Jewish Revolts In The Roman Empire
“And He said unto them, Render therefore unto Caesar the things which be Caesar’s, and unto God the things which be God’s.” (Luke 20:25; KJV)
Although this is Jesus’ famous reply when asked if it was lawful for Jews to pay taxes to their Roman conquerors, the Jews did not follow this advice. Ever since the Romans invaded Israel in 63 AD, the Jews constantly tried to overthrow their conquerors. They never succeeded.
The first revolt, called now the Great Revolt lasted from 66 to 73 AD. Zealots rallied the Jewish people after the Roman procurator Florus stole silver directly from the Temple. Although Jewish forces were able to rout the Romans, the Empire sent 60,000 reinforcements. Over one million Jews died in the Great Revolt and the Temple was destroyed.
Other revolts followed that never came close to the Great Revolt. The Second Jewish war or Kitos War occurred from 115 to 117 AD. Jews began destroying pagan temples in their homeland. This revolt spread to Jewish communities in Egypt and Cyprus but was quickly quelled. The Bar Kokhba Revolt occurred from 132 to 135 AD, when Simon bar Kokhba was proclaimed Messiah. An estimated 580,000 Jews were killed and the survivors were kicked out of Judea.
The final notable revolt was against Gallus, brother-in-law of the Emperor who favored Christians, in 351. Many Jews and Christians were killed.