Jerusalem, Fall of
Jerusalem, Fall of (AD 70). The conquest and destruction of Jerusalem by the Roman army in AD 70.
One of the most tragic chapters in the history of Israel, the fall of Jerusalem was predicted by Jesus in His eschatological sermon (Matt 24:1–2; Mark 13:1–2; Luke 21:5–6). The Roman Empire had controlled the land of Israel since 63 BC and a number of local clashes between the Jews and the Roman occupation forces marked this era. The tension culminated in the Great Jewish Revolt (AD 66–70).
After suppressing Jewish rebellions in Lower Galilee, Roman general Cestius Gallus marched with his army into Judea in September AD 66. Although he penetrated the outer city, he was unable to capture the Temple Mount. After an unsuccessful siege of nine days, Gallus withdrew with his army to the Mediterranean coast. Most inhabitants of the city felt safe again, but the Christians in Jerusalem and Judea saw the withdrawal as providential, allowing them to flee to the mountains (cf. Luke 21:20–21). Eusebius of Caesarea (Hist. eccl. 3.5.3) reports that they went to the Transjordan town of Pella.
In AD 68 Emperor Nero appointed Vespasian to overcome the Judean rebellion, but in December AD 69 Vespasian returned to Rome to become the new emperor and left his son, Titus, in charge of military operations. Flavius Josephus (J.W. 5.10.1–5; 6.3.3–5; 6.5.3) describes the severe conditions in Jerusalem and mentions some strange events that occurred as supernatural forewarnings of its impending destruction. By the end of the summer of AD 70, the city fell and the Roman forces destroyed the Temple. A monument that was erected in commemoration of the Roman victory was the Arch of Titus found even today on the Roman Forum.
