prof. dr. S.N. (Steve) Mason
Distinguished Professor of Ancient Mediterranean Religions and Cultures
Research
Research interests
My general field of research is the Eastern Mediterranean under Hellenistic and Roman rule. Within this area my special interests are in Judaea, its relations with its immediate neighbours in Syria, points east, and Egypt, its uniquely large and widespread expatriate [diaspora] communities, and Jewish-Christian-Roman relations until late antiquity. I have written books and articles on understanding Flavius Josephus' works (our principal source for much of this) and on aspects of Judaean (e.g., Pharisees, Essenes) and ancient life (elite social-political discourse, historiography, rhetoric, 'publication'). My most recent book, A History of the Jewish-Roman War, 66 to 74, should appear with Cambridge University Press in early 2016. I continue to edit the international project, in an expected 16 volumes, Flavius Josephus: Translation and Commentary (Brill, 2000-), of which seven volumes have appeared, and to write volumes for the series (so far Life of Josephus and Judean War 2; planning War 4). My online database called the Project on Ancient Cultural Interaction (pace-ancient.mcmaster.ca) is still in Canada, though I hope to bring it to Groningen soon.
As a member of the budding Flavian Literature Network, my interests include central Roman history and especially the Flavian period. More broadly, work on ancient inter-ethnic relations and conflicts is leading me to put together a research project on Human Rights, Realism, and Religion in Antiquity.
Publications
Prophecy in Roman Judaea: Did Josephus Report the Failure of an 'Exact Succession of the Prophets' (Against Apion 1.41)?
Mason, S., Nov-2019, In : Journal for the Study of Judaism. 50, 4-5, p. 524-556 33 p.Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › Academic › peer-review
The Jewish War
Mason, S., Jan-2018, In : Expository Times. 129, 4, p. 184-184 1 p.Research output: Contribution to journal › Book/Film/Article review › Academic
Josephus
Mason, S., 2018, Early Jewish Literature: An Anthology. Wright, A. T., Embry, B. & Herms, R. (eds.). Grand Rapids: Wm. B. Eerdmans Publishing Company, p. 252-357 106 p.Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceeding › Chapter › Professional
Why does the Ancient Past Matter in the Public University? The Case of Jews and Christians
Mason, S., 23-May-2017Research output: Book/Report › Inaugural speech › Popular
N. T. Wright on Paul the Pharisee and ancient Jews in Exile
Mason, S., 8-Nov-2016, In : Scottish Journal of Theology. 69, 4, p. 432-452 20 p.Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › Academic › peer-review
Press / Media
Dr Steve Mason on Christ Mythicism
25/10/2020
1 Media contribution
Press/Media: Public Engagement Activities › Popular
interview with Dr. Steve Mason
27/09/2020
1 Media contribution
Press/Media: Public Engagement Activities › Popular
The Bible from Space: Sodom and Gomorrah
11/07/2018
1 Media contribution
Press/Media: Expert Comment › Popular
Activities
BRILL ACADEMIC PUBLISHERS (Publisher)
Steve Mason (Editorial board member)
2017Activity: Publication peer-review and editorial work › Editorial activity › Professional
Josephus’ Publication of his Judaean War in Rome
Steven Mason (Invited speaker)
21-Nov-2015Activity: Talk or presentation › Professional
The Past, Present, and Future of the Ioudaioi
Steven Mason (Invited speaker)
2-Sep-2015Activity: Talk or presentation › Professional
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