Midrashim Framing a Jewish–Roman Rivalry

The relationship between Rome and the Jews is critical to the further development of western civilization. As we learn about their clash, we'll explore the following questions:

1. How did the Jews end up in Rome and how did they deal with Roman paganism?
2. What are the Apocrypha and Pseudepigrapha, and why were the Pseudepigrapha important towards Rome's relationship with the Jews?
3. How can the relationship between Rome and the Jews be characterized as a rivalry of sorts?

Recommended Reading: Judaism and Rome