Glossary

6.3 Roman Rule and the Destruction of the Second Temple

3 min read•july 30, 2024

The Roman conquest of Jerusalem in 63 BCE marked a turning point for Jewish society. While allowing religious practices, Roman rule introduced cultural tensions and political control. This period saw the reign of and growing resentment towards Roman authority.

Tensions escalated into the Great Revolt of 66 CE, sparked by Roman oppression and Jewish revolutionary groups. The conflict culminated in the in , a catastrophic event that reshaped Judaism and led to the Jewish .

Roman Rule and Jewish Society

Impact of Roman Rule on Jewish Life

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  • Roman rule over Judea began in 63 BCE when Pompey the Great conquered Jerusalem, leading to a period of significant changes and challenges for Jewish society and religion
  • The Romans allowed the Jews to maintain their religious practices and traditions, but also imposed various forms of control and influence over Jewish life
    • Appointing high priests
    • Collecting taxes
  • Roman rule introduced Hellenistic culture and ideas into Jewish society, which led to cultural and religious tensions
    • embraced these influences
    • resisted them

Herod the Great's Reign and Roman Offenses

  • The Romans granted the Jewish king Herod the Great a significant degree of autonomy in ruling Judea, but his reign was marked by contrasts
    • Grand building projects (expansion of the Second Temple)
    • Brutal repression of political opponents
  • The Roman practice of emperor worship and the placement of Roman symbols and images in Jewish public spaces were seen as deeply offensive and sacrilegious by many Jews
    • Placement of symbols and images in the Temple
    • Contributed to growing resentment and resistance against Roman rule

Jewish Revolt Against Rome

Factors Leading to the Revolt

  • The First against Roman rule (Great Revolt) began in 66 CE, sparked by a series of escalating tensions and conflicts between the Jews and the Romans
  • Corrupt and oppressive rule of the Roman procurators (governors) of Judea contributed to the revolt
    • Seized Jewish property
    • Imposed heavy taxes
    • Showed disregard for Jewish religious practices and sensitivities
  • Growing influence of Jewish revolutionary groups advocated for armed resistance against Roman rule
    • sought to establish an independent Jewish state

Immediate Triggers and Course of the Revolt

  • The immediate trigger for the revolt was a series of provocations and clashes between Jews and Romans
    • Seizure of the Temple treasure by the Roman procurator Florus
    • Desecration of a synagogue by Greek residents of Caesarea
  • The revolt began with the Jews successfully driving the Romans out of Jerusalem and establishing an independent Jewish state
  • The Romans soon returned with a massive army under the command of Vespasian and his son to crush the rebellion

Destruction of the Second Temple

Significance of the Temple's Destruction

  • In 70 CE, after a long and brutal siege, the Romans under Titus captured Jerusalem and destroyed the Second Temple, the central religious and cultural institution of the Jewish people
  • The destruction of the Temple was a catastrophic event for the Jews
    • Deprived them of their holiest site and the center of their religious worship
    • Marked the end of Jewish political autonomy and the beginning of a long period of exile and dispersion
  • The loss of the Temple had profound theological implications for Judaism
    • Forced the rabbis to find new ways of understanding and practicing their religion without the sacrificial cult and the priestly system that had been based in the Temple

Aftermath and Consequences

  • In the aftermath of the Temple's destruction, the rabbis developed new forms of Jewish worship and study
    • Prayer
    • Torah reading
    • Compilation of the and Talmud, which became the foundations of rabbinic Judaism
  • The destruction of the Temple had significant political and social consequences for the Jewish people
    • Suppression of Jewish revolts
    • Imposition of the fiscus Judaicus (special tax on Jews)
    • Beginning of the Jewish diaspora, as many Jews were forced to flee Judea and settle in other parts of the Roman Empire (Alexandria, Antioch, Rome)

Key Terms to Review (19)

