The Works of Josephus: A Modern Translation, Volume Two

Antiquities of the Jews, Part Two (Books 12–20)

By: Flavius Josephus

Narrated by: Virtual Voice

From the Maccabees to Herod—Jewish History in a New, Modern Translation

From the aftermath of Alexander the Great to the reign of Herod the Great, Antiquities of the Jews, Part Two (Books 12–20) continues Josephus’ sweeping retelling of Israel’s story.

• Covers the turbulent centuries between the Hebrew Bible and the New Testament.

• Recounts the Maccabean revolt and the rise of the Hasmonean dynasty.

• Describes Judea’s entanglement with Roman politics and power.

• Introduces Herod the Great and his successors, rulers central to the New Testament era.

• Newly translated into modern, accessible English—faithful to the original yet free of archaic style.

Josephus’ narrative in this second half of Antiquities turns to an era of foreign empires, shifting alliances, and internal struggles. The courage of the Maccabees, the political maneuvers of the Hasmonean rulers, and the growing presence of Rome all come vividly to life in his account.

The story culminates in the rise of Herod the Great, whose reign reshaped Judea through both grand projects and harsh rule. These events form the historical backdrop to the New Testament period, connecting the heritage of Israel’s past with the world of the first century CE.

This modern translation continues the work begun in Antiquities of the Jews, Part One (Books 1–11). Together, the two volumes present Josephus’ full retelling of Jewish history, bridging the biblical story and the world of Rome with clarity and accessibility for today’s reader.

This translation was prepared through an AI-assisted process, combining digital tools with traditional editorial work.