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Roman/Jewish War Timeline (First Century AD)

Background Events


  • 63 BC: Pompey the Great captures Jerusalem, starting Roman influence over Judea.

  • 6 AD: Judea becomes a Roman province under direct Roman rule after the deposition of Herod Archelaus.


Key Events Leading to the War


  • 66 AD:

    • Early: Growing tension and frequent clashes between the Jewish people and the Romans.

    • June: Roman procurator Gessius Florus seizes silver from the Temple treasury, sparking outrage.

    • August: Open rebellion begins in Jerusalem; the Temple is cleansed of Roman symbols.


The Great Revolt


  • 66 AD:

    • October: Jewish rebels successfully defeat the Roman garrison in Jerusalem.

    • November: Cestius Gallus, Roman legate of Syria, attempts to quell the rebellion but is defeated at the Battle of Beth Horon.

    • Jewish forces gain control over significant portions of Judea, Galilee, and other areas.


  • 67 AD:

    • Spring: Roman general Vespasian is appointed to crush the revolt. He begins his campaign in Galilee.

    • June: Siege of Jotapata; the city falls after a 47-day siege. Josephus, the Jewish commander, is captured.


  • 68 AD:

    • Vespasian continues campaigns in Judea, regaining control over key territories.

    • The Jewish forces are divided into factions, weakening their overall resistance.

    • June: Emperor Nero commits suicide, leading to a power struggle in Rome (Year of the Four Emperors).


  • 69 AD:

    • Vespasian declared emperor by his troops.

    • Vespasian leaves Judea to secure his position in Rome, leaving his son Titus in charge of the military campaign.


Siege and Fall of Jerusalem


  • 70 AD:

    • April: Titus begins the siege of Jerusalem during Passover.

    • May: Romans breach the third and second walls.

    • July: Fortress of Antonia is captured.

    • August 30: The Second Temple is destroyed by fire, a pivotal and devastating event for the Jewish people.

    • September: The upper city and the rest of Jerusalem are captured. Massive destruction and loss of life ensue.



Aftermath and Continued Resistance


  • 71 AD:

    • Titus returns to Rome, celebrated with a triumph.

    • Pockets of resistance continue, most notably in Masada.


  • 73-74 AD:

    • April: Siege of Masada ends with the mass suicide of Jewish rebels.


Historical Sources

  • Josephus: A primary source, his works "The Jewish War" and "Antiquities of the Jews" provide a detailed account of the events.

  • Tacitus: Roman historian who provides a Roman perspective on the conflict.

  • Suetonius: Offers additional context on the reigns of emperors involved.

  • Rabbinic Literature: Offers Jewish perspectives on the destruction of the Temple and its aftermath.


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