Guide
What Is the War Scroll?
2nd Century BCE–1st Century CE
Restricted
One of the sectarian scrolls found among the Dead Sea Scrolls at Qumran, the War Scroll revolves around an eschatological war between the Sons of Light and the Sons of Darkness. It describes preparations for the battle, battle liturgy, and several stages of warfare between the Sons of Light, led by priestly figures, and the Romans, referred to by the code name Kittim (a biblical name for an Aegean island, possibly Cyprus).
Related Primary Sources
Primary Source
The End of Roman Rule
War Scroll 1:1–7
For the In[structor: The Rule of] the War. The first attack by the sons of light will be launched against the lot of the sons of darkness, against the army of Belial, against the band of Edom and of…
Related Guide
What Are the Dead Sea Scrolls?
2nd Century BCE–1st Century CE
Found in caves in the Judean Desert, the Dead Sea Scrolls preserve the writings of an ancient Jewish sect.