The Story of Gviha Ben-Psisa and Alexander the Great

Updated by: 
Paula Rem
Research notes: 
PR/23/12/2019/not checked
Reference type: 
Journal Article
Author(s): 
Amitay, Ory
year: 
2006
Full title: 

The Story of Gviha Ben-Psisa and Alexander the Great

Journal / Book Title || Series Title: 
Journal for the Study of the Pseudepigrapha
Volume: 
16
Issue / Series Volume: 
1
Abbreviated Series Name: 
JSP
Pages: 
61-74
Work type: 
Essay/Monograph
Abstract: 

The story of Gviha Ben-Psisa and Alexander the Great is a rabbinic myth. The mythical Alexander represents the historical Pompey. Gviha, on the other hand, is a fully historical figure (a grandson of Jonathan Maqabi and great-grandfather of Josephus).

The myth emerged out of the realities and anxieties created by the rise of Hasmonean imperialism under Hyrkanos I and his sons, and by its collapse at the hands of Pompey. It defends the Jewish rights over Eretz Israel by establishing the Torah as a source of legitimacy in international law. The myth also reflects Jewish ambivalence towards Pompey: at once a defiler and a preserver of the Temple.

URL: 
https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/abs/10.1177/0951820706069185
Record number: 
106 218