Caught in the crossfire of early modern controversy: Strabo on Moses and his corrupt successors

• Published in: Intellectual history review Vol. 28; no. 1; pp. 35 - 59
• Main Author: Henny, Sundar
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Abingdon Routledge 02.01.2018; Taylor & Francis Ltd
• Subjects: Classical tradition; Clergy; Corruption; Early modern period; geography; Hugo Grotius; Isaac Casaubon; John Toland; Moses; Philippe de Mornay; priestcraft; reception; Religious history; Strabo; Strabo (c. 63 BC–c. 24 AD); Superstition; tyranny

The Greek geographer Strabo described Moses as a charismatic leader who had instilled in his followers a simple form of worship and an unconventional form of government. Subsequent generations of Moses's successors had exploited people's awe of the sacred, however, in order to erect a supe...