Siege of Jerusalem
70 CE · Jerusalem · World · Ancient
The Roman army besieged the city for about five months; factional infighting in the city worsened the famine, and after the city fell the Temple was burned.
Belligerents
Rome
- Commanders
- Titus
- Strength
- Roman army of about four legions
Jewish rebels
- Commanders
- John of Gischala, Simon bar Giora
- Strength
- Jerusalem garrison and internal factions
Background
Roman over-taxation and religious conflict sparked a great rebellion in the province of Judaea (the First Jewish-Roman War), and Rome massed large forces to crush it.
Course of the battle
- Siege cuts off foodThe Roman army surrounded Jerusalem and cut off its supplies
- Factional infighting in the cityInfighting among the factions of the defenders worsened the famine in the city
- Temple burned, city fallsAfter the city fell, the Temple and the holy city were burned
Outcome at a glance
| Date | 70 CE |
|---|---|
| Place | Jerusalem |
| Result | The Roman army besieged the city for about five months; factional infighting in the city worsened the famine, and after the city fell the Temple was burned. |
| Winner | Rome |
| Casualties | Sources record that many in the city died of starvation or in battle, and large numbers of survivors were carried off into slavery. |
| Territorial change | The Second Temple was completely destroyed, and the city of Jerusalem was severely damaged. |
Impact
The destruction of the Second Temple was a watershed in Jewish history, after which the Jewish diaspora intensified; the Arch of Titus still commemorates the campaign today.
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