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The Story of the Last Days of Jerusalem
Alfred Church |
![[Title Page]](http://www.preteristarchive.com/images/Books/Covers/front2.gif)
CONTENTS
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Chap. |
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Page |
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I. |
7 |
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II. |
13 |
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III. |
21 |
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IV. |
37 |
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V. |
43 |
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VI. |
52 |
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VII. |
60 |
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VIII. |
70 |
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IX. |
74 |
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X. |
80 |
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XI. |
87 |
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XII. |
98 |
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XIII. |
110 |
LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS
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Roman Eagles and Ensigns |
ii |
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The tortoise. |
15 |
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Horse soldiers. |
31 |
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A hand-to-hand engagement. |
65 |
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A council of war. |
85 |
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Besiegers felling trees. |
91 |
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Roman general addressing his troops. |
101 |
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Spoils of the temple carried in triumph. |
121 |
PREFACE
IN
this story I have followed the narrative of Josephus, making many omissions
but no other change of importance. It did not fall within the scope of my work
to estimate his veracity and trustworthiness; but I may here say that a close
acquaintance with his history will not incline the reader to put much confidence
in his narrative on any point where interest or vanity may have tempted him
to depart from the truth. In one matter, which is of such interest and importance
that an account of it may be given here, he seems to have deliberately falsified
history. The ingenuity of a German critic, Jacob von Bernays, detected in the
Chronicle of Sulpicius Severus (a Christian writer, A.D. 350—420)
a very slightly disguised quotation from one of the lost books of the History
of Tacitus. The passage may be thus translated.
"Titus is said to have
called a council of war, and then put to it the question whether he ought to
destroy so grand a structure as the
In the interest, doubtless,
of his Imperial patrons, the family of Vespasian, Josephus represents the destruction
of the
I have to express my
obligations to Dean Milman's History of the Jews, and to the article,
"
OF THE BEGINNINGS OF THE JEWISH
WAR
[7] IN the fourteenth year
of Nero Cæsar, Gessius Florus came down into the
In the beginning of the
second year of Florus, Cestius Gallus, Proconsul of Syria, came to
[9] Now it chanced that
in these days Berenice, sister to King Agrippa, was in
The next day the multitude
of the people were gathered together in the market-place of the
Nevertheless when Florus
would have taken possession of the Temple, the people cast stones and javelins
upon [10] the soldiers from the roofs of the houses, and beat them back; also
they broke down the cloisters that were between the Tower of Antony and the
Temple; which when the Governor perceived, he ceased from his purpose; and in
a little space he departed to Cæsarea, leaving one cohort only for a guard to
the City. Afterwards he sent letters to Cestius, accusing the Jews, and laying
to their charge the very things which he had himself done against them; which
letters when Cestius had read, he sent one of his captains to
But the chief of the people
took counsel with King Agrippa, whether they should send orators to accuse Florus
before Cæsar. This the King liked not, but was minded rather to exhort the people
that they should submit themselves to the Romans. The multitude, therefore,
being assembled on the terrace, Agrippa stood forth and spake to them many words
concerning the power and greatness of the Romans, and how that they were now
masters of the whole world, and persuaded them that they should submit themselves
quietly. And when he had made an end of speaking, he lifted up his voice and
wept, as also did Queen Berenice his sister. Thereat the people were much moved;
and they cried out, "We war not against the Romans, but against Florus, for
the wrong that he hath done to us. To this King Agrippa made answer, "Not so,
if one look [11] to deeds rather than to words. Your tribute ye have not paid,
and ye have broken down the cloisters between the
In these things the people
hearkened unto the King, for they began to build the cloisters, and paid also
to them that were appointed to this office what was wanting of the tribute,
even forty talents. But when the King would have them render obedience to Florus,
till there should come down another Governor in his room, the people reviled
him, and bade him depart forthwith from the City, and some even cast stones
at him. So Agrippa departed to his own kingdom.
