PREFACE. Ir may appear a presumptuous attempt to compress the minute details of JOSEPHUS, and put them in a form at all attractive to the minds of young people. I hope, however, that this is an age when reading for amusement alone is gone by, and that I may venture to offer a short narrative of interesting facts, although unembellished by fiction. In giving my youthful readers a few of the most striking incidents related in the "History of the Jewish War," by Josephus, I am aware that I cannot pretend to afford them the same amusement they have probably gleaned from other histories. There are some things, however, new and interesting; and I may venture to promise those who will take the trouble of reading my little Volume, that they will not, when they have finished it, think their time has been thrown away. I address myself to those happy children, whose parents and friends have led them to read for instruction as well as for amusement, and to think and to judge of what they read, for themselves. To such fortunate young people my best wish is, that they may be as happy as my niece Anne, for whom this little book is intended as a birthday present, by her affectionate AUNT JANE. Longfield, June 1822. CONTENTS. History of Josephus, the learned Jew. Josephus undertakes a voyage to Rome, and on his return is suspected of being a friend to the Romans. Description of Judea. Antiochus Epi- phanes. Conduct of Pompey in Palestine. Jericho, and the The Jews prepare for war. Description of Idumea. Situation of Jericho and other cities of Judea. Ananus, the High Priest, Josephus takes it by a stratagem. The Emperor sends Vespasian to Judea. Three principal cities of the Roman Empire described. Description of the two Galilees. Titus, Vespasian's son, comes The order of march described. City of Gadara taken. Josephus flies to Tiberias. Siege of Jotapata. Romans anxious to take Josephus. Situation of Jotapata. Roman engines. Josephus's stratagem. The trick of the water. Droll invention of Josephus for getting in supplies, soon found out. Wishes to leave Jota- pata, but the Jews entreat him not. Description of the Roman battering-ram. A new contrivance of Josephus. Exploit of Eleazar. Invention of the scalding oil, and slippery boards. City taken, when the watchmen were asleep. Search made for Cruel action of Vespasian. Gamala. Vespasian in danger. His brave conduct. The citizens hide themselves in the caves. The Romans undermine the tower, and take the city.. Page 73. Gischala. John of Gischala. His tyranny, and stratagem to save |