Have you ever wondered about
The origins of antisemitism
The Roman conquest of Jerusalem
The differences and similarities of Ancient Roman and Jewish attitudes towards wealth, the elderly, entertainment, food, government, justice, and taxes
Who was Herod the Great
What is portrayed on the Arch of Titus in Rome
What happened at Masada
Why the Romans destroyed the Temple at Jerusalem
Oxford University professor of Roman and Jewish history Martin Goodman explains all this and much more in our core book, Rome and Jerusalem, The Clash of Ancient Civilizations. In this sdg we will learn about the complex and tumultuous relationship between the Roman Empire and the Jewish World which set the stage for the profound cultural and religious shifts that have shaped Western Civilization. We will learn about the pivotal events and ideological clashes that culminated in the devastating Jewish Revolt and the subsequent destruction of the Second Temple in 70 CE. Sixty years later, after further violent rebellions and the city’s final destruction, Roman Emperor Hadrian built the new city of Aelia Capitolina where Jerusalem had once stood. Jews were barred from entering its territory. They were taxed simply for being Jewish. They were forbidden to worship their god. The book also offers an exceptional account of the origins of antisemitism, the history of which reverberates still. Our core book not only chronicles historical facts; we will step into an era where empires clashed and destinies were forged to uncover the echoes of antiquity that still resonate today.
Reviewers are raving:
“This is a splendid book. It aims to treat two peoples as well as cities in the ancient world by comparing them in terms of each other’s world views and values.” - Zachary Esterson, Cardiff University
“Magisterial...Brilliant...It can sometimes seem as though the 21st century is being shaped by the fall...of Jerusalem.” - Tom Holland, The Sunday Times
“His style is brisk and clear, his learning prodigious and his scope immense...A compelling and timely book.” - Dominic Sandbrook, The Saturday Telegraph
“Well-written, detailed and meticulous...Provides an intricate examination of life in the 1st century.” - The Dallas Morning News
“A triumph...Goodman’s easy prose style produces a work that will reward any reader.” - Jerusalem Post
To be coordinated at Gayley by Barbara Shuwarger with Ken Korman as Co-coordinator.
1. Introduction: The Main Witness, and Prologue: The Destruction of Jerusalem, 66-70 CE, and Chapter One: A Tale of Two Cities
2. Chapter Two: One World Under Rome
3. Chapter Three: Diversity and Toleration
4. Chapter Four: Identities
5. Chapter Five: Communities
6. Chapter Six: Perspectives
7. Chapter Seven: Lifestyles and Chapter Eight: Government
8. Chapter Nine: Politics and Chapter Ten: Romans and Jews
9. Chapter Eleven: The Road to Destruction, 37 BCE-70 CE
10. Chaper Twelve: Reactions, 70-312 CE
11. Chapter Thirteen: The Growth of the Church
12. Chapter Fourteen: A New Rome and a New Jerusalem and Epilogue: The Origins of Antisemitism
Goodman, Martin. Rome and Jerusalem: The Clash of Ancient Civilizations. Vintage Books. 2008.