What primary sources exist that can help scholars learn about the politics and culture in Judea during Biblical times?

Judea was an ancient region located in the eastern Mediterranean, which was the setting for many of the events recorded in the Bible. The politics and culture of Judea during this time period are of great interest to scholars and historians, as they provide insight into the social, political, and religious context of the biblical stories. But what primary sources exist that can help scholars learn about the politics and culture of Judea during biblical times?

One important primary source for understanding the politics and culture of Judea is the Bible itself. The Bible contains a wealth of information about the people, customs, and events of ancient Judea, including the reigns of various kings and rulers, the social and religious practices of the people, and the interactions between Judea and other neighboring regions.

In addition to the Bible, there are several other primary sources that provide insight into the politics and culture of Judea during biblical times. These include archaeological discoveries, such as ancient artifacts, inscriptions, and ruins, which can help to shed light on the material culture of the time period.

There are also a number of historical texts from the time period, including the works of the Jewish historian Josephus, who wrote extensively about the political and social history of Judea during the first century AD. Other historical texts from the time period include the writings of Roman historians such as Tacitus and Suetonius, who provide valuable insight into the political and military events of the time.

Finally, there are a number of apocryphal and pseudepigraphical texts that provide additional context and information about Judea during biblical times. These texts include the Dead Sea Scrolls, which were discovered in the mid-20th century and contain a wealth of information about the religious practices and beliefs of the people of Judea.