλέσας τὸν ΚρῖσπονCrispus λάθρα προσέταξα μεθύσαι τὸν στρατιώτην φύλακα καὶ φυγεῖν πρὸς βασιλέα· μὴ γὰρ διωχθήσεσθαι.
³⁸⁸ Upon my saying this I pacified the multitude, and they left off their anger, and went their ways; and I gave orders that he who brought the king’s letters should be put into bonds; but in a few days I pretended that I was obliged, by a necessary affair of my own, to go out of the kingdom. I then called Crispus privately, and ordered him to make the soldier that kept him drunk, and to run away to the king.	³⁸⁸ With these words I mollified the people so that they calmed their anger and went away. Then I ordered the man who had brought the king's letters to be put in chains and some days later I made some pretext to leave the kingdom, and secretly calling on Crispus, told him to make the soldier guarding him drunk, and so escape to the king.
³⁸⁸ Having said these things, I persuaded the multitude, and they ceased their wrath and dispersed. And after ordering the man sent by the King to be imprisoned, a few days later—having fabricated a pretence that I had urgent business requiring me to be away from the province—I secretly called Crispus and instructed him to intoxicate his soldier guard and flee to the King; for he would not be pursued.

³⁸⁹ Καὶ ὁ μὲν ταῖς ὑποθήκαις πεισθεὶς διέφυγε· ΤιβεριὰςTiberias δὲ μέλλουσα δεύτερον ἀφανίζεσθαι στρατηγίᾳ τῇ ἐμῇ καὶ προνοίᾳ τῇ περὶ αὐτῆς ὀξὺν οὕτως κίνδυνον διέφυγεν.
³⁸⁹ So when Tiberias was in danger of being utterly destroyed a second time, it escaped the danger by my skillful management, and the care that I had for its preservation.	³⁸⁹ So when Tiberias was in danger of being utterly destroyed a second time, it escaped the danger by my skill and the care that I had to preserve it.
³⁸⁹ And so the man (Crispus), persuaded by my instructions, escaped. And Tiberias, though about to be utterly destroyed for the second time, escaped such an imminent danger through my strategy and the foresight I showed concerning it.

Justus Flees to Agrippa

³⁹⁰ Κατὰ τοῦτον δὲ τὸν καιρὸν ἸοῦστοςJustus ὁ Πιστοῦ παῖς λαθὼν ἐμὲ διαδιδράσκει πρὸς τὸν βασιλέα. τὴν‎ αἰτίαν δὲ δι᾽ ἣν τοῦτ᾽ ἔπραξεν ἀφηγήσομαι.
³⁹⁰ About this time it was that Justus, the son of Pistus, without my knowledge, ran away to the king; the occasion of which I will here relate.	³⁹⁰ About this time, without my knowledge, Justus, son of Pistus, fled away to the king; the occasion of which I will here relate.
³⁹⁰ But at this time, Justus, the son of Pistus, secretly escaped from me and fled to the King (Agrippa II). And I will relate the reason why he did this.

³⁹¹ Λαβόντος ἀρχὴν ἸουδαίοιςJews τοῦ πρὸς ῬωμαίουςRomans πολέμου ΤιβεριεῖςTiberias διεγνώκεισαν ὑπακούειν βασιλεῖ καὶ ῬωμαίωνRoman, Latin μὴ ἀφίστασθαι. πείθει δ᾽ αὐτοὺς ἸοῦστοςJustus ἐφ᾽ ὅπλα χωρῆσαι νεωτέρων αὐτὸς ἐφιέμενος πραγμάτων καὶ δι᾽ ἐλπίδος ἔχων ἄρξειν ΓαλιλαίωνGalilee τε καὶ τῆς ἑαυτοῦ πατρίδος.
³⁹¹ Upon the beginning of the war between the Jews and the Romans, the people of Tiberias resolved to submit to the king, and not to revolt from the Romans; while Justus tried to persuade them to betake themselves to their arms, as being himself desirous of innovations, and having hopes of obtaining the government of Galilee, as well as of his own country [Tiberias] also.	³⁹¹ At the beginning of the war between the Jews and Romans, the Tiberians resolved to submit to the king and not to revolt from the Romans; while Justus tried to persuade them to take up arms, being eager for revolt and having hopes of gaining power over Galilee, as well as over his native town.
³⁹¹ When the war of the Jews against the Romans began, the people of Tiberias had resolved to obey the King (Agrippa II) and not revolt from the Romans. But Justus persuaded them to take up arms, as he himself desired political change and hoped to gain command of both the Galileans and his own native city.

³⁹² Οὐ μὴν τῶν προσδοκηθέντων ἐπέτυχεν· ΓαλιλαῖοίGalileans τε γὰρ ἐχθρῶς ἔχοντες πρὸς τοὺς ΤιβεριεῖςTiberias διὰ μῆνιν ὧν ὑπ᾽ αὐτοῦ‎ πρὸ τοῦ πολέμου πεπόνθεισαν, οὐκ ἠνείχοντο στρατηγοῦντος αὐτῶν ἸούστουJustus.
³⁹² Yet did he not obtain what he hoped for, because the Galileans bore ill will to those of Tiberias, and this on account of their anger at what miseries they had suffered from them before the war; thence it was that they would not endure that Justus should be their governor.	³⁹² Still he did not get what he hoped for, because the Galileans bore ill-will to those of Tiberias, due to their anger at what they had suffered from them before the war; that is why they would not endure Justus as their governor.
³⁹² However, he did not achieve what he had hoped for; for the Galileans were hostile toward the people of Tiberias because of their lasting resentment over the things they had suffered at his hands before the war, they did not tolerate Justus being their general.

³⁹³ κἀγὼ δὲ τὴν‎ προστασίαν τῆς ΓαλιλαίαςGalilee πιστευθεὶς ὑπὸ τοῦ κοινοῦ τῶν ἹεροσολυμιτῶνJerusalem, πολλάκις εἰς τοσαύτην ἧκον ὀργήν, ὡς ὀλίγου δεῖν ἀποκτεῖναι τὸν ἸοῦστονJustus, φέρειν αὐτοῦ‎ τὴν‎ μοχθηρίαν οὐ δυνάμενος. Δείσας οὖν ἐκεῖνος, μὴ καὶ λάβῃ τέλος ἅπαξ ὁ θυμός, ἔπεμψε πρὸς βασιλέα ΚρῖσπονCrispus ἀσφαλέστερον οἰκήσειν παρ᾽ ἐκείνῳ νομίζων.
³⁹³ I myself also, who had been intrusted by the community of Jerusalem with the government of Galilee, did frequently come to that degree of rage at Justus, that I had almost resolved to kill him, as not able to bear his mischievous disposition. He was therefore much afraid of me, lest at length my passion should come to extremity; so he went to the king, as supposing that he would dwell better and more safely with him.	³⁹³ I myself who had been entrusted with the government of Galilee by the Jerusalem council, was often so enraged at Justus, that unable to bear his malice I could almost have killed him. He was so fearful that my passion should finally overboil, that he went to the king, thinking that he would live more safely with him.
³⁹³ And I, having been entrusted with the command of Galilee by the general council of the Jerusalemites, often reached such a pitch of anger that I nearly killed Justus, being unable to bear his wickedness. Therefore, he (Justus), being afraid that my anger might finally be executed, sent Crispus to the King, believing he (Justus) would dwell more safely with him.

