The historical basis for this remarkable tradition is found in Hadrian's association with Joshua ben Hananiah, in Joshua's visit to Athens, and in his intercourse with Athenian scholars and philosophers. Its conclusion is an echo of the myth of the Danaïdes, and it is supposed to demonstrate the superiority of the "wise men of the Jews" over the "elders of Athens". Embodied in this tradition are the stories in which the wit of Athens is conquered by the cleverness of the men of Jerusalem.
The historical basis for this tradition includes Hadrian's association with Joshua ben Hananiah, his visit to Athens, and interactions with Athenian scholars. Its ending mirrors the myth of the Danaïdes, highlighting the superiority of "wise men of the Jews" over "elders of Athens." These stories demonstrate how the cleverness of Jerusalem surpasses that of Athens.