εἰ δή τις … συκοφαντοίη: Impiety and the fiscus Iudaicus in Josephus, War 1.11

Abstract

Abstract The article discusses the meaning of εἰ δή τις … συκοφαντοίη (“If any critic carps,” or “recklessly impugns”) in Josephus, War 1.11. The overarching problem comprises the accusation the author imagines he may face and his nuanced response to it. The way Josephus and comparable authors use συκοφαντέω is the initial issue. The larger one is if the author might be saying something about the fiscus Iudaicus and its potential maladministration. The proposal is that Josephus denounces the stereotyping of Judean identity in terms of cultic impiety, a stereotype that allowed the funnelling of maiestas accusations through the tax treasury. Josephus’ cynicism toward the Iudaea capta discourse, not least the Flavians’ looting the temple and hijacking its tax, darkens his expression of piety in War’s prologue with irony and vitriole.