Anthony Keddie investigates the changing dynamics of class and power at a critical place and time in the history of Judaism and Christianity - Palestine during its earliest phases of incorporation into the Roman Empire (63 BCE-70 CE). He identifies institutions pertaining to civic administration, taxation, agricultural tenancy, and the Jerusalem Temple as sources of an unequal distribution of economic, political, and ideological power. Through careful analysis of a wide range of literary, documentary, epigraphic, and archaeological evidence, including the most recent discoveries, Keddie complicates conventional understandings of class relations as either antagonistic or harmonious. He demonstrates how elites facilitated institutional changes that repositioned non-elites within new, and sometimes more precarious, relations with privileged classes, but did not typically worsen their economic conditions. These socioeconomic shifts did, however, instigate changing class dispositions. Judaean elites and non-elites increasingly distinguished themselves from the other, through material culture such as tableware, clothing, and tombs.

Examines how socioeconomic relations between Judaean elites and non-elites changed as Palestine became part of the Roman Empire.

About the Author
Anthony Keddie holds a M.A. from Yale Divinity School and a Ph.D. from the University of Texas, Austin. A former SBL Regional Scholar, Keddie is the author of Revelations of Ideology: Apocalyptic Class Politics in Early Roman Palestine (2018) and co-author of Jewish Fictional Letters from Hellenistic Egypt (2018).

Reviews
'Anthony Keddie's study of class and power in first century Judea brings refreshing realism to the study of a period that is often viewed through the lens of the history of ideas. At the same time, he appreciates that texts do not simply reflect economic realities, but are constructive attempts to shape the changing ideologies of class. An excellent contribution to the study of the matrix of the Christian movement.' John J. Collins, Yale University, Connecticut
'Were Jesus' movement and the First Jewish Revolt consequences of increased income inequality and the exploitation of the lower classes in Roman Palestine? Through a detailed analysis of literary sources and archaeological evidence, Keddie convincingly argues against this view, concluding that changes to class distinctions under Roman rule occurred only gradually, and with a mixed impact on non-elites. Keddie's book is required reading for anyone seeking to understand the socio-economic circumstances under which Jesus' movement emerged.' Jodi Magness, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill
'This book is invaluable for situating the New Testament stories in the context of a real world. The 70 page bibliography is also a fingerlickin' resource.' Henry Wansbrough, Church Times
'... a valuable reference for scholars and graduate students.' Michael Kochenash, Religious Studies Review



Book Information
ISBN 9781108713726
Author Anthony Keddie
Format Paperback
Page Count 379
Imprint Cambridge University Press
Publisher Cambridge University Press
Weight(grams) 581g
Dimensions(mm) 228mm * 152mm * 22mm