Rome
& Jerusalem
By
Martin Goodman
A
magisterial history of the titanic struggle between the Roman and Jewish worlds
that led to the destruction of Jerusalem.
In 70 C.E., after a four-year war, three Roman legions besieged and eventually devastated Jerusalem, destroying Herod’s magnificent Temple. Sixty years later, after further violent rebellions and the city’s final destruction, 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. They were wholly reviled.
What brought about this conflict between the Romans and the subjects they had previously treated with tolerance? Martin Goodman—equally renowned in Jewish and in Roman studies—examines this conflict, its causes, and its consequences with unprecedented authority and thoroughness. He delineates the incompatibility between the cultural, political, and religious beliefs and practices of the two peoples. He explains how Rome’s interests were served by a policy of brutality against the Jews. He makes clear how the original Christians first distanced themselves from their origins, and then became increasingly hostile toward Jews as Christian influence spread within the empire. The book thus also offers an exceptional account of the origins of anti-Semitism, the history of which reverberates still.
In 70 C.E., after a four-year war, three Roman legions besieged and eventually devastated Jerusalem, destroying Herod’s magnificent Temple. Sixty years later, after further violent rebellions and the city’s final destruction, 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. They were wholly reviled.
What brought about this conflict between the Romans and the subjects they had previously treated with tolerance? Martin Goodman—equally renowned in Jewish and in Roman studies—examines this conflict, its causes, and its consequences with unprecedented authority and thoroughness. He delineates the incompatibility between the cultural, political, and religious beliefs and practices of the two peoples. He explains how Rome’s interests were served by a policy of brutality against the Jews. He makes clear how the original Christians first distanced themselves from their origins, and then became increasingly hostile toward Jews as Christian influence spread within the empire. The book thus also offers an exceptional account of the origins of anti-Semitism, the history of which reverberates still.
When the Roman Empire
marched on Jerusalem, the life of the Jews was irrevocably changed
forever.
Rome and Jerusalem by
Martin Goodman is a monumental study. His understanding of this era shines
through in every page. Not only is this book a work written by a great scholar,
but it is also presented in a vastly compelling way, which is not at all
dry as some non-fiction books are. Not once did my interest waver.
Goodman writes with
an elegant narrative that is compelling. It is perfect for those who want
to know more about Jerusalem and the Eastern Roman Empire. I would also
recommend it to anyone interested in Jewish history and the history of
Jerusalem.
Rome and Jerusalem is
a long book, but then so is the history of the region. Goodman has split the
book into three separate parts. Part I explores both the Roman and Jewish
culture. It also explores how their paths crossed and how their differences
seemingly alienated one from the other. Part 2 looks at the destruction of
Jerusalem. This was by far the most interesting section of the book. It was
fascinating as well as informative. The last part looks at the growth of the
Church. Goodman finishes his book off with a look at the rise of anti-Semitism.
There were a few gaps
in the history, which I did find a little frustrating. Goodman is quite
selective in what he included. However, as a resource book, when put aside
others, it is excellent, and I found it straightforward to navigate. I will
certainly be coming back to this book again and again.
I Highly Recommend.
Review by
Mary Anne Yarde.
The Coffee
Pot Book Club
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See you on your next coffee break!
Take Care,
Mary Anne xxx