Tacitus's anti‑Semitic tropes explained

Tacitus and Juvenal are vastly entertaining in their critiques of the world around them. As we survey these writers, we'll uncover answers to the following questions:

1. If Tacitus' descriptions of the Jews are outrageous, why is it important to read him?
2. How does Tacitus' explanation of the Jewish day of rest shed light on the Roman, pagan mentality?
3. What makes Juvenal so memorable as a writer?

Recommended Reading: Tacitus on the Jews, Book V. Tacitus. Annals. Translated by Michael Grant. New York: Laurel-Leaf, 2005. "