Flavius Josephus

Josephus, born Joseph ben Matthias in Jerusalem, was a priest who commanded Jewish forces in Galilee during the revolt against Rome that began in 66 CE. Captured in 67, he said he foretold that the general Vespasian would become emperor, and after this came true he was freed and took the family name Flavius. He watched the siege of Jerusalem from the Roman side and spent the rest of his life in Rome, writing.

His Jewish War and Antiquities of the Jews are the main sources for Judea in his era and retell biblical history with many additions. Several are used on this site. He describes chariots and armed troops seen running through the clouds over Judea shortly before the war, which he says would seem a fable without eyewitnesses. He says the descendants of Seth inscribed their astronomy on pillars of brick and stone to survive fire and flood. He mentions iron gates that Alexander closed at a mountain pass. And he describes the exorcist Eleazar drawing out a demon before Vespasian with a ring and a root prescribed by Solomon.

Historians value him highly but read him critically, since he wrote for Roman patrons and to defend his own conduct.