JWST 303 - Jews and Greeks in Ancient Egypt

FC ARHU CD WINT

4 credits
A large number of Jews lived in Egypt, especially Alexandria, from the 4th c. BCE to the 2nd c. CE. Their primary language was Greek-not Hebrew or Aramaic-and their religious practices differed strikingly from later Rabbinic Judaism. This course examines the daily life, literature, and ultimately the annihilation of this vibrant but largely forgotten Jewish community. Textual traditions include: the Septuagint, Jewish-Greek poetry and philosophy, the Pseudepigrapha, Philo of Alexandria, anti-Jewish polemical writings, and documentary papyri. All readings will be in English translation. A Greek option is available to those with at least three semesters of Ancient Greek.