ABSTRACT
This chapter explores some themes in and around the sack of Jerusalem in September ad 70 in order to illustrate how much is to be gained by looking again at some unregarded details in Josephus' testimony. When it comes to the ending of the war between Rome and the Jews, in one sense, nothing could be clearer or more straightforward. Most historians attuned to Flavian ambitions see the success of their usurpation manifested above all in the joint triumph of Titus and Vespasian at Rome in 71. Josephus' description is the fullest we have of the triumphal ceremony. The themes highlight how in thrall historians continue to be to the narrative that the Flavians told about themselves in the aftermath of the fall of Jerusalem. Relayed by their apologists and indelibly stamped on the topography of the city of Rome, it declared that destiny, shrewd political calculation and stunning military power had elevated them to leadership of the Roman world.