After no long space the
Jews openly rebelled against the Romans. A certain Eleazar, the son of Ananias,
persuaded the people that it should not thenceforth be lawful to receive any
offerings from strangers. And this was indeed the beginning of war, for they
rejected the offerings of Cæsar. Then the chief men, when they had sought to
turn the people from their purpose but had prevailed nothing, sent messengers
to Florus and to Agrippa that they should send soldiers to Jerusalem, for that
now there was a manifest rebellion. Florus, indeed, was well pleased that it
should be so, and took no heed; but Agrippa sent three thousand horsemen, by
whose help the chief men took possession of the
OF THE DOINGS OF CESTIUS
[13] WHEN tidings of these
things were brought to Cestius it seemed good to him to march against the rebels.
Wherefore he gathered together an army, taking the twelfth legion and auxiliaries,
both horse and foot, and twelve thousand men from the three kings, to wit, Antiochus
and Agrippa and Sohemus, of which twelve thousand the half were archers; and
besides, many came of their own accord from the cities round about, who, though
they knew but little of war, were full of zeal and hatred against the Jews;
with Cestius was King Agrippa, who was a guide to the army, and also furnished
it with food and with fodder for the horses.
Cestius, having burned
certain cities on his way, and put their inhabitants to the sword, came near
to
Then King Agrippa, seeing
that the Romans were in no small danger from the multitude that was gathered
in the hill country round about, judged it to be expedient to send yet again
ambassadors to the Jews, who should promise to them in the name of Cestius pardon
for that which was past, and peace for the time to come. For he hoped that some
at the least would hearken to these words, and that so there would be made a
division among them. And this, indeed, the rebels feared, for they set on the
ambassadors or ever they had spoken a word, and slew one and wounded the other;
and when some of the people showed indignation at such doings they drove them
back to the City with clubs and stones.
THE
TORTOISE & ASSAULT
When Cestius saw that they
were thus divided among themselves he fell upon them with his whole army, and
driving them before him, pursued them to
Cestius seeing this, gave
command to the army that they should assail the
This day there were slain
with others, Priscus, that commanded the sixth legion, and Longinus, the tribune,
and Æmilius Jucundus, captain of a troop of horse. And so, after much toil and
loss of baggage, they came to their first camp, that is to say, the camp of
Gabao. There Cestius abode two days, not knowing what he should next do. But
on the third day, seeing that the number of the Jews grew greater continually,
and that the whole country round about was filled with the enemy, he thought
it best to depart. And that his flight might be the easier, he gave command
that the soldiers should leave behind them all such baggage as might hinder
them [19] in their march; also that they should slay all the mules and beasts
of burden, save such as carried the arrows of the artillery—for these things
they kept, not only for their own using, but also because they feared that,
falling into the hands of the Jews, they should be turned against themselves.
So Cestius came to Bethhoron. Now, while the Romans were in the open country,
the Jews held back, but so soon as they were come to the going down of Bethhoron,
where the way is narrow, they fell upon them. And some hastening to the other
end of the pass kept them from going out, and others from behind drove them
down the road. Nor did the whole multitude cease to shower darts upon them till
they seemed, as it were, to cover the army with them. And while the foot-soldiers
stood still, not knowing how they should defend themselves, the horsemen were
in a worse strait. For they could not keep their ranks and move forward by reason
of the javelins that were cast against them, and the rocks on either side, being
very steep and such as no horses could mount, hindered them from attacking the
enemy. And on the other hand were very steep places, over which there was great
peril of falling. Being therefore overwhelmed with these perils, they thought
no more of defending themselves, but wept and cried aloud like men that are
driven to despair, while the Jews shouted aloud for joy and for fury against
their adversaries. And indeed, they were within a, little of destroying both
Cestius and his whole army, but that the night coming on, the Romans made their
way back to Bethhoron, where the Jews, surrounding them on all sides, watched
for their coming forth.
But Cestius, seeing that
he could not make his way by force, devised means by which he might fly. He
chose four hundred of the bravest of his soldiers, and set them [20] on the
rampart of the camp, bidding them display the standards, that so the Jews might
believe the whole army to be in the camp. And when he had done this, he himself
departed in silence with the rest of his army. So soon as it was morning the
Jews fell upon the camp; and when they had slain the four hundred, they pursued
after Cestius. But he had been marching during no small part of the night, and
now that it was day made all the speed that he could, insomuch that the soldiers
cast away the battering rams and the catapults, and many other implements of
war, all of which things the Jews took and used afterwards against them that
had left them. And when the Romans had reached Antipatris the Jews ceased from
pursuing them, and returning gathered together the implements of war, and spoiled
the bodies of the dead, and collected great store of plunder, and so returned,
with shouts and songs, to the City. Many Romans and auxiliaries fell in this
fight, to wit of infantry five thousand and three hundred, and of horsemen three
hundred and eighty.
