A primary historical account of the First Jewish Revolt against the Roman Empire, between 66 and 70 CE. Written by a former rebel general and later Roman historian, this work provides a unique eyewitness account. It focuses not only on the war itself but also on the preceding period, from the conquest of Jerusalem in 175 BC, through the unrest under the Hasmoneans, to the reign of Herod the Great. It also chronicles the roots of religious and political tensions that culminated in open rebellion against Roman authority in Judea. Josephus was initially a rebel leader in Galilee. After his capture, he switched sides and became a negotiator for the Roman forces under Generals Vespasian and Titus. This position gave him privileged access to document events from both sides. The climax of the work is a detailed account of the brutal siege of Jerusalem by Roman forces, culminating in the destruction of the city and the Second Temple in 70 CE. More complete editions typically include a seventh book, which recounts the fate of the Jewish captives and the heroic defense and mass suicide of the Zealots at the fortress of Masada. This work has had a profound impact on Western history, providing a highly visual depiction of the brutality of war, political intrigue, and the destruction of a civilization from the perspective of a first-hand witness.