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Julius Caesar and the Jews, w/ Barry Strauss

Episode Length:
64:50
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Julius Caesar and the Jews, w/ Barry Strauss
A conversation with the bestselling author, classicist and the military and naval historian Barry Strauss about his latest book Jews vs. Rome: Two Centuries of Rebellion Against the World’s Mightiest Empire.

We explore:
  • Why Julius Caesar became a key patron of the Jews and how his support shaped Jewish life in the Roman Empire
  • The pivotal moment when Antipater (Herod's father) saved Caesar in Egypt, and how it changed Jewish-Roman relations
  • Caesar's assassination: the personal ambitions and fears that drove the conspirators beyond Republican ideology
  • Herod the Great's extraordinary political survival skills: switching allegiances from Antony to Octavian and always landing on his feet
  • The ruthless pragmatism of Herod's reign, including the execution of his own talented sons
  • The historical plausibility of the "slaughter of the innocents" story and what it reveals about Herod's character
For Barry's previous appearance, check out episode 81.

Subscribe to the Cost of Glory newsletter for detailed maps, images, and analysis of this pivotal moment in ancient history: https://costofglory.substack.com/

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Website: https://costofglory.com
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Julius Caesar and the Jews, w/ Barry Strauss
October 24, 2025
Julius Caesar and the Jews, w/ Barry Strauss

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History Contains Power

My name is Alex Petkas, and in The Cost of Glory, I present you with the best stories, analyses and takeaways, from the greatest and most influential figures from Greco-Roman antiquity.

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