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.