OF JOSEPHUS AND THE BESIEGING
OF JOTAPATA
[21] THERE being now open
war between the Romans and the Jews, these last chose men to be their leaders,
both in the City and also in the provinces; and among these was Josephus, the
son of Matthias, who was set over the province of Galilee.
This Josephus was of the
house and lineage of Aaron. And having been carefully taught in all things that
a youth should know, he had got for himself such reputation that when he was
fourteen years of age the priests and doctors of the law would come to his father's
house, asking him questions concerning the more difficult matters of the law.
And when he was now of about sixteen years, he purposed within himself that
he would make trial of all the sects that are among the Jews; and of these sects
there are three, to wit, Pharisees, and Sadducees, and Essenes. Of these he
got, after great labour and trouble, full knowledge; also having heard that
there was a certain Banus that dwelt in the desert, who had made to himself
garments from the leaves of trees, and fed on such things as grew of themselves,
he joined himself to this man, and spent three years in his company. After this
he came back to Jerusalem, and being now nineteen years of age, resolved to
live after the tenets of the Pharisees, the which sect may be compared to the
school of the Stoics among the Greek philosophers.
When he was now twenty-and-five
years of age, Josephus went to
This Josephus would fain
have hindered his countrymen from rebelling against the Romans; but when he
could not prevail he purposed to do them such service as he could, and was set,
as hath been said, over the province of Galilee, in which government he behaved
himself with great wisdom and courage. But when Flavius Vespasian came down
by the command of Nero into the
This city of
So soon as Vespasian knew
that Josephus was in Jotapata, he made haste to besiege it. And first he sent
soldiers, both horse and foot, who should make a road for the army; for the
way was very rough, such as foot-soldiers could scarcely pass over, and horsemen
not at all. This the men did in the space of four days. Afterwards he sent on
Placidus, one of his lieutenants, with a thousand horsemen, bidding him watch
the city, lest by any means Josephus should escape. And on the next day he himself
came with the rest of his army, and pitched his camp on the north side of the
city, about seven furlongs from the walls. And when the Jews saw the number
of his host they were not a little dismayed, nor did they dare to come forth
from the walls. The Romans, being wearied from their march, attacked not the
city, but they made three lines round about it, so that none might go forth.
But the Jews having now no hope of safety, were minded to fight to the uttermost.
The next day Vespasian attacked the city on the north side where the wall was
easy of approach; and Josephus, seeing this, and fearing lest the place should
be taken, rushed out against the Romans with the whole multitude [24] of the
people and drave them back from the walls. Many were slain on both sides, for
the Jews fought like men that had no hope, and the Romans were ashamed to give
place. And they fought through the whole day, even until nightfall. The next
day also the Romans came near to the walls, and the Jews ran out against them,
and the battle was yet fiercer than before; and this was done for five days
without ceasing.
After this it seemed good
to Vespasian and his captains to raise a bank against the city, where the wall
could be approached. For this end, therefore, he caused his whole army to fetch
timber for the work, and to cut stone from the hills that were hard by. Also
he caused to be set up mantlets, under cover of which the bank was made, they
that built it being in nowise harmed by the stones and javelins and the like,
which the Jews cast upon them from the wall. When the bank was finished Vespasian
set his machines of war and catapults upon it, to the number of one hundred
and sixty, which threw javelins and lighted brands and stones of a great weight,
so that the Jews could not stand upon the wall, nor come to any place whither
the engines could reach with their shooting. Also there was a great company
of archers of
Now there was sufficient
in Jotapata of corn and of other things that are needful for food, save salt
only. But of water there was great lack, for there is no spring in the city,
and the people are content to live on such rain as falleth, taking it in cisterns.
