Titus Marches toward Jerusalem

Once Vespasian became emperor in December 69 CE, it was more important than ever that he and his son Titus crush the Judean revolt and proclaim victory, both to restore stability to the empire and to project their own power. Titus returned to Judaea to lead the attack on Jerusalem at the beginning of 70 CE.

In the episode here, an unarmored Titus sets out to do reconnaissance outside the walls of Jerusalem. Surprised by a “huge number of Jews,” he becomes separated from his forces. Josephus describes how the only explanation for Titus’ escape from that dire situation was that “God takes a hand in the fortunes of war and the perils of princes” and saves him. Josephus further explains that the Jews’ success in this first offensive grants them irrational confidence for what is to come.

The remaining factions in Jerusalem unite in the face of their common Roman enemy and venture beyond the city walls in order to surprise the Tenth Legion while its soldiers are busy constructing their own fortifications. The Roman camp is thrown into chaos, until Titus arrives to counter the attack. The Jews suffer heavy losses but keep up the fight. The unity of the factions is short-lived. Not long after, John’s men attack Eleazar’s and take the inner Temple.

When Titus’ legions begin to batter the walls of Jerusalem, the factions of Simon and John—the only ones left—unite once again and launch their defense of the city by thrusting missiles from atop the city walls down onto those Roman soldiers operating the battering rams. Then they venture outside the walls for a direct attack. The battering is unsuccessful, and the walls stand, for now.