He was a student of the Greek and Latin classics, which he much admired, and was also a devoted and loyal lover of Judaism.

Unfortunately, circumstances thrust him into a political position from which he could extricate himself only by treachery and duplicity.

As a young man he had visited Rome, and there acquired enthusiastic admiration for the Romans.

When he returned to Palestine, he found his countrymen filled with fiery patriotism and about to hurl themselves against the legions of the Caesars.

To his dismay Josephus saw himself drawn into the patriotic vortex.