Roman Exposure, Tragedy, and Burning of the Law

After a period of relative peace during Alexander’s procuratorship (46–48 CE), Ventidius Cumanus (48–52 CE) ushered in a more eventful phase that resulted in a “huge loss of Jewish lives.” The passage here narrates in passing that crowds would travel to Jerusalem for Passover and that the Romans would take extra precautions on the festivals to prevent riots among the masses on those days when the city was bursting with pilgrims. In this episode, one of the armed soldiers stationed on the roof of the Temple colonnade exposes his behind, giving great offense to the onlookers. Outraged Jews throw stones in response, leading Cumanus to call for reinforcements. As panic ensues, there is a stampede. Many are crushed to death, and there is national mourning and lamentation.

A subsequent disturbance to the peace occurs when a Roman soldier finds and burns “a copy of the book of sacred law,” presumably a Torah scroll. In this case, the Jews take their protest to Cumanus in Caesarea. Cumanus ultimately has the offending solider beheaded.