66-73 ce revolt: The 66-73 CE revolt, also known as the First Jewish-Roman War, was a major uprising by the Jewish people against Roman rule in Judea. This conflict was a response to political oppression, economic burdens, and cultural tensions under Roman governance, ultimately leading to the destruction of the Second Temple in Jerusalem and significant shifts in Jewish identity and practice.
70 CE: 70 CE marks a pivotal year in Jewish history, primarily known for the destruction of the Second Temple in Jerusalem by the Roman Empire. This event not only signified the end of the Jewish sacrificial system that was central to worship but also represented a turning point in Jewish identity and religion, leading to a shift towards rabbinic Judaism and the compilation of oral traditions. The destruction set the stage for significant social, political, and religious changes within Judaism and Jewish communities worldwide.
Destruction of the Second Temple: The destruction of the Second Temple occurred in 70 CE when the Romans captured Jerusalem and destroyed the center of Jewish worship, marking a significant turning point in Jewish history. This event not only led to a profound change in religious practices and community structures, but it also set the stage for the development of Rabbinic Judaism, as Jews were forced to adapt to a new reality without a central temple. The aftermath reshaped major beliefs and principles of Judaism, emphasizing prayer, study, and community over temple sacrifices.
Diaspora: Diaspora refers to the dispersion of a group of people from their original homeland to various locations around the world. For Jewish communities, this term highlights the historical experiences of exile, migration, and the ongoing connection to their cultural and religious roots, influencing identity and community life wherever they settle.
Flavius Josephus' Antiquities: Flavius Josephus' Antiquities is a comprehensive historical work written by the Jewish historian Flavius Josephus in the first century CE, which details the history of the Jewish people from creation until the Jewish War against Rome. This work provides crucial insights into the context of Roman rule over Judea and the events leading up to and following the destruction of the Second Temple in 70 CE.
Hellenization: Hellenization refers to the spread of Greek culture, language, and civilization across the regions conquered by Alexander the Great and later influenced by the Roman Empire. This process included the adoption of Greek art, philosophy, and governance by various peoples, particularly in the eastern Mediterranean and Near East. It had a profound impact on Jewish society, leading to cultural conflicts that played a significant role in historical events such as the Maccabean Revolt and later interactions under Roman rule.
Herod the Great: Herod the Great was a Roman client king of Judea, ruling from 37 BCE to 4 BCE. He is known for his extensive building projects, including the expansion of the Second Temple in Jerusalem, and for his ruthless political maneuvers to maintain power, including the execution of family members and perceived rivals. His reign is significant as it set the stage for the political landscape during Roman rule and the events leading up to the destruction of the Second Temple.
Jewish Identity: Jewish identity refers to the cultural, religious, and historical connection that individuals feel towards Judaism and the Jewish people. It encompasses various aspects such as religious beliefs, practices, ethnic heritage, and communal belonging, shaping how Jews perceive themselves and their relationship to the broader world.
Jewish Revolt: The Jewish Revolt refers to a series of uprisings by the Jewish people against Roman rule in Judea, primarily occurring from 66 to 73 CE. This revolt was driven by resentment toward oppressive taxation, cultural suppression, and the loss of religious autonomy, ultimately leading to significant conflict and the eventual destruction of the Second Temple in Jerusalem.
Messianism: Messianism is the belief in a future messiah who will come to redeem and restore Israel, bringing peace and justice to the world. This concept plays a significant role in Jewish thought, influencing major beliefs about the future, divine intervention, and the ideal state of humanity. Throughout Jewish history, messianism has shaped religious practices and hopes, especially during times of suffering and oppression.
Mishnah: The Mishnah is a foundational text of Jewish oral law, compiled around 200 CE by Rabbi Judah the Prince. It serves as the core of the Talmud and organizes Jewish legal traditions into six orders, addressing various aspects of life and law. Its formation was crucial during a time of upheaval and change, particularly under Roman rule, as it preserved and codified Jewish teachings following the destruction of the Second Temple.
Pharisees: The Pharisees were a Jewish sect that emerged during the Second Temple period, known for their strict adherence to the Law and oral traditions. They played a significant role in the religious and social life of Judea under Roman rule, emphasizing purity laws and the interpretation of Jewish scripture, which laid the groundwork for Rabbinic Judaism after the destruction of the Second Temple.
Religious persecution: Religious persecution refers to the systematic mistreatment, discrimination, or violence against individuals or groups based on their religious beliefs. It often arises from intolerance, societal conflict, or political motives, leading to severe consequences such as forced conversions, imprisonment, or even death. This concept is significant in understanding the experiences of various religious communities throughout history, especially during times of political upheaval and social change.
Roman Occupation: Roman occupation refers to the period when the Roman Empire exerted control over Judea, beginning in 63 BCE and lasting until the destruction of the Second Temple in 70 CE. This era was marked by significant political, social, and religious changes as Roman authority influenced various aspects of Jewish life, leading to tensions and eventual conflict.
Sadducees: The Sadducees were a religious and political group within ancient Judaism, known for their strict adherence to the Torah and rejection of oral traditions. They played a significant role during the Second Temple period, particularly in the context of Roman rule and the events leading to the destruction of the Second Temple in 70 CE. Their influence waned after the Temple's destruction, as their practices centered around the Temple's rituals.
Temple Mount: The Temple Mount is a religious site in Jerusalem, revered in Judaism as the location of the First and Second Temples. It holds immense significance as a symbol of Jewish faith and identity, especially in the context of exile and the desire for return, and later during Roman rule when it was destroyed, profoundly affecting Jewish history and spirituality.
Titus: Titus was a Roman general and later emperor who played a significant role during the First Jewish-Roman War, culminating in the destruction of the Second Temple in Jerusalem in 70 CE. As the son of Emperor Vespasian, Titus led the siege of Jerusalem, which resulted in the Temple's annihilation, marking a pivotal moment in Jewish history and altering the course of Judaism.
Western Wall: The Western Wall, also known as the Wailing Wall, is a sacred site in Jerusalem and the last remaining part of the Second Temple, which was destroyed by the Romans in 70 CE. This wall holds profound religious significance for Jews as it is considered the closest accessible point to the Holy of Holies, the most sacred area of the ancient temple. The Western Wall has become a place of prayer, reflection, and pilgrimage for Jewish people around the world, symbolizing resilience and continuity in Jewish identity after the destruction of their temple.
Zealots: The Zealots were a radical Jewish political movement during the Second Temple period, known for their passionate resistance against Roman rule in Judea. They sought to overthrow Roman authority through violent rebellion and were instrumental in the First Jewish-Roman War, which ultimately led to the destruction of the Second Temple in 70 CE. Their fervor for Jewish independence and strict adherence to Jewish law characterized their actions and beliefs.
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