Jewish History Under the Roman Empire Timeline

(63 BCE - 135 CE)

Jewish History Under the Roman Empire

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Jewish Revolts and Resistance

Jewish-Greek Wars

88 BCE - 63 BCE

The Jewish-Greek Wars, also known as the Maccabean Revolt, were a series of conflicts between Jewish rebels, led by the Maccabees, and the Seleucid Empire. Spanning from 88 BCE to 63 BCE, these wars resulted in Jewish independence and the establishment of the Hasmonean dynasty.

Image source: The Jewish War

Jewish-Roman War

66 CE - 73 CE

The Jewish-Roman War, also known as the Great Revolt, was a major conflict between the Jewish people and the Roman Empire. Spanning from 66 to 73 CE, the war saw intense battles, including the Siege of Jerusalem, eventually resulting in Roman victory and the destruction of the Second Temple.

Image source: First Jewish–Roman War

Siege of Masada

73 CE - 74 CE

The Siege of Masada took place from 73 to 74 CE, during the First Jewish-Roman War. Jewish rebels held the fortress of Masada against the Roman army, showcasing their resistance to Roman rule. The siege ended tragically with the mass suicide of the Jewish defenders.

Image source: Siege of Masada

Jewish Tax Revolt

115 CE - 117 CE

The Jewish Tax Revolt, also known as the Kitos War, was a widespread rebellion against oppressive taxation policies imposed by the Roman Empire. Lasting from 115 to 117 CE, the revolt spread across various provinces, resulting in significant casualties and damage.

Image source: Jewish–Roman wars

Bar Kokhba Revolt

132 CE - 136 CE

The Bar Kokhba Revolt, also known as the Second Jewish Revolt, was a rebellion led by Simon bar Kokhba against Roman rule in Judea. Lasting from 132 to 136 CE, the revolt aimed to restore Jewish sovereignty and resulted in fierce battles between Jewish rebels and Roman forces.

Image source: Bar Kokhba revolt

Introduction and Early Roman Rule

Jewish-Roman Peace Treaty

2 BCE

In 2 BCE, a peace treaty was signed between Herod the Great, the Roman-appointed ruler of Judea, and the Roman Empire. This treaty aimed to establish stability and cooperation between the Jewish people and Roman authorities, albeit under Roman control.

Image source: Herod the Great

Jewish Revolt against Roman Rule

66 CE

The Jewish Revolt against Roman Rule began in 66 CE, triggered by religious, political, and economic tensions between the Jewish population and the Roman Empire. The revolt marked the first major conflict between the Jewish people and the Romans, resulting in a four-year-long struggle for independence.

Roman Decree Against Circumcision

140 CE

In 140 CE, the Roman Empire issued a decree banning circumcision, a central practice in Judaism. This decree created significant tension between the Jewish community and Roman authorities, leading to debates and resistance among Jewish populations.

Jewish-Roman Citizenship Controversy

212 CE

In 212 CE, Emperor Caracalla issued the Constitutio Antoniniana, granting Roman citizenship to most free inhabitants of the empire, including Jews. This controversial decree had far-reaching implications for Jewish identity and legal rights within the Roman Empire.

Image source: Roman citizenship

Destruction of the Second Temple

70 CE

In 70 CE, the Roman army, led by Titus, destroyed the Second Temple in Jerusalem, marking a significant turning point in Jewish history. The destruction of the temple shattered the central religious and cultural institution of the Jewish people, leading to profound changes in their religious practices and identity.

Image source: Siege of Jerusalem (70 CE)

Destruction of Herod's Temple

70 CE

The destruction of Herod's Temple, also known as the Second Temple, occurred during the Jewish-Roman War in 70 CE. This event marked the end of the temple's existence and further intensified the Jewish people's longing for national restoration and the rebuilding of the temple.

Image source: Second Temple

Diaspora and Rabbinic Judaism

Exile of the Jewish People

70 CE

Following the destruction of the Second Temple, the Jewish people faced exile from their homeland. Forced to disperse across various regions, known as the Jewish Diaspora, they established new communities, adapting their religious practices and developing a unique identity outside of Israel.

Image source: Diaspora

Council of Jamnia

90 CE

The Council of Jamnia, held around 90 CE, was a gathering of Jewish scholars and leaders after the destruction of the Second Temple. During this council, critical decisions were made regarding Jewish religious practices, the canonization of the Hebrew Bible, and the development of Rabbinic Judaism.

Image source: Council of Jamnia

Compilation of the Mishnah

200 CE

The Mishnah, a comprehensive collection of Jewish oral law, was compiled around 200 CE. This text became one of the foundational works of Rabbinic Judaism, providing guidance on religious practices, civil law, and ethical principles for Jewish communities in the diaspora.

Image source: Mishnah

Key Facts

In 63 BCE, the Roman general Pompey conquered Jerusalem and incorporated Judea into the Roman Republic.
Under Roman rule, the Jewish people experienced relative autonomy but were subject to heavy taxation.
In 70 CE, the Romans destroyed the Second Temple in Jerusalem, a significant event in Jewish history.
The Bar Kokhba revolt took place from 132-135 CE, led by Simon Bar Kokhba against Roman rule, resulting in a major Jewish uprising.
Following the failure of the revolt, the Romans expelled many Jews from Judea, leading to the diaspora.

Source

This Jewish History Under the Roman Empire timeline was generated with the help of AI using information found on the internet.

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Jewish History Under the Roman Empire Timeline