The Dead Sea Scrolls, discovered in 1947 near Qumran, are ancient Jewish manuscripts that provide insights into Israel's history and religious thought from around 2,000 years ago, specifically during the Second Temple Period. Their delayed publication fueled conspiracy theories, though no evidence of censorship has been found. The fictional Book of Susan portrays the discovery of scrolls from Jesus' final years, claiming church suppression of same-sex relationships. It highlights how ancient texts viewed same-sex encounters as behaviors rather than identities. The book faced hurdles in publication due to concerns about religious sensitivities, but aims to balance scripture with the stories of remarkable Roman women loving other women.