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Named for the Jewish historian Josephus Bar Mattheus, born around A.D. 37 in Jerusalem. He was a member of the Pharisees, an ancient Jewish sect noted for the strict observance of rites and ceremonies of the traditional law. In 66 he organised a revolt against the Roman occupation, but he was defeated and led before Vespasianus. Because of a correct prophesy he acquired his liberty and added the last part of his name. He left several Greek writings, such as The Jewish War and Jewish Antiquities. (M 25445)