Joabson Xavier Pena

By carrying out research and analysis of surviving texts from the GraecoRoman period, we can observe that numerous sacred structures, either simple or highly complex in design, were erected and expanded in order to house deities. The distinguished presence of a celestial being among these peoples, and its dwelling in certain places, meant the access to countless societal blessings. On the whole, these sacred precincts were located in urban areas and for this reason they were regarded as an integral part of city`s organisation. The Temple of Jerusalem was one of these sacred structures, and in my thesis, I investigate the portrayals of this Temple in the works of Flavius Josephus, with a particular interest in cosmic aspects of Josephus’ language, in the context of ancient Graeco-Roman cosmology.