Chapter 12 Siege of Sepphoris; Josephus fights the Romans
394-413

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Sepphoris Solicits the Aid of Cestius Gallus

³⁹⁴ ΣεπφωρῖταιSepphorites δὲ παραδόξως τὸν πρῶτον κίνδυνον διαφυγόντες πρὸς ΚέστιονCestius ΓάλλονGallus ἔπεμψαν ἥκειν παρακαλοῦντες ὡς αὐτοὺς θᾶττον παραληψόμενον τὴν‎ πόλιν, ἢ πέμπειν δύναμιν τὴν‎ ἀνακόψουσαν τὰς ἐπ᾽ αὐτοὺς τῶν πολεμίων ἐπιδρομάς· καὶ τέλος ἔπεισαν τὸν ΓάλλονGallus πέμψαι δύναμιν αὐτοῖς ἱππικήν τε καὶ πεζικήν, ἣν ἐλθοῦσαν νυκτὸς εἰσεδέξαντο.
³⁹⁴ Now when the people of Sepphoris had, in so surprising a manner, escaped their first danger, they sent to Cestius Gallus, and desired him to come to them immediately, and take possession of their city, or else to send forces sufficient to repress all their enemies’ incursions upon them; and at the last they did prevail with Gallus to send them a considerable army, both of horse and foot, which came in the night-time, and which they admitted into the city.	³⁹⁴ When the Sepphorites had so surprisingly escaped their first danger, they sent to Cestius Gallus, asking him to come and take over their city immediately, or else to send enough forces to block their enemies from raiding them; and at last they prevailed on Gallus to send them a force of cavalry and infantry, which arrived by night and which they admitted into the city.
³⁹⁴ The Sepphorites, having unexpectedly escaped the first danger, sent a delegation to Cestius Gallus, entreating him either to come to them quickly to take possession of the city, or to send a force that would check the incursions of the enemy against them. And finally, they persuaded Gallus to send them a force of both cavalry and infantry, which they received when it arrived by night.

³⁹⁵ Κακουμένης δὲ ὑπὸ τῆς ῬωμαϊκῆςLatin, Roman στρατιᾶς τῆς [περὶ] χώρας ἀναλαβὼν ἐγὼ τοὺς περὶ ἐμὲ στρατιώτας ἧκον εἰς ΓαρειςGaris κώμην. Ἔνθα βαλόμενος χάρακα πόρρω τῆς ΣεπφωριτῶνSepphoris πόλεως ἀπὸ σταδίων εἴκοσι νυκτὸς ἐπ᾽ αὐτῇ προσέμιξα καὶ τοῖς τείχεσι προσέβαλλον,
³⁹⁵ But when the country round about it was harassed by the Roman army, I took those soldiers that were about me, and came to Garisme, where I cast up a bank, a good way off the city Sepphoris; and when I was at twenty furlongs distance, I came upon it by night, and made an assault upon its walls with my forces:	³⁹⁵ But when the countryside around was harassed by the Roman army, I took my men and came to Garis, where I dug in, about twenty furlongs away from Sepphoris. Then I made a night attack upon its walls with my forces.
³⁹⁵ As the surrounding country was being ravaged by the Roman army, I took the soldiers who were with me and went to the village of Gares. There I pitched my camp twenty stadia (3 km) distant from the city of Sepphoris, and during the night, I approached it and launched an attack against the walls.

³⁹⁶ καὶ διὰ κλιμάκων ἐμβιβάσας συχνοὺς τῶν στρατιωτῶν ἐγκρατὴς τοῦ πλείστου τῆς πόλεως μέρους ἐγενόμην, μετ᾽ οὐ πολὺ δὲ διὰ τὴν‎ τῶν τόπων ἄγνοιαν ἀναγκασθέντεςto force, compel ὑπεχωρήσαμεν, ἀνελόντες ῬωμαίωνRoman, Latin μὲν ἱππεῖς δύο, πεζοὺς δὲ δέκα, ὀλίγους δὲ ΣεπφωριτῶνSepphoris, αὐτοὶ δ᾽ ἕνα μόνον ἀπεβάλομεν.
³⁹⁶ and when I had ordered a considerable number of my soldiers to scale them with ladders, I became master of the greatest part of the city. But soon after, our unacquaintedness with the places forced us to retire, after we had killed twelve of the Roman footmen, and two horsemen, and a few of the people of Sepphoris, with the loss of only a single man of our own.	³⁹⁶ When I had ordered a number of my soldiers to scale them with ladders, I got control of most of the city. But soon after, our unfamiliarity with the places forced us to retire, after we had killed twelve of the Roman infantry and two horsemen and a few of the Sepphorites, with the loss of only one of our own men.
³⁹⁶ And having sent many of the soldiers in by means of ladders, I gained control of the greatest part of the city. But not long after, being forced by ignorance of the terrain, we withdrew, having killed two Roman horsemen, ten foot soldiers, and a few of the Sepphorites, while we ourselves lost only one man.

³⁹⁷ Γενομένης δ᾽ ὕστερον ἡμῖν κατὰ τὸ πεδίον μάχης πρὸς τοὺς ἱππεῖς μέχρι πολλοῦ καρτερῶς διακινδυνεύσαντες ἡττήθημεν· περιελθόντων γὰρ τῶν ῬωμαίωνRoman, Latin οἱ μετ᾽ ἐμοῦ δείσαντες ἔφυγον εἰς τοὐπίσω. Πίπτει δ᾽ ἐπὶ τῆς παρατάξεως ἐκείνης εἷς τῶν πεπιστευμένων τὴν‎ τοῦ σώματός μου φυλακὴν ἸοῦστοςJustus τοὔνομα καὶ παρὰ βασιλεῖ ποτε τὴν‎ αὐτὴν τάξιν ἐσχηκώς.
³⁹⁷ And when it afterward came to a battle in the plain against the horsemen, and we had undergone the dangers of it courageously for a long time, we were beaten; for upon the Romans encompassing me about, my soldiers were afraid, and fell back. There fell in that battle one of those that had been intrusted to guard my body; his name was Justus, who at this time had the same post with the king.	³⁹⁷ Afterward, in a battle against the horsemen in the plain after a long and dogged resistance, we were beaten; for when the Romans surrounded me, my soldiers were afraid and fell back. In that battle one of my bodyguards named Justus, who had previously served the king in the same role, was killed.
³⁹⁷ Later, when a battle occurred in the plain against the Roman cavalry, we fought courageously for a long time but were defeated; for when the Romans maneuvered around, the men with me became afraid and fled backward (i.e., retreated). And there fell in that battle line one of those entrusted with guarding my person—Justus by name—who had also once held the same post with the King (Agrippa).

³⁹⁸ Κατὰ τοῦτον δὲ τὸν καιρὸν ἡ παρὰ βασιλέως δύναμις ἧκεν ἱππική τε καὶ πεζικὴ καὶ ΣύλλαςSulla ἐπ᾽ αὐτῆς ἡγεμὼν ὁ ἐπὶ τῶν σωματοφυλάκωνbodyguard. Οὗτος οὖν βαλόμενος στρατόπεδον ἸουλιάδοςJulias ἀπέχον σταδίους πέντε φρουρὰν ἐφίστησιν ταῖς ὁδοῖς, τῇ τε εἰς ΣελεύκειανSeleucia ἀγούσῃ καὶ τῇ εἰς ΓάμαλαGamala τὸ φρούριον, ὑπὲρ τοῦ τὰς παρὰ τῶν ΓαλιλαίωνGalilee ὠφελείας τοῖς ἐνοίκοιςinhabitant ἀποκλείειν.
³⁹⁸ At the same time also there came forces, both horsemen and footmen, from the king, and Sylla their commander, who was the captain of his guard; this Sylla pitched his camp at five furlongs distance from Julias, and set a guard upon the roads, both that which led to Cana, and that which led to the fortress Gamala, that he might hinder their inhabitants from getting provisions out of Galilee.	³⁹⁸ At the same time reinforcements, both horsemen and infantry, came from the king, under the command of Sulla, the captain of his bodyguard. Sulla encamped five furlongs from Julias and posted a guard upon the roads, one leading to Cana and the other to the Gamala fortress, to prevent their inhabitants from getting provisions from Galilee.
³⁹⁸ But at this time, the force from the King (Agrippa II) arrived, consisting of both cavalry and infantry, with Sulla, the commander of the bodyguards, as its leader. Therefore, this man (Sulla), pitching a camp five stadia (0.8 km) distant from Julias, set guards upon the roads—both the one leading to Seleucia and the one leading to the fortress of Gamala—in order to cut off the supplies from the Galileans to the inhabitants.

