Salome's Danceand the Question of Historical Plausibility

What is it about?

Scholars tend to divide into two opposing camps with regard to the historicity of Mark’s account of John the Baptist’s death: those who view it with nearly complete skepticism and those who view it as an account that complements the narrative of Josephus. There are clearly historical problems in the Markan story such as the name of Herodias’s first husband and the text of Mk 6.22. However, the dance of Salome is historically plausible whether one reviews it as transgressive or whether one views it as an acceptable dance for a festive occasion.

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Why is it important?

Gives reasons to consider the dance of Salome plausible historically despite the skepticism among many scholars.