Jewish Revolts Under the Roman Empire
Introduction: The Jews enjoyed complete freedom and had a very liberal situation in Rome and the Roman Empire during the early period of BC. In spite of them enjoying freedom there still had to suffer a certain amount of restrictions. Racism on Jews was predominant during that era and was also prevalent during the reign of Augustus Caesar which eventually led to the destruction of Jerusalem. [The Legend of Augustus]
As early as 6 AD, there was the annexation of Judea which meant the nation of Judea of Jews was seized as an imperial province by Emperor Augustus though it was a peaceful affair resulting in both the parties benefiting. In spite of the annexation, Judea gained more stability and wealth, while Rome extended its province. However, the problems between the Jews and the Romans erupted again with the death of Augustus in the 14 AD and Tiberius taking over as the Emperor. During his reign, there was immense prejudice towards the Jews resulting in him expelling them from Rome. After a few decades, they were again expelled by Claudius. This led to strained relationship between the two groups. This aggravated with the appointment of Pontius Pilate, the Procurator of Judea. Much to the disgruntled Jews, Pilate went around violating Jewish customs. [Roman Rule, 2004]
Tension still prevailed in the Roman Empire with the assassination of Tiberius and the empire being taken over by Caligula. It all started with him turning insane and wanting to be pronounced as god and demanding everybody to worship him as a divine individual. He, in the 40 AD was anti-Jewish and tried to place his own statue in the enormous Jewish temple in Jerusalem. The Jews began to revolt, and a Jewish-Roman War erupted, when Caligula was suddenly assassinated in Rome. Extensive riots by the Jews in Alexandria in Egypt erupted which made the successor of Caligula, Claudius allow the Jews to practice their religion. His relationship with the Jewish population was projected to be cordial.
As early as 6 AD, there was the annexation of Judea which meant the nation of Judea of Jews was seized as an imperial province by Emperor Augustus though it was a peaceful affair resulting in both the parties benefiting. In spite of the annexation, Judea gained more stability and wealth, while Rome extended its province. However, the problems between the Jews and the Romans erupted again with the death of Augustus in the 14 AD and Tiberius taking over as the Emperor. During his reign, there was immense prejudice towards the Jews resulting in him expelling them from Rome. After a few decades, they were again expelled by Claudius. This led to strained relationship between the two groups. This aggravated with the appointment of Pontius Pilate, the Procurator of Judea. Much to the disgruntled Jews, Pilate went around violating Jewish customs. [Roman Rule, 2004]
Tension still prevailed in the Roman Empire with the assassination of Tiberius and the empire being taken over by Caligula. It all started with him turning insane and wanting to be pronounced as god and demanding everybody to worship him as a divine individual. He, in the 40 AD was anti-Jewish and tried to place his own statue in the enormous Jewish temple in Jerusalem. The Jews began to revolt, and a Jewish-Roman War erupted, when Caligula was suddenly assassinated in Rome. Extensive riots by the Jews in Alexandria in Egypt erupted which made the successor of Caligula, Claudius allow the Jews to practice their religion. His relationship with the Jewish population was projected to be cordial.