Josephus Battles the Royalists

³⁹⁹ Ταῦτα δ᾽ ὡς ἐπυθόμην ἐγὼ πέμπω δισχιλίους ὁπλίταςarmed warrior καὶ στρατηγὸν αὐτῶν ἹερεμίανJeremiah, οἳ δὴ καὶ χάρακα θέντες ἀπὸ σταδίου τῆς ἸουλιάδοςJulias πλησίον τοῦ ἸορδάνουJordan ποταμοῦ πλέον ἀκροβολισμῶν οὐδὲν ἔπραξαν, μέχρι τρισχιλίους στρατιώτας αὐτὸς ἀναλαβὼν ἧκον πρὸς αὐτούς.
³⁹⁹ As soon as I had got intelligence of this, I sent two thousand armed men, and a captain over them, whose name was Jeremiah, who raised a bank a furlong off Julias, near to the river Jordan, and did no more than skirmish with the enemy; till I took three thousand soldiers myself, and came to them.	³⁹⁹ Learning of this, I sent two thousand soldiers and their captain, Jeremiah, who dug in a furlong from Julias, near the river Jordan and did no more than skirmish with the enemy, until I myself took three thousand soldiers and came to them.
³⁹⁹ When I heard these things, I sent two thousand armed men and their general, Jeremiah, who, having pitched a camp a stadium (160 metres) distant from Julias near the Jordan River, did nothing more than skirmishing, until I myself arrived among them, having taken along three thousand soldiers.

⁴⁰⁰ Κατὰ δὲ τὴν‎ ἐπιοῦσανthe next day ἡμέραν ἔν τινι φάραγγι καθίσας λόχον οὐκ ἄπωθεν αὐτῶν τοῦ χάρακος προεκαλούμην τοὺς βασιλικοὺς εἰς μάχην, παραινέσας τοῖς μετ᾽ ἐμοῦ στρατιώταις στρέψαι τὰ νῶτα, μέχρις ἂν ἐπισπάσωνται τοὺς πολεμίους προελθεῖν· ὅπερ καὶ ἐγένετο.
⁴⁰⁰ But on the next day, when I had laid an ambush in a certain valley, not far from the banks, I provoked those that belonged to the king to come to a battle, and gave orders to my own soldiers to turn their backs upon them, until they should have drawn the enemy away from their camp, and brought them out into the field, which was done accordingly;	⁴⁰⁰ The next day, when I had laid an ambush in a certain valley not far from the ramparts, I provoked the royal troops to come out to battle and ordered my own soldiers to turn their backs upon them, to draw the enemy away from their camp and bring them out into the field, which was done accordingly.
⁴⁰⁰ And on the next day, having set up an ambush in a ravine not far from their camp, I challenged the king's soldiers to battle, having instructed the soldiers with me to turn their backs (i.e., feign retreat) until they drew the enemy forward; and this is exactly what happened.

⁴⁰¹ ΣύλλαςSulla γὰρ εἰκάσας ταῖς ἀληθείαις τοὺς ἡμετέρους φεύγειν προελθὼν ἐπιδιώκειν οἷός τε ἦν, κατὰ νώτου δ᾽ αὐτὸν λαμβάνουσιν οἱ ἐκ τῆς ἐνέδρας καὶ σφόδρα πάντας ἐθορύβησαν.
⁴⁰¹ for Sylla, supposing that our party did really run away, was ready to pursue them, when our soldiers that lay in ambush took them on their backs, and put them all into great disorder.	⁴⁰¹ Sulla, thinking that our party really was escaping, began pursuing them, when our soldiers in ambush took them from the rear and put them all into great confusion.
⁴⁰¹ For Sulla, guessing the truth that our men were fleeing, was able to advance and pursue them, but the men from the ambush took him in the rear and threw all of them into great confusion.

⁴⁰² Ἐγὼ δ᾽ εὐθὺς ὀξείᾳ χρησάμενος ὑποστροφῇ μετὰ τῆς δυνάμεως ὑπήντησα τοῖς βασιλικοῖς καὶ εἰς φυγὴν ἔτρεψαto turn. Κἂν κατώρθωτό μοι κατὰ τὴν‎ ἡμέραν ἐκείνην ἡ πρᾶξις μὴ ἐμποδὼν γενομένου δαίμονός τινος·
⁴⁰² I also immediately made a sudden turn with my own forces, and met those of the king’s party, and put them to flight. And I had performed great things that day, if a certain fate had not been my hinderance;	⁴⁰² Immediately I too made a sudden turn with my own forces and met those of the king's party and put them to flight; and I would have performed great deeds that day, if not prevented by some demon.
⁴⁰² But I, immediately making a swift counter-march with my force, met the royal troops and put them to flight. And the operation would have been completely successful for me on that day, if some demon had not prevented it.

⁴⁰³ ὁ γὰρ ἵππος, ἐφ᾽ ᾧ τὴν‎ μάχην ἐποιούμην, εἰς τελματώδη τόπον ἐμπεσὼν συγκατήνεγκέ με ἐπὶ τοὔδαφος. Θραύσεως δὲ τῶν ἄρθρωνa joint γενομένης ἐπὶ τὸν ταρσὸνwing, wrist, arm τῆς χειρὸς ἐκομίσθην εἰς κώμην ΚεφαρνωκὸνCepharnome λεγομένην.
⁴⁰³ for the horse on which I rode, and upon whose back I fought, fell into a quagmire, and threw me on the ground; and I was bruised on my wrist, and carried into a village named Cepharnome, or Capernaum.	⁴⁰³ For the horse I rode, and on whose back I fought, fell into a quagmire and threw me on the ground and I broke some bones in my wrist, and was carried into a village named Cepharnome, or Capernaum.
⁴⁰³ For the horse I rode and on which I was fighting, fell into a marshy place and brought me down with it onto the ground. And I suffered a fracture of the joints on the wrist of my hand. I was carried to a village called Kepharnokos.

⁴⁰⁴ Οἱ δὲ ταῦτ᾽ ἀκούσαντες καὶ δεδοικότες, μή τι χεῖρον ἔπαθον, τῆς μὲν ἐπὶ πλέον διώξεως ἀπέσχοντοto keep off, keep away, abstain, ὑπέστρεφον δὲ περὶ ἐμὲ λίαν ἀγωνιῶντες. Μεταπεμψάμενος οὖν ἰατροὺς καὶ θεραπευθεὶς τὴν‎ ἡμέραν ἐκείνην αὐτοῦ‎ κατέμεινα πυρέξας, δόξαν τε τοῖς ἰατροῖς τῆς νυκτὸς εἰς ΤαριχέαςTarichea μετεκομίσθην.
⁴⁰⁴ When my soldiers heard of this, they were afraid I had been worse hurt than I was; and so they did not go on with their pursuit any further, but returned in very great concern for me. I therefore sent for the physicians, and while I was under their hands, I continued feverish that day; and as the physicians directed, I was that night removed to Taricheae.	⁴⁰⁴ When my men heard about this, they were afraid I had been hurt worse than I was; and so they did not continue their pursuit but returned in great anxiety on my account. I sent for physicians and after their treatment I continued feverish that day; then at night, under doctor's orders, I was taken to Tarichea.
⁴⁰⁴ And when they heard these things and feared that I might have suffered something worse, they ceased from further pursuit, and returned to me, being very anxious. Therefore, having sent for doctors and been treated, I remained there that day, having developed a fever, and, by the decision of the doctors, I was moved by night to Tarichea.

⁴⁰⁵ ΣύλλαςSulla δὲ καὶ οἱ μετ᾽ αὐτοῦ‎ πυθόμενοιto ask, inquire τὰ κατ᾽ ἐμὲ πάλιν ἐθάρρησαν, καὶ γνόντες ἀμελεῖσθαι τὰ περὶ τὴν‎ φυλακὴν τοῦ στρατοπέδου διὰ νυκτὸς ἱππέων λόχον ἱδρύσαντες ἐν τῷ πέραν τοῦ ἸορδάνουJordan, γενομένης ἡμέρας εἰς μάχην ἡμᾶς προεκαλέσαντο.
⁴⁰⁵ When Sylla and his party were informed what happened to me, they took courage again; and understanding that the watch was negligently kept in our camp, they by night placed a body of horsemen in ambush beyond Jordan, and when it was day they provoked us to fight;	⁴⁰⁵ When Sulla and his party were told what happened to me, they took courage again; and hearing that the watch was negligently kept in our camp, by night they placed a body of horsemen in ambush beyond the Jordan and when it was day they provoked us to fight.
⁴⁰⁵ But Sulla and those with him, learning about my situation, regained their confidence, and knowing that the guarding of the camp was being neglected, they established a detachment of horsemen across the Jordan during the night, and when day came, they challenged us to battle.

