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>Tacitus
Tacitus, writing around AD 116, refers to Christus who “suffered the extreme penalty during the reign of Tiberius at the hands of Pontius Pilate”. That’s a direct reference to Jesus. Tacitus was a Roman senator and historian, not a Christian, and therefore had no reason to fabricate this account. Scholars overwhelmingly affirm the authenticity of this passage.
>Josephus
Josephus mentions Jesus twice in Antiquities of the Jews. One passage refers to “James, the brother of Jesus who was called Christ”. The other, the Testimonium Flavianum, is debated due to possible Christian interpolation; however, most scholars agree that it contains a historical core referring to Jesus’ crucifixion under Pontius Pilate.
>Pliny the Younger
Pliny, writing to Emperor Trajan around AD 112, describes Christians worshipping Christ as a god. While he doesn’t name Jesus directly, he confirms that Christians venerated a historical founder who was crucified, consistent with the Gospel accounts.
>Talmud
The Babylonian Talmud contains hostile references to Yeshu (Jesus), including his execution “on the eve of Passover” and accusations of sorcery. While compiled later, these traditions likely preserve earlier oral sources. Even skeptical scholars like Peter Schäfer acknowledge that these are polemical responses to the Christian claim.