Books XV, XVI: In the years of the Romans. Herod. Destruction of the temple and erection of a new one. Military events.

Josephus, a Jewish historian of the 1st century AD, was born in the first year of Caligula's reign, 37/38 AD, into a priestly family and received rabbinical upbringing. After studying in the theological schools of the Jews, he adopted the sect of the Pharisees.

In 66 AD, he was elected by the Sanhedrin of Jerusalem as general of Galilee in the war against the Romans. He was captured in 67 AD by Vespasian, who subsequently freed him and then made him a Roman citizen. He lived in Rome until his death, enjoying the favor of the Flavian emperors.

The date of his death is unknown, but from his writings, it can be inferred that he lived into the first decade of the 2nd century AD.