⁴⁰⁶ Τῶν δ᾽ ὑπακουσάντων καὶ μέχρι τοῦ πεδίου προελθόντων ἐπιφανέντες οἱ ἐκ τῆς ἐνέδρας ἱππεῖς καὶ ταράξαντες αὐτοὺς εἰς φυγὴν ἔτρεψαν ἕξ τε τῶν ἡμετέρων ἀπέκτειναν, οὐ μὴν μέχρι τέλους τὴν‎ νίκην ἤγαγον· καταπεπλευκέναι γάρ τινας ὁπλίταςarmed warrior ἀκούσαντες ἀπὸ ΤαριχεῶνTarichea εἰς ἸουλιάδαJulias φοβηθέντες ἀνεχώρησαν.
⁴⁰⁶ and as we did not refuse it, but came into the plain, their horsemen appeared out of that ambush in which they had lain and put our men into disorder, and made them run away; so they slew six men of our side. Yet did they not go off with the victory at last; for when they heard that some armed men were sailed from Taricheae to Julias, they were afraid, and retired.	⁴⁰⁶ When we did not refuse it, but came into the plain, their horsemen appeared out of the ambush where they had lain and putting our men into disorder made them run away; so they killed six men of our side. Still they did not in the end follow up the victory; for when they heard that some soldiers had sailed from Tarichea to Julias, they were afraid and retreated.
⁴⁰⁶ And when our men obeyed and advanced onto the plain, the cavalry from the ambush appeared and, having thrown them into confusion, put them to flight, killing six of our men, but they did not bring the victory to completion; for, having heard that some armed men had sailed down from Tarichea to Julias, they became afraid and withdrew.

The Arrival of Vespasian

⁴⁰⁷ Μετ᾽ οὐ πολὺν δὲ χρόνον ΟὐεσπασιανὸςVespasian εἰς ΤύρονTyre ἀφικνεῖται καὶ σὺν αὐτῷ ὁ βασιλεὺς ἈγρίππαςAgrippa. Καὶ οἱ ΤύριοιTyrians βλασφημεῖν ἤρξαντο τὸν βασιλέα ΤυρίωνTyrians αὐτὸν καλοῦντες καὶ ῬωμαίωνRoman, Latin πολέμιον· τὸν γὰρ στρατοπεδάρχην αὐτοῦ‎ ΦίλιππονPhilip ἔλεγον προδεδωκέναι τὴν‎ βασιλικὴν αὐλὴν καὶ τὰς ῬωμαίωνRoman, Latin δυνάμεις τὰς οὔσας ἐν ἹεροσολύμοιςJerusalem κατὰ τὴν‎ αὐτοῦ‎ πρόσταξιν.
⁴⁰⁷ It was not now long before Vespasian came to Tyre, and king Agrippa with him; but the Tyrians began to speak reproachfully of the king, and called him an enemy to the Romans; for they said that Philip, the general of his army, had betrayed the royal palace and the Roman forces that were in Jerusalem, and that it was done by his command.	⁴⁰⁷ Soon afterward Vespasian came to Tyre along with king Agrippa, but the Tyrians began to insult the king and called him an enemy to the Romans. For they said that Philip, the general of his army, had betrayed the royal palace and the Roman forces that were in Jerusalem and that it was done at his command.
⁴⁰⁷ Not long after, Vespasian arrived at Tyre, and King Agrippa came with him. And the Tyrians began to revile the king, calling him a “king of the Tyrians” and an “enemy of the Romans”; for they claimed that his general, Philip, had betrayed the royal palace and the Roman forces that were in Jerusalem, acting according to the king's command.

⁴⁰⁸ ΟὐεσπασιανὸςVespasian δὲ ἀκούσας ΤυρίοιςTyrians μὲν ἐπέπληξεν ὑβρίζουσιν ἄνδρα καὶ βασιλέα καὶ ῬωμαίοιςRomans φίλον, τῷ δὲ βασιλεῖ παρῄνεσεν πέμψαι ΦίλιππονPhilip εἰς ῬώμηνRome ὑφέξοντα λόγον ΝέρωνιNero περὶ τῶν πεπραγμένων.
⁴⁰⁸ When Vespasian heard of this report, he rebuked the Tyrians for abusing a man who was both a king and a friend to the Romans; but he exhorted the king to send Philip to Rome, to answer for what he had done before Nero.	⁴⁰⁸ When Vespasian heard this report, he reprimanded the Tyrians for insulting a man who was both a king and a friend to the Romans; but he urged the king to send Philip to Rome, to answer before Nero for what he had done.
⁴⁰⁸ And Vespasian, having heard, rebuked the Tyrians for insulting a man who was both a king and a friend to the Romans, but he advised the king to send Philip to Rome to render account to Nero concerning the things done.

⁴⁰⁹ ΦίλιπποςPhilip δὲ πεμφθεὶς οὐχ ἧκεν εἰς ὄψιν ΝέρωνιNero· καταλαβὼν γὰρ αὐτὸν ἐν τοῖς ἐσχάτοις ὄντα διὰ τὰς ἐμπεσούσας ταραχὰς καὶ τὸν ἐμφύλιονkinsfolk πόλεμον ὑπέστρεψε πρὸς τὸν βασιλέα.
⁴⁰⁹ But when Philip was sent thither, he did not come into the sight of Nero, for he found him very near death, on account of the troubles that then happened, and a civil war; and so he returned to the king.	⁴⁰⁹ When Philip was sent there, he never got into the presence of Nero, for he found the emperor very near to death, due to his troubles at that time and a civil war; and so he returned to the king.
⁴⁰⁹ And Philip, having been sent, did not appear before Nero; for, finding him (Nero) to be in extreme difficulties due to the ensuing disturbances and the civil war, he returned to the king (Agrippa II).

⁴¹⁰ Ἐπεὶ δὲ ΟὐεσπασιανὸςVespasian εἰς ΠτολεμαΐδαPtolemais παρεγένετο, οἱ πρῶτοι τῶν τῆς ΣυρίαςSyria δέκα πόλεων κατεβόων ἸούστουJustus τοῦ ΤιβεριέωςTiberias, ὅτι τὰς κώμας αὐτῶν ἐμπρήσειεν. Παρέδωκεν οὖν αὐτὸν ΟὐεσπασιανὸςVespasian τῷ βασιλεῖ κολασθησόμενον ὑπὸ τῶν τῆς βασιλείας ὑποτελῶν· ὁ βασιλεὺς δ᾽ αὐτὸν ἔδησεν ἐπικρυψάμενος τοῦτο ΟὐεσπασιανόνVespasian, ὡς ἀνωτέρω δεδηλώκαμεν.
⁴¹⁰ But when Vespasian was come to Ptolemais, the chief men of Decapolis of Syria made a clamor against Justus of Tiberias, because he had set their villages on fire; so Vespasian delivered him to the king, to be put to death by those under the king’s jurisdiction; yet did the king only put him into bonds, and concealed what he had done from Vespasian, as I have before related.	⁴¹⁰ After Vespasian arrived in Ptolemais, the leaders of Decapolis of Syria complained that Justus of Tiberias had set their villages on fire, so Vespasian handed him over to the king, to be put to death by the king's men; but the king put him only in chains and concealed it from Vespasian, as we said earlier.
⁴¹⁰ But when Vespasian arrived in Ptolemais, the leading men of the Ten Cities of Syria (Decapolis) denounced Justus of Tiberias, claiming that he had burned their villages. Therefore, Vespasian handed him over to the King (Agrippa II) to be punished by the King's subjects; but the King bound him, having concealed this from Vespasian, as we have indicated above.