Now of rain there is but little in the summer season, in the which season it
so chanced that the city was besieged. And Josephus, seeing that they had plenty
of other things, and that his soldiers lacked neither numbers nor courage, and
desiring that the siege should be prolonged, distributed the water to the inhabitants
of the city by measure. And the Romans, perceiving that this was done, for they
saw the multitude come together daily for their measure of water, and indeed
cast their javelins and stones among [26] them, slaying many, were of good hope
that the city must soon yield itself. But Josephus, that he might deceive them,
and cast them down from this hope, commanded that they should dip garments in
water and hang them over the walls, so that the water should flow down from
them to the ground. And when the Romans saw this, they were troubled, for they
judged that there could be no lack of that which they saw, so to be spent to
no purpose. Then Vespasian, thinking that the place would never yield itself
for lack of food and drink, was resolved that he would set himself forthwith
to take it by force of arms. And this was the thing which the Jews chiefly desired,
for it seemed better to them to perish by the sword than to die of hunger and
thirst. Also Josephus devised means by which he might hold communication with
his friends that were in the cities round about. He sent letters by a certain
path that there was on the western side of the valley, this path being very
steep, and much overgrown, so that it was the less carefully watched; and they
that bare the letters crept along the ground, being covered with skins, so that
any that spied them might think they were dogs. And this was done many times,
till the thing was discovered by the guards.
And now Josephus, seeing
that there was no hope of escape, took counsel with the chief men of the city,
concerning flight. Which when the people had knowledge of, a vast multitude
came about him beseeching him that he would not leave them. "For thou," they
said, "art the only hope of the place; and while thou art with us all will fight
bravely, but if thou depart, no one will have the heart to stand up against
the Romans." Then Josephus, fearing lest he should seem to have a thought for
his own safety, spake to them saying, "If I depart, [27] I depart for your good;
for while I am here I profit you little, so long as this city is not taken,
and if it be taken, then we perish together. But if I am gone from this place,
then could I profit you much, stirring up war throughout the whole region of
Galilee, so that the Romans must perforce give up besieging this place. But
now, knowing that I am here, and being very desirous to lay hands upon me, they
are all the more urgent in their attack." Nevertheless, he prevailed nothing
by these words, for the old men and women and children caught him by the feet,
and besought him, with many tears, that he would not leave them. Then Josephus
changed his purpose, and thought no more of leaving the city, but only how he
might best make war against the Romans, vexing them day and night with all manner
of attacks. And when Vespasian saw that his men suffered much loss in their
encounters (for they were ashamed to give way before the Jews, nor could they
pursue them on account of the weight of their armour; but the Jews, being lighter-armed
and of much more agility, suffered little loss), he commanded that the soldiers
of the legions, being heavy-armed, should not fight any more with the Jews;
but that the Arabs and Syrians, being archers and slingers, should drive them
back. As for the machines of war and the catapults, they never were quiet. Yet
the Jews ceased not to give battle with the besiegers, sparing neither limb
nor life.
Vespasian, seeing that
he was himself in a manner besieged, for the Jews assailed him continually,
judged it well to use the battering rams against the walls of the city. Now
a battering ram is a great beam, like unto the mast of a ship, whereof the end
is shod with iron that is of the shape of a ram's head, from which also it hath
its name. This beam is hung in the middle from [28] another beam by means of
ropes, as it might be in a balance; and at either end it is rested on strong
posts. This beam being first swung back with the whole strength of a great company
of men, is after swung forward, and driveth the end of iron against the wall;
nor is there any tower so strong, or wall of such thickness that can stand against
such blows, being oftentimes repeated. Such, therefore, did Vespasian cause
to be brought near to the walls; and that the working of them might not be hindered,
he brought nearer also the catapults and the machines, with the slingers and
archers. And when all the Jews had been driven from the walls, then they that
had charge of the ram brought it up to the wall, covering it with hurdles and
hides for a protection both to it and to themselves. And so soon as they drave
it against the wall, the stones were shaken, and there rose a great cry from
the people within, even as though the town were already taken. But Josephus,
seeing that the ram was driven continually against the self-same place, and
that the wall was now about to be broken down, devised means by which the violence
of the attack might be diminished. He commanded that they should fill sacks
with straw, and let them down in the place where the ram was about to be driven
against the wall. And this they did continually, and whenever the ram was brought
against the wall, then the Jews would let down the sacks of straw; and this
thing made much delay and hindrance to the captains of the Romans. Then these
fixed blades of iron to the end of poles and cut the ropes by which the sacks
were let down. But Josephus, seeing that the ram began to work damage again,
and that the wall, being for the most part newly built, was shaken by their
blows, bethought him how he might help himself with fire. So he caused to be
[29] gathered together all dry wood that could be found, and making a sally
with his soldiers in three divisions, set fire to the machines and siege-works
of the enemy. Also they heaped on them bitumen, and pitch, and sulphur, and
the fire spread itself with all the speed that can be thought, till that which
it had cost the Romans the labour of many days to accomplish was destroyed in
the space of one hour.
