"In over 2,200 pages, he [Grabbe] has covered every possible area of political, cultural, religious, economic, and social history, with a level of detail and nuance that is difficult to match. I did not find the slightest theme lacking, and each subject is treated with erudition and clarity. This book is undoubtedly destined to become an indispensable monument that will be of invaluable service to all studies of themes, whatever they may be, concerning Jews and Judaism in the Roman period." -- Review of Biblical Literature "The value of this work in supplementing previous writing on this period should not be underestimated. The information that G. has presented in a manner which is thorough will help all those working on this period of Jewish history." -- The Society for Old Testament Study Book List "The present volume brings together a vast breadth of modern scholarship, summarising key debates on the period, and offering many fair-minded and balanced readings of ongoing discussions. Readers can pick up the volume as newcomers to the era, and put it down fully informed of the issues at hand in scholarship of the Hasmonean and early Herodian periods.

" -- Journal for the Study of the Old Testament.