⁴¹¹ ΣεπφωρῖταιSepphorites δ᾽ ὑπαντήσαντες καὶ ἀσπασάμενοι ΟὐεσπασιανὸνVespasian λαμβάνουσι δύναμιν καὶ στρατηγὸν ΠλάκιδονPlacidus, ἀναβάντες δὲ μετὰ τούτων ἑπομένουto follow, obey μου ἄχρι τῆς εἰς ΓαλιλαίανGalilee ΟὐεσπασιανοῦVespasianus ἀφίξεως.
⁴¹¹ But the people of Sepphoris met Vespasian, and saluted him, and had forces sent him, with Placidus their commander; he also went up with them, as I also followed them, till Vespasian came into Galilee.	⁴¹¹ The Sepphorites met Vespasian and greeted him and sent him forces under their general, Placidus, who went up with them. I also pursued them, until Vespasian came into Galilee.
⁴¹¹ And the people of Sepphoris, having met and greeted Vespasian, received a force and a general, Placidus, and [I] advanced with these men until Vespasian's arrival in Galilee, as I followed [him].

⁴¹² περὶ ἧς τίνα τρόπον ἐγένετο, καὶ πῶς περὶ ΓάριςTarichea κώμην τὴν‎ πρώτην πρὸς ἐμὲ μάχην ἐποιήσατο, καὶ ὡς ἐκεῖθεν εἰς τὰ ἸωτάπαταJotapata ἀνεχώρησα, καὶ τὰ πεπραγμένα μοι κατὰ τὴν‎ ταύτης πολιορκίαν, καὶ ὃν τρόπον ζῶν ληφθεὶς ἐδέθην καὶ πῶς ἐλύθηνto loose, πάντα τε τὰ πεπραγμένα μοι κατὰ τὸν ἸουδαϊκὸνJewish πόλεμον καὶ τὴν‎ ἹεροσολύμωνJerusalem πολιορκίαν μετ᾽ ἀκριβείας ἐν ταῖς περὶ τοῦ ἸουδαϊκοῦJewish πολέμου βίβλοις ἀπήγγελκα.
⁴¹² As to which coming of his, and after what manner it was ordered, and how he fought his first battle with me near the village Taricheae, and how from thence they went to Jotapata, and how I was taken alive and bound, and how I was afterward loosed, with all that was done by me in the Jewish war, and during the siege of Jerusalem, I have accurately related them in the books concerning the War of the Jews.	⁴¹² I have given an accurate account in my books about the War of the Jews about his coming and how it was ordered and how he fought his first battle with me near the village Tarichea and how from there they went to Jotapata and how I was taken alive and bound and how I was later set free, along with all that I did in the Jewish war and during the siege of Jerusalem.
⁴¹² Concerning which (the arrival of Vespasian), how it happened, and how he fought his first battle against me near the village of Garis, and how I retreated from there to Jotapata, and the actions carried out by me during its siege, and the manner in which I was captured alive and bound and how I was released, and all the things done by me throughout the Jewish War and the siege of Jerusalem—I have related all of these with accuracy in the books concerning the Jewish War.

⁴¹³ Ἀναγκαῖον δ᾽ ἐστίν, ὡς οἶμαι, καὶ ὅσα μὴ κατὰ τὸν ἸουδαϊκὸνJewish πόλεμον ἀνέγραψα τῶν ἐν τῷ βίῳ μου πεπραγμένων νῦν προσαναγράψαto write in addition.
⁴¹³ However, it will, I think, be fit for me to add now an account of those actions of my life which I have not related in that book of the Jewish war.	⁴¹³ But I think I should now add an account of those actions of my life not told in that book on the Jewish war.
⁴¹³ And it is necessary, as I think, to now append an account of those actions of my life that I did not record in The Jewish War.

Chapter 13 Josephus taken prisoner; his later career in Rome
414-430

☜ ☞

Josephus in the Hands of the Romans

⁴¹⁴ Τῆς γὰρ τῶν ἸωταπάτωνJotapata πολιορκίας λαβούσης τέλος γενόμενος παρὰ ῬωμαίοιςRomans μετὰ πάσης ἐπιμελείας ἐφυλασσόμην τὰ πολλὰ διὰ τιμῆς ἄγοντόςto lead, carry με ΟὐεσπασιανοῦVespasianus, καὶ δὴ κελεύσαντος αὐτοῦ‎ ἠγαγόμην τινὰ παρθένον ἐκ τῶν αἰχμαλωτίδων τῶν κατὰ ΚαισάρειανCaesarea ἁλουσῶν ἐγχώριον.
⁴¹⁴ For when the siege of Jotapata was over, and I was among the Romans, I was kept with much care, by means of the great respect that Vespasian showed me. Moreover, at his command, I married a virgin, who was from among the captives of that country;	⁴¹⁴ Once the siege of Jotapata was over and I was among the Romans, I was carefully guarded, because of the great respect that Vespasian showed me. Also at his command, I married a virgin from among the captives of that district,
⁴¹⁴ For when the siege of Jotapata had come to an end, having become subject to the Romans, I was guarded with every care, Vespasian largely holding me in honour, and indeed, by his command, I married a certain virgin from among the female captives captured at Caesarea, who was a native of the region.

⁴¹⁵ Οὐ παρέμενεν δ᾽ αὕτη μοι πολὺν χρόνον, ἀλλὰ λυθέντος καὶ μετὰ ΟὐεσπασιανοῦVespasianus πορευθέντος εἰς τὴν‎ ἈλεξάνδρειανAlexandria ἀπηλλάγη· γυναῖκα δ᾽ ἑτέραν ἠγαγόμην κατὰ τὴν‎ ἈλεξάνδρειανAlexandria.
⁴¹⁵ yet did she not live with me long, but was divorced, upon my being freed from my bonds, and my going to Alexandria. However, I married another wife at Alexandria,	⁴¹⁵ but she not live with me for long, but was divorced after I was freed from my chains and went to Alexandria.
⁴¹⁵ But she did not remain with me for a long time, but when I was set free (from chains) and went to Alexandria with Vespasian, she separated from me; and I married another wife in Alexandria.

⁴¹⁶ Κἀκεῖθεν ἐπὶ τὴν‎ τῶν ἹεροσολύμωνJerusalem πολιορκίαν συμπεμφθεὶς ΤίτῳTitus πολλάκις ἀποθανεῖν ἐκινδύνευσα, τῶν τε ἸουδαίωνJews διὰ σπουδῆς δυσμενῶς ὑποχείριόν με λαβεῖν τιμωρίας ἕνεκα καὶ ῬωμαίωνRoman, Latin ὁσάκιwhenever νικηθεῖεν πάσχειν τοῦτο κατ᾽ ἐμὴν προδοσίανsurrender, treason δοκούντων συνεχεῖς καταβοήσεις ἐπὶ τοῦ αὐτοκράτορος ἐγίγνοντο κολάζειν με ὡς καὶ αὐτῶν προδότην ἀξιούντωνto think worthy.
⁴¹⁶ and was thence sent, together with Titus, to the siege of Jerusalem, and was frequently in danger of being put to death,—while both the Jews were very desirous to get me under their power, in order to have me punished; and the Romans also, whenever they were beaten, supposed that it was occasioned by my treachery, and made continual clamors to the emperors and desired that they would bring me to punishment as a traitor to them:	⁴¹⁶ I married another wife at Alexandria and was sent from there, along with Titus, to the siege of Jerusalem and was often in danger of being put to death. The Jews were very eager to get me under their power, in order to have me punished. And the Romans also, whenever they were beaten, supposed that it was caused by my treachery and made continual clamours to the emperors asking to have me punished as a traitor to them.
⁴¹⁶ And from there (Alexandria), having been sent with Titus to the siege of Jerusalem, I frequently ran the risk of death, both because the Jews eagerly and hostilely sought to capture me for punishment, and because the Romans, whenever they were defeated, believed this happened due to my treachery, and continuous clamours were made before the Emperor (Vespasian) demanding that I be punished as a traitor to them also.

