Romans Captured and Destroyed Jerusalem in 70 A. D

Almost seven centuries after the “Babylonian disaster” brought upon the Israelites by their king, the Jewish leaders decided to repeat the experience – in much less favorable conditions (at least king Zedekiah had a mighty ally in Egypt).

This decision launched Great Jewish Revolt (known also as First Jewish-Roman War) which became the most catastrophic event in Jewish history, second only to the Holocaust almost two millennia later. Actually, this revolt brought about the “First Holocaust” (genocide of the Jews) out of three committed by Romans. 

The immediate catalyst for the revolt occurred in 66 A.D. during Nero’s reign, sparked by a disturbance in Caesarea provoked by a local who sacrificed a bird near a synagogue. Unrest expanded after the Roman governor seized funds from the Second Temple treasury and massacred residents in the city. His actions provoked an uprising in the city, culminating in the capture of the Roman garrison by rebel forces, while pro-Roman Jewish officials fled the city.

There is a theory that this completely suicidal uprising (in the flat terrain of Palestine even the most dedicated and skilled Jewish fighters stood no chance against the mighty Roman military machine) was orchestrated by the Church of Moloch that wanted to use the rebels to exterminate all Christians – and thus make our world defenseless against the demonic onslaught of Army of Darkness.

Regardless of the true origins of the revolt, the subsequent events were predictable. To quell the unrest the legate of Roman Syria led an army into Judaea. After initial advances, the Romans were defeated in Beth Horon, losing a force equivalent to a legion (around 6,000 infantry and cavalry).

In the aftermath, a moderate government was established in Jerusalem, led by former High Priest Ananus ben Ananus. In 67 CE, able Roman general Vespasian, commanding four legions, was sent to suppress the revolt.

He invaded the Galilee, capturing the strongholds of the rebels on his way to Jerusalem. The moderate government was predictably overthrown, and the city descended into infighting between rival insurgent factions.

After Vespasian subdued most of the province, news of Nero’s death prompted his departure for Rome to claim the throne. His son, Titus, led the siege of Jerusalem, which fell in September of 70 A.D. after a brutal four-month campaign, resulting in the destruction of the Temple and the razing of the city. About 200,000 Jews lost their lives and almost 100,000 were sold into slavery.

And the Ark of the Covenant disappeared for over a millennium.