by hadassah | Apr 8, 2008 | Identification of the Sect
Pliny, Natural History V, xv: The Solitary Essenes In contrast to Josephus’ Essenes who marry for purposes of propagation, Pliny’s Essenes never marry. While Josephus says that this sect is found in every city, Pliny locates them on the western coast of the...
by hadassah | Apr 8, 2008 | Identification of the Sect
Josephus, War II, 119-61: The Life of the Essenes Lawrence H. Schiffman, Texts and Traditions, Ktav, Hoboken 1998, p.276-281. The much more detailed description given here of a closed fraternity of Essenes living a simple, pious life has led scholars to...
by hadassah | Apr 8, 2008 | Identification of the Sect
Josephus, Antiquities XVIII, 18-22: The Doctrine of the Essenes Josephus provides the most expansive contemporary description of the Essenes. He presents them as an agricultural, virtuous people worthy of admiration for their pious, peaceful ways, their...