Jewish War

Josephus vs. Vespasian (AD 67)

This time we dig a little deeper into the details of the Galilean campaign of Vespasian and Titus, as they began to subjugate all the fortified cities of Galilee (AD 67). Josephus had tried to unite all the cities of Galilee under his command, and get them fortified before the Romans attacked. But it simply…

Cestius Humiliated by Zealots (AD 66)

After Eleazar b. Ananias lawlessly put a stop to all Gentile sacrifices, the Moderates and pro-Roman citizens of Jerusalem pleaded with him to restore the sacrifices, but he refused. This division between the Moderates in the upper city and the Zealots in the Temple rapidly degenerated into armed conflict. Menahem overpowered the Roman garrison on…

Vespasian Begins the War

After Nero heard about the failure of Cestius Gallus to crush the Jewish rebellion, he dispatched his most able general Vespasian to do it right this time. Over the winter of 66-67, Vespasian and Titus assembled three legions and hordes of other auxiliaries and mercenaries to launch the attack in the Spring of AD 67….

Cestius Gallus Fiasco (AD 66)

We look at the early months of the Jewish rebellion (August through December AD 66). We notice how the Zealots quickly organized their government and prepared for the Roman attack. The Roman Legate in Antioch, Cestius Gallus, did not waste any time responding to the rebellion, but his attack on Jerusalem was mismanaged from start…