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66–70 AD: The Fall of Jerusalem
66 AD – Revolt Begins
- Roman governor Gessius Florus seizes large sums from the Temple treasury.
- Outrage sparks full-scale revolt in Jerusalem; Roman garrison at Antonia Fortress is overrun.
- Jewish forces reclaim the city, revolt spreads across Judea.
67 AD – Rome Strikes Back
- General Vespasian and his son Titus begin campaigns in Galilee and northern Judea.
- Cities like Jotapata and Gamla are destroyed; Josephus is captured.
- Many are killed or enslaved; Romans advance but pause before Jerusalem.
68 AD – Civil War in Jerusalem
- Zealots, Sicarii, and priestly factions fight inside Jerusalem.
- Food stores are burned, worsening famine.
- Former high priest Ananus ben Ananus is killed; Nero dies, delaying Roman attack.
69 AD – Siege Approaches
- Vespasian is declared emperor; Titus takes command in Judea.
- Roman legions encamp around Jerusalem while internal faction fighting continues.
70 AD – Siege and Destruction
- Passover pilgrims trapped as Titus launches the siege in April.
- Famine, disease, and chaos devastate the city; reports of cannibalism appear in Josephus.
- Romans breach the second wall in July; intense fighting ensues.
- On 9th of Av, the Second Temple is burned and destroyed.
- By September, Jerusalem is razed; survivors are killed, crucified, or enslaved.
- Ancient sources like Josephus claim immense casualties, but modern historians view numbers such as “one million” as exaggerations.