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66 AD – Revolt Begins
- Roman governor Gessius Florus seizes large sums from the Temple treasury.
- This sparks outrage; full-scale revolt erupts in Jerusalem.
- Roman garrison at Antonia Fortress is attacked and overrun.
- Jewish forces reclaim the city and drive out Roman officials.
- The revolt spreads throughout Judea, including Galilee, Idumea, and Perea.
- Jerusalem leadership is divided between moderate priests and Zealot factions.
67 AD – Rome Strikes Back
- Roman general Vespasian is sent by Nero to crush the revolt.
- With his son Titus, he begins military operations in the north.
- Cities like Sepphoris, Jotapata, and Gamla are attacked and destroyed.
- Josephus, commander at Jotapata, is captured and begins working for Rome.
- Thousands of rebels and civilians are killed or enslaved.
- Vespasian pushes toward Jerusalem but does not attack yet.
68 AD – Civil War Inside Jerusalem
- While Romans continue campaigns in outer regions, internal chaos grips Jerusalem.
- Competing Jewish factions (Zealots, Sicarii, Temple guards) fight for control.
- Food stores inside the city are burned by Zealots, worsening starvation.
- Ananus ben Ananus, a former high priest, is killed by rival groups.
- The city is in lockdown; tension rises as Romans approach.
- Emperor Nero dies; Vespasian pauses operations during Rome's civil unrest.
69 AD – Siege Approaches
- Vespasian secures Roman leadership and is declared emperor.
- Titus is placed in full command of the campaign in Judea.
- Roman forces advance toward Jerusalem, encamping outside the city.
- Internal fighting continues between Jewish factions; no united defense is formed.
- Walls are reinforced, but the city is divided and unstable from within.
70 AD – Siege and Destruction
- In April 70 AD, during Passover, Titus begins the full siege of Jerusalem.
- Over 1 million people are trapped due to the festival crowds.
- Roman legions build siege walls and towers, cutting off food and water.
- Inside the city: famine, disease, cannibalism, and daily executions.
- In July, Romans breach the second wall; hand-to-hand combat follows.
- On the 9th of Av (late July/August), the Second Temple is set on fire and destroyed.
- By September, the entire city is in ruins.
- Surviving Jews are:
- Killed by sword
- Crucified outside the city
- Enslaved and taken to Rome
End of the Timeline: 70 AD
- The Second Temple is gone.
- Jerusalem is razed to the ground.
- Roman troops remain to occupy and suppress any future uprising.