Jonathan P Roth

Jonathan P. Roth is a Professor of History at San José State University, serving as Director of the Burdick Military History Project, Faculty Advisor for the Veteran Students Organization, and Interim Coordinator of Jewish Studies. His academic leadership spans military history, ancient Near Eastern studies, and veteran student support.

Education:

• Doctor of Philosophy, Columbia University, 1991
• Bachelor of Arts in Ancient Near Eastern History and Archaeology, University of California, Berkeley, 1979

Roth's research centers on Roman military logistics, ancient Near Eastern kingdoms, and Greek historiography, with significant contributions to understanding Roman army organization, siege warfare (particularly Masada), and economic systems in Roman provinces. His interdisciplinary approach bridges military history, archaeology, and cultural studies, examining how logistics shaped imperial expansion and provincial administration.

Analysis of his 1998-2006 publications reveals persistent themes: Roman military infrastructure, ancient Jewish communities under Roman rule, and critical engagement with classical texts like Livy and Josephus. His work demonstrates consistent focus on primary source analysis while connecting military strategy to broader socio-economic contexts across Mediterranean antiquity.

Roth actively mentors students through veteran support programs and directs the Burdick Military History Project, which serves as a research hub for military history studies. His interdisciplinary coordination of Jewish Studies further demonstrates commitment to cross-departmental academic collaboration.