The Zealots: Investigations Into the Jewish Freedom Movement in the Period from Herod 1 until 70 A.D.

In this universally acclaimed study, Martin Hengel rediscovers the Zealots–and shows just how important and central the Zealot movement is to the history of Palestinian Judaism and Christianity. Drawing on Josephus, the discoveries of the Qumran texts, the pseudepigrapha, and later rabbinic traditions, Hengel examines the religious, social and political context which led to the Jewish insurrections of 66 A. D. In particular he explores the unique eschatological and theocratic character of Judaism which lay behind these outbursts of religious fury. Hengel thoroughly documents and discusses the complex Zealot movement itself and also gives detailed attention to the Maccabees, Josephus, the rabbinate, the Roman rule, Jewish society and religious life.