⁴¹⁷ ΤίτοςTitus δὲ ΚαῖσαρCaesar τὰς πολέμου τύχας οὐκ ἀγνοῶν σιγῇ τὰς ἐπ᾽ ἐμὲ τῶν στρατιωτῶν ἐξέλυεν ὁρμάς. Ἤδη δὲ κατὰ κράτος τῆς τῶν ἹεροσολυμιτῶνJerusalem πόλεως ἐχομένηςto have, hold ΤίτοςTitus ΚαῖσαρCaesar ἔπειθένto persuade με πολλάκις ἐκ τῆς κατασκαφῆς τῆς πατρίδος πᾶν ὅ τι θέλοιμι λαβεῖν· συγχωρεῖν γὰρ αὐτὸς ἔφασκεν.
⁴¹⁷ but Titus Caesar was well acquainted with the uncertain fortune of war, and returned no answer to the soldiers’ vehement solicitations against me. Moreover, when the city Jerusalem was taken by force, Titus Caesar persuaded me frequently to take whatsoever I would of the ruins of my country, and said that he gave me leave so to do;	⁴¹⁷ Titus Caesar was well acquainted with the uncertain fortune of war and gave no answer to the soldiers' outbursts against me. When the city of Jerusalem was taken by storm, Titus Caesar often urged me to take whatever I wished from the ruins of my country; and gave me leave to do so.
⁴¹⁷ But Titus Caesar (30/39 AD - 81 AD), not being ignorant of the fortunes of war, quietly restrained the soldiers' impulses against me. And already, when the city of Jerusalem was being utterly possessed (70 AD), Titus Caesar frequently urged me to take anything I wished from the destruction of my fatherland; for he said he himself permitted it.

⁴¹⁸ Ἐγὼ δὲ τῆς πατρίδος πεσούσης μηδὲν ἔχων τιμιώτερον, ὃ τῶν ἐμαυτοῦ συμφορῶν εἰς παραμυθίαν λαβὼν φυλάξαιμι, σωμάτων ἐλευθέρων τὴν‎ αἴτησιν ἐποιούμην ΤίτονTitus καὶ βιβλίων ἱερῶν ἔλαβον χαρισαμένου ΤίτουTitus.
⁴¹⁸ but when my country was destroyed, I thought nothing else to be of any value which I could take and keep as a comfort under my calamities; so I made this request to Titus, that my family might have their liberty; I had also the holy books by Titus’s concession:	⁴¹⁸ But as my country was destroyed, I regarded nothing else as of any value, to take and keep as a comfort in my sorrows, so I requested Titus to give my family their liberty; and by a grant of Titus I had also the holy books.
⁴¹⁸ But since my fatherland had fallen, having nothing more precious that I could take and keep as a consolation for my own misfortunes, I made a request to Titus for the lives of my captive family¹ and sacred scrolls, and I received [them], as Titus granted the favour.

¹Literally: "free bodies" meaning "those related to my body" where we might say, "blood relatives."

⁴¹⁹ Μετ᾽ οὐ πολὺ δὲ καὶ τὸν ἀδελφὸν μετὰ πεντήκοντα φίλων αἰτησάμενος οὐκ ἀπέτυχον. Καὶ εἰς τὸ ἱερὸν δὲ πορευθεὶς ΤίτουTitus τὴν‎ ἐξουσίαν δόντος, ἔνθα πολὺ πλῆθος αἰχμαλώτων ἐγκέκλειστο γυναικῶν τε καὶ τέκνων, ὅσους ἐπέγνων φίλων ἐμῶν καὶ συνήθων ὑπάρχοντας ἐρρυσάμην περὶ ἑκατὸν καὶ ἐνενήκοντα ὄντας τὸν ἀριθμὸν καὶ οὐδὲ λύτρα καταθεμένους ἀπέλυσα συγχωρήσας αὐτοὺς τῇ προτέρᾳ τύχῃ.
⁴¹⁹ nor was it long after, that I asked of him the life of my brother, and of fifty friends with him; and was not denied. When I also went once to the temple, by the permission of Titus, where there were a great multitude of captive women and children, I got all those that I remembered, as among my own friends and acquaintances, to be set free, being in number about one hundred and ninety: and so I delivered them, without their paying any price of redemption, and restored them to their former fortune;	⁴¹⁹ Not long after that, I asked him to spare the life of my brother and fifty of his friends, and was not denied. Once when with Titus' permission I went to the temple, where there was a large crowd of captive women and children, I got him to set free all those whom I remembered from among my own friends and acquaintances, in number about one hundred and ninety; and so without their paying any price of redemption I saved and restored them to their former fortune.
⁴¹⁹ And not long after, I requested my brother along with fifty friends, and I was not denied. And having gone to the temple, as Titus had given me the authority, where a great multitude of captives—both women and children—were shut up, I rescued as many as I recognized who were my friends and acquaintances, being about one hundred and ninety in number, and I released them without even putting down a ransom, restoring them to their former status.

⁴²⁰ Πεμφθεὶς δ᾽ ὑπὸ ΤίτουTitus ΚαίσαροςCaesar σὺν ΚερεαλίῳCerealius καὶ χιλίοις ἱππεῦσιν εἰς κώμην τινὰ ΘεκῶανThecoa λεγομένην προκατανοήσων, εἰ τόπος ἐπιτήδειόςuseful, necessary ἐστιν χάρακα δέξασθαι, ὡς ἐκεῖθεν ὑποστρέφωνto turn back, return εἶδον πολλοὺς αἰχμαλώτους ἀνεσταυρωμένους καὶ τρεῖς ἐγνώρισα συνήθεις μοι γενομένους, ἤλγησά τε τὴν‎ ψυχὴν καὶ μετὰ δακρύων προσελθὼν ΤίτῳTitus εἶπον.
⁴²⁰ and when I was sent by Titus Caesar with Cerealius, and a thousand horsemen, to a certain village called Thecoa, in order to know whether it were a place fit for a camp, as I came back, I saw many captives crucified; and remembered three of them as my former acquaintance. I was very sorry at this in my mind, and went with tears in my eyes to Titus, and told him of them;	⁴²⁰ Again, when I was sent by Titus Caesar with Cerealius and a thousand horsemen, to a certain village called Thecoa, in order to see if it would be a suitable place to camp, as I returned, I saw many captives being crucified and recognized three of them as former acquaintances of mine. In distress about this I went to Titus and with tears told him about them.
⁴²⁰ But having been sent by Titus Caesar with Cerealius and a thousand horsemen to a certain village called Tekoa, to scout ahead whether the place was suitable to receive a (military) camp, as I was returning from there, I saw many captives crucified and recognized three who had been my acquaintances, and I was deeply pained in my soul, and approaching Titus with tears, I spoke.

⁴²¹ Ὁ δ᾽ εὐθὺς ἐκέλευσεν καθαιρεθέντας αὐτοὺς θεραπείας ἐπιμελεστάτης τυχεῖν. Καὶ οἱ μὲν δύο τελευτῶσιν θεραπευόμενοι, ὁ δὲ τρίτος ἔζησεν.
⁴²¹ so he immediately commanded them to be taken down, and to have the greatest care taken of them, in order to their recovery; yet two of them died under the physician’s hands, while the third recovered.	⁴²¹ Immediately he ordered them taken down and every effort to be made for their recovery. In fact, two of them died under the physician's hands, but the third recovered.
⁴²¹ And he (Titus) immediately ordered them, having been taken down, to receive the most careful medical attention. And two of them died while being treated, but the third survived.

