About the book: year / "Against Apion" was written by Josephus after his other two most significant works. This allowed him, where necessary, to rely on the authority of his own works (in proving the reliability of the depiction of events and the legitimacy of the historical method) and refer to more detailed statements of issues requiring research. However, the essay is completely independent and complete, since the author had a special purpose. “Jewish Antiquities” had a predominantly positive content and, apparently, was too detailed and voluminous for any wide range of readers. In the essay “Against Apion,” Joseph decided to speak briefly, resorting to the more effective genre of apology and guessing even more accurately the Hellenic common sense. The predominant antiquity of origin was perhaps the only basis on which it was possible to form among readers an unbiased attitude towards the author’s compatriots. All other virtues of the Jewish people could be recognized much more quickly if this condition was met. “Against Apion” is the oldest surviving apology for the Jews. The genre itself, of necessity, clearly reveals the position of the author, who openly took the side of his people and made no concessions to either the Greeks or Romans (except in some cases for a respectful tone towards the latter), much less to the Egyptians. The main idea is carried out steadily and even sharply - the Jewish people are initially original, their law in all fundamental articles surpasses all other legislation, their concept of the One God is the only true one. This determined the harmony and straightforwardness of the plan.