Antiquities of the Jews: Volume 2 (Books XII-XX, published c. 93-94 AD) is Flavius Josephus's continuation of Jewish history from the conclusion of Persian rule through the outbreak of the Jewish War against Rome, covering the Hellenistic period under Ptolemies and Seleucids, the Maccabean revolt and Hasmonean dynasty, Roman conquest and Herodian rule, and events leading to the great rebellion. We have updated this timeless classic into a modern, updated translation that is easy to read and understand! Written from personal experience as participant in and eyewitness to the final period described, this volume combines biblical sources (where available), Jewish traditions, Hellenistic historical works, Roman archives, and firsthand knowledge to document Jewish political history, religious conflicts, and cultural struggles during crucial centuries when Judaism confronted Hellenization and Roman imperialism. Josephus systematically narrates the transition from Persian to Greek rule under Alexander the Great (Book XI conclusion and Book XII), the division of Alexander's empire with Judea initially under Ptolemaic Egypt then passing to Seleucid Syria, increasing Hellenization pressures culminating in Antiochus IV's persecution and temple desecration, the Maccabean revolt under Judas Maccabeus and his brothers establishing Jewish independence (Books XII-XIII), the Hasmonean dynasty's expansion and internal conflicts (Books XIII-XIV), Roman intervention and Herod the Great's rise and reign (Books XIV-XVII), rule under Herod's sons and Roman procurators (Books XVII-XX), and growing tensions producing the revolt of 66 AD. What distinguishes this volume is Josephus's transition from retelling biblical narrative to documenting post-biblical Jewish history where he serves as primary ancient source, combining written sources with oral traditions and personal knowledge. Unlike Volume 1's biblical basis providing narrative framework, Volume 2 addresses periods where Josephus must construct historical account from diverse fragmentary sources, requiring historical judgment about conflicting accounts while maintaining apologetic purposes demonstrating Jewish nobility, suffering under oppression, and legitimate grievances. His treatment provides invaluable documentation of periods otherwise sparsely attested in ancient sources. Volume 2 extensively narrates the Maccabean period, showing how Antiochus IV's persecution including Sabbath prohibitions, circumcision bans, and Zeus altar in the temple drove pious Jews to armed resistance under the Maccabee family. Josephus presents the revolt as defensive response to religious persecution rather than aggressive nationalism, showing how Judas Maccabeus and successors fought to preserve ancestral religion against forced Hellenization. His account establishes Jewish determination to maintain Torah observance despite persecution, providing heroic narrative demonstrating ancestral devotion. Author Biography Flavius Josephus (c. 37-100 AD) was a Jewish historian, priest, and Pharisee whose extensive writings provide invaluable documentation of Second Temple Judaism and first-century Jewish history. Born Joseph ben Matityahu to aristocratic priestly family, Josephus received thorough Jewish education while acquiring Greek learning, commanded Jewish forces in Galilee during the revolt against Rome before surrendering and serving Vespasian and Titus during Jerusalem's siege.