Taking a fresh look at what the Greeks and Romans thought about Jews and Judaism; Peter Schäfer locates the origin of anti-Semitism in the ancient world. Judeophobia firmly establishes Hellenistic Egypt as the generating source of anti-Semitism; with roots extending back into Egypt's pre-Hellenistic history.A pattern of ingrained hostility toward an alien culture emerges when Schäfer surveys an illuminating spectrum of comments on Jews and their religion in Greek and Roman writings; focusing on the topics that most interested the pagan classical world: the exodus or; as it was widely interpreted; expulsion from Egypt; the nature of the Jewish god; food restrictions; in particular abstinence from pork; laws relating to the sabbath; the practice of circumcision; and Jewish proselytism. He then probes key incidents; two fierce outbursts of hostility in Egypt: the destruction of a Jewish temple in Elephantine in 410 B.C.E. and the riots in Alexandria in 38 C.E. Asking what fueled these attacks on Jewish communities; the author discovers deep-seated ethnic resentments. It was from Egypt that hatred of Jews; based on allegations of impiety; xenophobia; and misanthropy; was transported first to Syria-Palestine and then to Rome; where it acquired a new element: fear of this small but distinctive community. To the hatred and fear; ingredients of Christian theology were soon added―a mix all too familiar in Western history.
#249165 in Books Ingramcontent 2015-10-12Original language:EnglishPDF # 1 8.50 x 1.10 x 5.80l; .0 #File Name: 0674286154384 pagesCitizen Sailors Becoming American in the Age of Revolution
Review
0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. Interesting but not what I expected; though quite important ...By Crash MogalInteresting but not what I expected; though quite important. Didn't realize the citizenship issue was as widespread as it was. More of civics lesson than naval history.1 of 1 people found the following review helpful. Great read for navy and sea going individuals.By JoubesGood read on the early days of the US Navy and old nautical practices.My only complaint about the book is that at times the author goes into the whole "So and so would have what if'ed this had happened."0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. Sailors define American citizenshipBy WillThis book investigates a little known piece of the War of American Independence. Extremely well researched and written. Anyone with an interest in the Revolutionary War will find this book full of unusual and informative history.
