ut the Greeks, by means of
bribery, obtained a decree against us, depriving the Jews of
Caesarea of rights of equal citizenship. From this constant
troubles arose but, outside Caesarea, Festus kept all quiet;
putting down robbers, as well as impostors who led the people
astray.

"Then there came trouble in Jerusalem. King Agrippa's palace stood
on Mount Zion, looking towards the Temple; and he built a lofty
story, from whose platform he could command a view of the courts of
the Temple, and watch the sacrifices. Our people resented this
impious intrusion, and built a high wall to cut off the view.
Agrippa demanded its destruction, on the ground that it intercepted
the view of the Roman guard. We appealed to Nero, and sent to him a
deputation; headed by Ismael, the high priest, and Hilkiah, the
treasurer. They obtained an order for the wall to be allowed to
stand, but Ismael and Hilkiah were detained at Rome. Agrippa
thereupon appointed another high priest--Joseph--but, soon
afterwards, nominated Annas in his place.

"When Festus--the Roman governor--was away, Annas put to death many
of the sect called Christians, to gratify the Sadducees. The people
were indignant, for these men had done no harm; and Agrippa
deprived him of the priesthood and appointed Jesus, son of Damnai.
Then, unhappily, Festus--who was a just and good governor--died,
and Albinus succeeded him. He was a man greedy of money, and ready
to do anything for gain. He took bribes from robbers, and
encouraged, rather than repressed, evil doers. There was open war,
in the streets, between the followers of various chief robbers.
Albinus opened the prisons, and filled the city with malefactors;
and, at the completion of the works at the Temple, eighteen
thousand workmen were discharged, and thus the city was filled with
men ready to sell their services to the highest bidders.

"Albinus was succeeded by Gessius Florus, who was even worse than
Albinus. This man was a great friend of Cestius Gallus, who
commanded the Roman troops in Syria; and who, therefore, scoffed at
the complaints of the people against Florus.

"At this time, strange prodigies appeared in Rome. A sword of fire
hung above the city, for a whole year. The inner gate of the
Temple--which required twenty men to move it--opened by itself;
chariots and armed squadrons were seen in the heavens and, worse
than all, the priests in the Temple heard a great movement, and a
sound of many voices, whic