The Great Revolt

63 BCE Pompy a Roman General takes over Judea for Rome. A civil war occurs between the Hasmonean Brothers which results in the loss of Jewish Independence. The reign of King Herod began in 37 BCE. He begins by starting a 46 year building project in Jerusalem. He rebuilds the 2nd Bet Hamikdash, enlarging the temple mount held up by four retaining walls including the Kotel. Herod places a Gold Eagle which is the symbol of Rome over the temple which angered Jews. The practice of worshipping idols is against the Jewish religion and religious Jews tried having the eagle removed but any one who tried this was ordered by Herod to be killed. In 6-66 BCE Roman Procurators governed Judea. In the beginning each ruled for ten years, their function was to keep the peace and collect taxes. The Roman governors overtaxed the Jews in order to get rich. They were corrupt and oppressed the Jews. Some roman governors were;

Procurator Pontius Pilate: was described as very cruel, he slaughtered the peaceful protesters, stole Temple treasury, put pagan symbols on the Jewish coins and crucified thousands of Jew including Freedom Fighters, anti-Roman protesters, and Zealots.

Procurator Cumanus: 30,000 Jews were killed, and Torah scrolls were burnt at large gatherings

Procurator Florus: Killed thousands of Jews, took the treasure of the Bet Mikdash, ordered his soldiers to kill children

A revolt began broke out and during Pesach 66 CE war broke out.

The Great Revolt of Judea against Rome was from 66-70 CE. Some main causes were Roman oppression and tension between Jew and non-Jews in Israel. Jerusalem is put under siege. On the 9th of AV 70 CE Titus destroys the Bet Mikdash. At the end of the Great Revolt resulted in the burning of the Bet Mikdash, 90% of Jerusalem’s population was killed and over half a million Jews were killed.

Posted By: JK