How did Titus destroy Jerusalem? The destruction of Jerusalem is often associated with the Roman conquest in 70 CE, led by the Roman general Titus. The event is a pivotal moment in history and is primarily documented by the Jewish historian Flavius Josephus in his work “The Jewish War.”
Here’s a brief overview of the events:
Background:
The First Jewish-Roman War (66-73 CE) began with a series of conflicts between the Jewish population in Judea and the Roman Empire.
Siege of Jerusalem (70 CE):
Titus, the son of Emperor Vespasian, laid siege to Jerusalem, which was a stronghold of Jewish resistance. The siege was brutal, and the city faced internal strife with different factions vying for control.
Starvation and internal conflicts:
The prolonged siege resulted in severe famine within the city walls. Internal conflicts among different Jewish factions weakened their resistance against the Romans.
Breach of the Walls:
Despite the strong defenses of Jerusalem, the Romans eventually breached the city walls. The Roman soldiers, highly motivated to crush the Jewish rebellion, stormed the city.
Destruction of the Temple:
The most significant and symbolic event was the destruction of the Second Temple in Jerusalem. The temple was the central religious and cultural institution for the Jewish people. Its destruction had profound consequences for Judaism.
Massacre and Captivity:
The Roman forces massacred many inhabitants, and thousands were taken captive. The city was plundered, and much of it was set ablaze.
The destruction of Jerusalem by Titus marked the end of the First Jewish-Roman War and the crushing of the Jewish rebellion. The events had lasting repercussions, including the diaspora of the Jewish people. The Arch of Titus in Rome, built to commemorate the victory, depicts the spoils taken from the Temple in Jerusalem, including the golden menorah.
