Goodman examines the background of the AD 66 Judean revolt against Rome. He attempts to explain both the rebellion itself and its temporary success by discussing the role of the Jewish ruling class in the sixty years preceding the war and in the independent state that lasted until AD 70. The author shows that the revolt's ultimate cause was a misunderstanding by Rome of the status criteria of Jewish society. "This brief review cannot do justice to Goodman's substantive and provocative book. He has presented a plausible, well-argued, and significant contribution to the debate surrounding the reasons for the Jewish War. I heartily recommend it." Journal of Biblical Literature "This is a well-written and persuasive book. Goodman reads Josephus with considerable political insight and a keen eye for detail. Re-read Josephus on the War; then read Goodman." The Expository Times "This is one of those rare books from which one learns something new on almost every page. It goes without saying that it will be required reading for all students of Judaea in the intertestamentary period. It should also be on the desk of anyone with a serious interest in Roman provincial history and society." Journal of Jewish Studies How Rome's misunderstanding of the status criteria of Jewish society led to the revolt of AD 66.