And now a certain Jew,
Eleazar by name, of Sahab, in Galilee, did a thing that is worthy to be told;
for, lifting up a great stone in his hands, he threw it down from the wall upon
the ram so mightily that he brake off the head. And when he saw what he had
done, he leapt down from the wall, and caught up the head in his hands and carried
it to the wall. And though all the archers shot at him, so that their arrows
stuck in his body, he heeded them not at all, but climbed the wall, and so at
last, holding the ram's head in his arms, fell down overcome with weakness.
After this, Josephus and
they that were with him set upon the machines and siege-works of the fifth and
tenth legions—for this last had fled from its place—and burned them with fire.
Nevertheless, before nightfall, the Romans brought another battering ram against
that part of the wall which had been shaken at the first. Now it befell that
one of them that defended the wall cast his javelin at Vespasian and smote him
and wounded him; and though the wound was a small thing (for the javelin was
cast from afar, and its force was spent), yet were the Romans much troubled,
and especially Titus, his son. But Vespasian, making light of the pain of his
wound, showed himself to the army that he was yet alive. And all the soldiers
were yet more eager than before to quit themselves bravely, for they thought
it [30] shame if they should not take vengeance for the hurt which the Emperor
had suffered.
Nevertheless, for all the
violence of their enemies, Josephus and his soldiers stood yet upon the wall,
seeking to drive back, with lighted torches and javelins and stones, them that
used the battering rams. But they prevailed little or not at all; for they could
not see them at whom they cast their missiles, yet could themselves be seen
very plainly. For the night was as the day, by reason of the many fires that
were burning, and they that stood upon the wall were manifest, nor, seeing that
the machines were a long way off, could they avoid the bolts. Many indeed were
slain by the darts and arrows that were cast by the artillery, and as for the
stones from the catapults, they brake off the battlements of the walls and the
corners of the towers. And the plying of the machines made a horrible loud noise,
as also did the hissing of the stones as they flew by. These indeed were cast
forth with such strength as can scarcely be believed. One that stood by Josephus
on the wall was smitten by a stone, so that his head was driven, as it had been
a bullet from a sling, to the length of three furlongs. And all the while there
rose up from the city a great wailing of women, and from the wall the groanings
of them that were wounded. Truly a man could not see or hear anything more horrible
than the things which the people of Jotapata saw that night. And in the morning
the wall gave way. Nevertheless Josephus and his men made up the breach as best
they were able.
HORSE
SOLDIERS
The next day, after that
the army had rested itself and taken some food, Vespasian commanded that they
should attack the city. And first he bade the bravest of his horsemen dismount;
these he set in three troops at the place where the wall had been broken down.
They [33] were altogether clad in armour, and had in their hands long pikes,
and it was commanded them that they should mount the breach so soon as the machine
that was made for that end should be fixed. Behind these he set the best of
the foot-soldiers, and behind these again the archers and slingers and them
that had charge of the artillery. And on the hills about the city he set the
remainder of his horsemen that none might escape when it should be taken. Others
also carried scaling ladders, which they should put to the wall where it was
not broken, that so some of the Jews might be called away from the defending
of the breach. When Josephus perceived this he set at these parts of the wall
the old men and them that were the weakest and the most wearied of his soldiers;
but at the breach he set the bravest and strongest; and before all he chose
six men, of whom he himself was one. To these he said, "Shut your ears against
the shouting of these men; and as for their missiles, kneel upon your knees,
and holding your shields over your heads, so hide yourselves till the archers
have spent their arrows. But when those that ye see seek to mount the breach,
then quit yourselves like men, for ye have not so much to fight for a country
that yet liveth, but to avenge one that is dead. Also think within yourselves
how they will slay them that are dear to you, and satisfy your wrath against
them." As for the women, Josephus bade them shut themselves up in their houses,
lest their crying and wailing should break the hearts of the men.
