Against Apion

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About this book

Against Apion is by Flavius Josephus, translated by William Whiston, in two books with footnotes after each. It opens with an address to Epaphroditus and refers back to the author's work on the antiquities of the Jews, which covers five thousand years and is taken from their sacred books.

Josephus says he writes because many people believe the reproaches of those who bear ill will to the Jews and do not accept his account of how old the nation is. In one passage he says Greek writers must be given the palm for language but not for the truth of ancient history. He then points to the records kept by the Egyptians, Babylonians and Phoenicians. The footnotes include remarks on a high priest named Hezekiah and on a count of Egyptian acres. A later passage argues that the Jewish lawgiver was older than any other.

About the author

Flavius Josephus

Flavius Josephus (born 37 CE, died around 100) was a Jerusalem priest of aristocratic descent who commanded Jewish forces in Galilee during the revolt against Rome.