2/17/11

Jerusalem in Revolt:

Herod's kingdom was divided into three portions.  Archelaus (ineffective) became ethnarch of Judea, Herod Antipas became tetrarch of Perea and Galilee, and Herod Philip became tetrarch of Iturea and Trachonitis.  These rulers were gradually substituted with direct Roman rulers (procurators).  Pontius Pilate, who governed Judea from 26 to 36 CE, tried and ordered the execution of Jesus, and he provoked the Jews as a whole.  The governors were mostly inexperienced, and Jewish nationalism and internal conflict were both increasing.  The first Jewish Revolt (66-73 CE), can be attributed to the corrupt Roman governors, or religious injustice, or worsening relationships with non-Jews.  Titus destroyed the Temple on the 9th of Ab in 70 CE, and by 73 CE, the revolt was ended.  Vespasian issued Judea Capta/Devicta coins that publicized their victory.

The 2nd revolt, or Bar Kokhba revolt (132-135 CE), was led by Simon ben Kosiba, who wanted to reestablish Jerusalem as an eternal capital and reestablish Jewish identity.  As a result of the revolt's failure, Hadrian punished the Jews, banned them from the city, banned circumcision, and rebuilt Jerusalem as a Roman city (Aelia Capitolina).  The transformation of the Temple into a worship center for Jupiter may have led to the rise of the Synagogue, providing an alternate place of worship.