And now the trumpeters
blew their trumpets, and the army shouted; and the archers and slingers sent
forth a great shower of arrows and bullets, so that the day was darkened. But
they that stood by Josephus, remembering the words that he had spoken to them,
shut [34] their ears against the shouting, and covered their bodies with their
shields; and when the horsemen would have mounted the breach, they ran upon
them with great fury. Then were many valiant deeds done on both sides; but at
the last the Romans (for there were always those that came into the places of
such as were wounded or slain, but the Jews had not), joining themselves closely
together, and holding their shields over their heads, so advanced, and drave
the Jews back from the breach.
Then Josephus, being in
a great strait (when men are wont to be best at devising that which is needful),
commanded that they should pour hot oil on the shields of the Romans. Of this
the Jews had a plentiful store, and when they poured it down upon the Romans,
these cried aloud for the pain of the burning, and brake their order, and fell
back from the wall, for the oil crept under the armour from their heads even
unto their feet, and consumed them even like fire; and the nature of oil is
that it is easily kindled but hardly quenched.
Also the Jews used another
device against them who would mount by the gangways on to the breach of the
wall. They boiled a certain herb, and poured the water upon the planks of the
gangways, whereby these were made so slippery that no man could stand firm upon
them, but all fell, whether they sought to ascend or to descend. And when they
fell the Jews cast their javelins and wounded many; so that in the end the Romans
ceased from their undertaking, having had not a few slain and many wounded.
Of the Jews there were slain six in all, but the number of the wounded was three
hundred.
For all this the Romans
lost not heart, but were rather kindled to greater wrath. Then Vespasian com-
[35] manded that the bank should be made higher than before, and that there
should be built upon it three towers of fifty feet in height. These towers were
cased all about with iron; and this was done both that it might be the more
difficult to overthrow them by reason of their weight, and also that they might
not be consumed with fire. In these towers he set slingers and archers, and
artillery also of the lighter sort, who themselves not being seen by reason
of the great height of the tower, could yet look down upon them that defended
the wall.
These then seeing that
they could not escape the things that were cast upon them, nor yet cast back
again others upon the enemy, and could not do any hurt to the towers (for that
they were cased with iron), were driven to leave the walls; only when any sought
to get footing upon them they would run out against them.
In these days, while the
men of Jotapata were much troubled about their own affairs, there came tidings
how that the Romans had taken the city of Joppa, and had slain all the inhabitants
thereof with the sword. Also they heard that a great multitude of the Samaritans
had been slain on Mount Gerizim, whither they had gathered themselves together.
On the forty-and-seventh
day from the beginning of the siege there went a certain runaway to the camp
to Vespasian, and showed him the whole truth, how it fared with them that were
in the city, how that they were worn out with watching and fighting, and also
how they might easily he taken, if he would use craft with them. For he said
that at the last watch of the night, having it seemed some respite from their
troubles, they were wont to take some rest, and that if he would attack the
wall at that time, he would find the guards sleeping. [36] Vespasian, indeed,
doubted whether the man was speaking truth, for he knew that the Jews were,
for the most part, faithful to each other, and that they could not be driven,
even by the greatest torments, to betray that which they knew. Notwithstanding,
thinking that even if the man spake falsely he should not receive damage, he
commanded that the wall should be assailed.
Therefore, at the last
watch of the night there went a company of men to the wall, who climbed on to
the top; and they that stood first on the wall were Titus and another, a centurion,
Domitius Sabinus by name. They found the watch sleeping, as had been told them;
and when they had slain the men they went down without let into the city. Afterwards
the gate being opened, the soldiers came in. And first they took possession
of the citadel, and afterwards went to and fro through the city. And though
the day had now dawned, yet did not the Jews know what had befallen them, for
they were very weary and heavy with sleep; and also the sight of those that
were awake was hindered by a great mist that chanced to prevail over the city.