⁴²² Ἐπεὶ δὲ κατέπαυσεν τὰς ἐν τῇ ἸουδαίᾳJudea ταραχὰς ΤίτοςTitus, εἰκάσας τοὺς ἀγροὺς οὓς εἶχον ἐν τοῖς ἹεροσολύμοιςJerusalem ἀνονήτουςuseless, unprofitable ἐσομένουςto be μοι διὰ τὴν‎ μέλλουσαν ἐκεῖ ῬωμαίωνRoman, Latin φρουρὰν ἐγκαθέζεσθαι, ἔδωκεν ἑτέραν χώραν ἐν πεδίῳ, μέλλων τε ἀπαίρειν εἰς τὴν‎ ῬώμηνRome σύμπλουν ἐδέξατο πᾶσαν τιμὴν ἀπονέμων.
⁴²² But when Titus had composed the troubles in Judea, and conjectured that the lands which I had in Judea would bring me no profit, because a garrison to guard the country was afterwards to pitch there, he gave me another country in the plain; and, when he was going away to Rome, he made choice of me to sail along with him, and paid me great respect;	⁴²² But when Titus had settled the troubles in Judea and reckoned that the lands which I owned in Judea would bring me no profit, because a garrison to guard the country was later to settle there, he gave me another property in the plain. And when he was going away to Rome, he chose me to sail along with him and paid me great respect.
⁴²² But when Titus suppressed the disturbances in Judea, judging that the fields I possessed near Jerusalem would be useless to me because of the Roman garrison that was about to be stationed there, he gave me another land in the plain. And being about to set sail for Rome, he accepted me as a co-traveller, bestowing every honour upon me.

⁴²³ Ἐπεὶ δ᾽ εἰς τὴν‎ ῬώμηνRome ἥκομεν, πολλῆς ἔτυχον παρὰ ΟὐεσπασιανοῦVespasianus προνοίας· καὶ γὰρ καὶ κατάλυσιν ἔδωκεν ἐν τῇ οἰκίᾳ τῇ πρὸ τῆς ἡγεμονίας αὐτῷ γενομένῃ πολιτείᾳ τε ῬωμαίωνRoman, Latin ἐτίμησεν καὶ σύνταξιν χρημάτων ἔδωκεν καὶ τιμῶν διετέλει μέχρι τῆς ἐκ τοῦ βίου μεταστάσεως οὐδὲν τῆς πρὸς ἐμὲ χρηστότητος ὑφελών, ὅ μοι διὰ τὸν φθόνον ἤνεγκε κίνδυνον·
⁴²³ and when we were come to Rome, I had great care taken of me by Vespasian; for he gave me an apartment in his own house, which he lived in before he came to the empire. He also honored me with the privilege of a Roman citizen, and gave me an annual pension; and continued to respect me to the end of his life, without any abatement of his kindness to me; which very thing made me envied, and brought me into danger;	⁴²³ When we got to Rome, I was well cared for by Vespasian, who gave me an apartment in the house he had lived in before becoming emperor, the honour of Roman citizenship, and an annual pension. To the end of his life never ceased his kindness to me, which brought both envy and danger upon me.
⁴²³ But when we arrived in Rome, I received great provision from Vespasian; for he gave me lodging in the house which had been his before he became Emperor, and he honoured me with Roman citizenship and gave me a stipend of money, and he continued to honour me until his departure from life, never diminishing his kindness toward me. This brought danger to me because of envy.

⁴²⁴ ἸουδαῖοςJew γάρ τις ἸωνάθηςJonathan τοὔνομα στάσιν ἐξεγείρας ἐν ΚυρήνῃCyrene καὶ δισχιλίους τῶν ἐγχωρίων συναναπείσας, ἐκείνοις μὲν αἴτιος ἀπωλείας ἐγένετο, αὐτὸς δὲ ὑπὸ τοῦ τῆς χώρας ἡγεμονεύοντος δεθεὶς καὶ ἐπὶ τὸν αὐτοκράτορα πεμφθεὶς ἔφασκεν ἐμὲ αὐτῷ ὅπλα πεπομφέναι καὶ χρήματα.
⁴²⁴ for a certain Jew, whose name was Jonathan, who had raised a tumult in Cyrene, and had persuaded two thousand men of that country to join with him, was the occasion of their ruin; but when he was bound by the governor of that country, and sent to the emperor, he told him that I had sent him both weapons and money.	⁴²⁴ A Jew called Jonathan had raised uproar in Cyrene and got two thousand men of that country to join him, which brought ruin to them. Then when captured by the governor of that country and sent to the emperor, he told him that I had sent him weapons and money.
⁴²⁴ For a certain Jew named Jonathan stirred up a sedition in Cyrene, and having persuaded two thousand of the locals to join him, he became the cause of their destruction. But he himself was bound by the governor of the region and sent to the Emperor, and he claimed that I had sent him weapons and money.

⁴²⁵ Οὐ μὴν ΟὐεσπασιανὸνVespasian ψευδόμενος ἔλαθεν, ἀλλὰ κατέγνω θάνατον αὐτοῦ‎, καὶ παραδοθεὶς ἀπέθανεν. πολλάκις δὲ καὶ μετὰ ταῦτα τῶν βασκαινόντων μοι τῆς εὐτυχίας κατηγορίας ἐπί με συνθέντων θεοῦ προνοίᾳ πάσας διέφυγον. Ἔλαβον δὲ παρὰ ΟὐεσπασιανοῦVespasianus δωρεὰν γῆν οὐκ ὀλίγην ἐν τῇ ἸουδαίᾳJudea.
⁴²⁵ However, he could not conceal his being a liar from Vespasian, who condemned him to die; according to which sentence he was put to death. Nay, after that, when those that envied my good fortune did frequently bring accusations against me, by God’s providence I escaped them all. I also received from Vespasian no small quantity of land, as a free gift, in Judea;	⁴²⁵ But the liar could not fool Vespasian and he was condemned and put to death. After that, though people envious of my good fortune often brought accusations against me, by God's providence I escaped them all. I also received as a free gift from Vespasian a considerable amount of land in Judea.
⁴²⁵ However, as a liar, he did not escape Vespasian's notice, but [Vespasian] condemned him to death, and he was delivered up and died. And often even after this, when those who envied my good fortune fabricated accusations against me, by the providence of God I escaped them all. Furthermore, I received a generous gift of land in Judea from Vespasian.

⁴²⁶ Καθ᾽ ὃν δὴ καιρὸν καὶ τὴν‎ γυναῖκα μὴ ἀρεσκόμενος αὐτῆς τοῖς ἤθεσιν ἀπεπεμψάμην τριῶν παίδων γενομένην μητέρα, ὧν οἱ μὲν δύο ἐτελεύτησαν, εἷς δέ, ὃν ὙρκανὸνHyrcanus προσηγόρευσα, περίεστιν.
⁴²⁶ about which time I divorced my wife also, as not pleased with her behavior, though not till she had been the mother of three children; two of whom are dead, and one, whom I named Hyrcanus, is alive.	⁴²⁶ About this time too I divorced my wife, being displeased with her behaviour, though not until she had given birth to three children, two of whom are dead and one, whom I named Hyrcanus, is alive.
⁴²⁶ At which very time, not being pleased with her character, I divorced my wife, who had become the mother of three children, two of whom died, but one, whom I named Hyrcanus, survives.

⁴²⁷ μετὰ ταῦτα ἠγαγόμην γυναῖκα κατῳκηκυῖαν μὲν ἐν ΚρήτῃCrete, τὸ δὲ γένος ἸουδαίανJudea, γονέων εὐγενεστάτων καὶ τῶν κατὰ τὴν‎ χώραν ἐπιφανεστάτων, ἤθει πολλῶν γυναικῶν διαφέρουσαν, ὡς ὁ μετὰ ταῦτα βίος αὐτῆς ἀπέδειξεν. Ἐκ ταύτης δή μοι γίνονται παῖδες δύο, πρεσβύτερος μὲν ἸοῦστοςJustus, ΣιμωνίδηςSimonides δὲ μετ᾽ ἐκεῖνον ὁ καὶ ἈγρίππαςAgrippa ἐπικληθείς.
⁴²⁷ After this I married a wife who had lived at Crete, but a Jewess by birth: a woman she was of eminent parents, and such as were the most illustrious in all the country, and whose character was beyond that of most other women, as her future life did demonstrate. By her I had two sons; the elder’s name was Justus, and the next Simonides, who was also named Agrippa:	⁴²⁷ After this I married a wife who had lived in Crete, but was of Jewish birth, of parents who were eminent and among the noblest in the whole country, and whose character excelled most other women, as her subsequent life showed. By her I had two sons; the elder's name was Justus and the next Simonides, who was also named Agrippa. Such was my domestic situation.
⁴²⁷ After this, I took a wife who had been dwelling in Crete, but was a Jewess by birth, of very noble parents, and the most prominent people in the region, surpassing many women in character, as her subsequent life proved. By her, I had two sons: the elder was Justus, and the younger was Simonides, who was also called Agrippa.

