The Antiquities of the Jews, Book XI

What it is

This is Book XI of The Antiquities of the Jews, a history written by the Jewish historian Josephus. It covers the period from the reign of Cyrus the Great to the death of Alexander the Great, and includes a quoted edict attributed to Cyrus permitting the Jews to leave Babylon and rebuild their temple in Jerusalem.

Why it matters

Written long after Cyrus's lifetime, this text is a secondary source that preserves what was understood to be Cyrus's own policy toward the Jewish people. It presents Cyrus as acting out of religious conviction, believing he had been chosen by the God of Israel for this task, and it has shaped how later generations have understood his reputation for tolerance.

Look closer

• Why might Josephus, writing centuries later, choose to quote Cyrus's words directly rather than summarise them?
• What does the text suggest about how Cyrus wanted to be seen by the people he ruled?
• How might we check whether the quoted edict reflects Cyrus's real words or a later retelling?