Britannica
Sources used in this answer
How did Caligula respond to Philo Judaeusâs embassy?
Created from Britannica articles
using AI.
AI can make mistakes, so verify using Britannica articles.
Philo Judaeus
Jewish philosopher Philo Judaeus.
In 39 or 40 CE, Philo Judaeus led an embassy to the Roman emperor Caligula to request the restoration of Jewish rights in Alexandria following a violent pogrom.
When Philo attempted to address the accusations of disloyalty brought against the Jewish community by the Greek grammarian Apion, Caligula abruptly cut him short. Despite this dismissive and hostile reception, Philo encouraged his fellow delegates to remain steadfast, expressing his belief that God would punish the emperor. Caligula was indeed assassinated shortly thereafter.1