⁴²⁸ Ταῦτα μέν μοι τὰ κατὰ τὸν οἶκον. Διέμεινεν δὲ ὅμοια καὶ τὰ παρὰ τῶν αὐτοκρατόρων· ΟὐεσπασιανοῦVespasianus γὰρ τελευτήσαντος ΤίτοςTitus τὴν‎ ἀρχὴν διαδεξάμενος ὁμοίαν τῷ πατρὶ τὴν‎ τιμήν μοι διεφύλαξεν πολλάκις τε κατηγορηθέντος οὐκ ἐπίστευσεν.
⁴²⁸ and these were the circumstances of my domestic affairs. However, the kindness of the emperor to me continued still the same; for when Vespasian was dead, Titus, who succeeded him in the government, kept up the same respect for me which I had from his father; and when I had frequent accusations laid against me, he would not believe them	⁴²⁸ The emperor's kindness to me continued unchanged; for when Vespasian was dead, Titus, who succeeded him in the government, continued showing me the same respect which I had from his father; and when accusations were frequently made against me, he would not believe them.
⁴²⁸ These things, then, concern my household. And the things from the emperors also remained the same: for when Vespasian died, Titus, having succeeded to the rule, preserved for me the same honour as his father, and though I was often accused, he did not believe [the accusers].

⁴²⁹ διαδεξάμενος δὲ ΤίτονTitus ΔομετιανὸςDomitian καὶ προσηύξησεν τὰς εἰς ἐμὲ τιμάς· τούς τε γὰρ κατηγορήσαντάς μου ἸουδαίουςJews ἐκόλασεν καὶ δοῦλον εὐνοῦχον παιδαγωγὸν τοῦ παιδός μου κατηγορήσαντα κολασθῆναι προσέταξεν, ἐμοὶ δὲ τῆς ἐν ἸουδαίᾳJudea χώρας ἀτέλειανexempt from taxes or dues ἔδωκεν, ἥπερ ἐστὶ μεγίστη τιμὴ τῷ λαβόντι. Καὶ πολλὰ δ᾽ ἡ τοῦ ΚαίσαροςCaesar γυνὴ ΔομετίαDomitia διετέλεσεν εὐεργετοῦσά με.
⁴²⁹ and Domitian, who succeeded, still augmented his respects to me; for he punished those Jews that were my accusers; and gave command that a servant of mine, who was a eunuch, and my accuser, should be punished. He also made that country I had in Judea tax free, which is a mark of the greatest honor to him who hath it; nay, Domitia, the wife of Caesar, continued to do me kindnesses:	⁴²⁹ When Domitian succeeded Titus, he still honoured me; for he punished the Jews that were my accusers and ordered that a servant of mine, a eunuch who accused me, should be punished. He also exempted from taxes the property I had in Judea, which is a sign of the greatest honour to its owner; and indeed, Caesar's wife Domitia continued to show favour to me.
⁴²⁹ And Domitian, having succeeded Titus, even increased the honours toward me: for he punished the Jews who accused me, and ordered the punishment of a slave, a eunuch, the tutor of my son, who had also accused me, and he gave me tax exemption for my land in Judea, which is the greatest honour for the recipient. And Domitia, the wife of Caesar, continued to be a great benefactor to me.

⁴³⁰ Ταῦτα μὲν τὰ πεπραγμένα μοι διὰ παντὸς τοῦ βίου ἐστίν, κρινέτωσαν δ᾽ ἐξ αὐτῶν τὸ ἦθος ὅπως ἂν ἐθέλωσιν ἕτεροι. Σοὶ δ᾽ ἀποδεδωκώς, κράτιστε ἀνδρῶν ἘπαφρόδιτεEpaphroditus, τὴν‎ πᾶσαν τῆς ἀρχαιολογίας ἀναγραφὴν ἐπὶ τοῦ παρόντος ἐνταῦθα καταπαύω τὸν λόγον.
⁴³⁰ And this is the account of the actions of my whole life; and let others judge of my character by them as they please; but to thee, O Epaphroditus, thou most excellent of men! do I dedicate all this treatise of our Antiquities; and so, for the present, I here conclude the whole.	⁴³⁰ These are the deeds of my whole life, and let others judge my character from them as they please. But Epaphroditus, most excellent of men, to whom I dedicate the whole treatise of our Antiquities, for the present, I here conclude my story.
⁴³⁰ These, then, are the deeds done by me throughout my entire life; let others judge my character from them as they may wish. And having delivered to you, most excellent of men, Epaphroditus, the whole narrative of my Antiquities (i.e., my history of the past), I now, for the present, here bring my account to a close.

LIFE OF FLAVIUS JOSEPHUS
βιος Φλαυιου Ἰωσηπου

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Chapter 1. Family, education and early manhood of Josephus
1-16

Chapter 2 Beginnings of the Jewish revolt against Rome
17-42

Chapter 3 Factions among the Galilean rebels
43-76

Chapter 4 Josephus as peaceful defender of Galilee
77-100

Chapter 5 Risks run by Josephus, for the sake of justice
101-125

Chapter 6 Josephus' intentions are misunderstood
126-144

Chapter 7 Josephus forestalls his enemies
145-184

Chapter 8 Josephus' strong leadership, in Galilee
185-215

Chapter 9 Various plots to depose Josephus
216-298

Chapter 10 He defeats his opponents and grants them amnesty
299-372

Chapter 11 Josephus tries to spare Sepphoris and Tiberias
373-393

Chapter 12 Siege of Sepphoris; Josephus fights the Romans
394-413

Chapter 13 Josephus taken prisoner; his later career in Rome
414-430

LIFE OF FLAVIUS JOSEPHUSβιος Φλαυιου Ἰωσηπου

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Chapter 1. Family, education and early manhood of Josephus1-16

Chapter 2 Beginnings of the Jewish revolt against Rome17-42

Chapter 3 Factions among the Galilean rebels43-76

Chapter 4 Josephus as peaceful defender of Galilee77-100

Chapter 5 Risks run by Josephus, for the sake of justice101-125

Chapter 6 Josephus' intentions are misunderstood126-144

Chapter 7 Josephus forestalls his enemies145-184

Chapter 8 Josephus' strong leadership, in Galilee185-215

Chapter 9 Various plots to depose Josephus216-298

Chapter 10 He defeats his opponents and grants them amnesty299-372

Chapter 11 Josephus tries to spare Sepphoris and Tiberias373-393

Chapter 12 Siege of Sepphoris; Josephus fights the Romans394-413

Chapter 13 Josephus taken prisoner; his later career in Rome414-430

LIFE OF FLAVIUS JOSEPHUS
βιος Φλαυιου Ἰωσηπου

Chapter 1. Family, education and early manhood of Josephus
1-16

Chapter 2 Beginnings of the Jewish revolt against Rome
17-42

Chapter 3 Factions among the Galilean rebels
43-76

Chapter 4 Josephus as peaceful defender of Galilee
77-100

Chapter 5 Risks run by Josephus, for the sake of justice
101-125

Chapter 6 Josephus' intentions are misunderstood
126-144

Chapter 7 Josephus forestalls his enemies
145-184

Chapter 8 Josephus' strong leadership, in Galilee
185-215

Chapter 9 Various plots to depose Josephus
216-298

Chapter 10 He defeats his opponents and grants them amnesty
299-372

Chapter 11 Josephus tries to spare Sepphoris and Tiberias
373-393

Chapter 12 Siege of Sepphoris; Josephus fights the Romans
394-413

Chapter 13 Josephus taken prisoner; his later career in Rome
414-430