Nor did they understand the matter till the whole army of the Romans was in
the city. These, indeed, remembering what things they had suffered in the siege
for now nigh upon fifty days, had no mercy upon any. Many also of the bravest
of the Jews, seeing that they could not prevail even to the avenging of themselves
upon the enemy, slew themselves with their own hands. And, indeed, the Romans
had that day taken the city, nor had had so much as one man slain, but for this
that shall now be told. One of them that had fled into the caves that were in
the city (and many had so fled) cried to a certain Antonius that he should stretch
out his right hand to him, helping him to climb out of the cave. Which when
Antonius [37] had done, the other smote him from below with the spear in the
groin and slew him.
All the men that were found
in the city did Vespasian and the Romans slay; and the women and the children
they sold into captivity. As for the city, Vespasian commanded that it should
be utterly destroyed.
OF THE MARVELOUS ESCAPE OF
JOSEPHUS, AND OF THE WAR IN GALILEE
SO soon as the Romans had
taken the city, they began to search for Josephus, against whom they had especial
wrath; also Vespasian much desired that he should be taken. Now Josephus, by
the help of God, had passed through the midst of the enemy, and had leapt down
into a certain deep well, out of the side of which there was a great cavern.
Here he found forty of the chief men of the city that had hidden themselves,
having a store of provisions such as would suffice for many days. That day indeed
he lay in this place, but at night he went forth, seeking for some way of flight,
if such there might be. But seeing that all the place was watched with exceeding
care (which indeed the Romans did on his account), he descended again into the
cave, and so lay hid for two days. But on the third day, a certain woman that
had been in the place, going forth, revealed the whole matter to Vespasian.
And he [38] straightway sent two tribunes to Josephus, who coming to the place,
were earnest with him that he should give himself up, promising that his life
should be granted to him. But they did not persuade him, when he considered
with himself what grievous harm he had done to them in the days of the siege.
Then Vespasian sent a third tribune also, one Nicanor, that in former time had
been a friend to Josephus. This Nicanor, coming to him, set forth how that the
Romans were ever merciful to them whom they had subdued, and how that the generals
had admiration rather than hatred for him by reason of his valour, and that
it was the purpose of the Emperor not to slay him, which indeed he could do
without making conditions, but to save him alive, being so brave a man. But
while Josephus doubted what he should do, for the words of Nicanor were weighty,
the soldiers, growing impatient, would have thrown fire into the cave; but their
captain hindered them, desiring above all things to take Josephus alive. Then
as he considered the promises of the Emperor on the one hand, and the threatenings
of the soldiers on the other, there came into his mind the remembrance of certain
dreams that he had dreamed, wherein God had showed him beforehand what great
trouble would befall the nation of the Jews, and also what should be the fortune
of the Emperor of Rome. Now Josephus was well skilled in the interpretation
of dreams; and also he had good knowledge of the prophecies of the holy books,
seeing that he was a priest, and that his forefathers had been priests before
him. Considering these things, therefore, he prayed in secret to God, saying,
"Since it hath seemed good to Thee to bring down the nation of the Jews, and
since Thou hast given power over the earth to these Romans, and also hast chosen
me that I might prophesy things to come, I [39] yield myself to these my enemies,
and refuse not to live. But I call Thee to witness that I go not as a traitor,
but as Thy servant."
When he had thus prayed,
he prepared to come forth; but when the Jews that were in the cave with him
perceived what he was about to do they came round about him, clamouring with
these words: "Canst thou endure, O Josephus, for love of life to be a slave?
How quickly hast thou forgotten thy own words and those whom thou didst persuade
to die for freedom's sake! And thinkest thou that they will suffer thee to live
to whom thou hast done so much hurt? But, however this may be, though thou be
blinded with the glory of the Romans, yet will we take care for the honour of
our country. Here then we offer thee a sword and a hand that shall use it against
thee. And if thou diest willingly, then thou art still our leader: but if unwillingly,
then thou art a traitor." And as they said these words, they pointed their swords
at him, affirming that they would assuredly slay him if he should yield himself,
to the Romans.
Then Josephus spake to
them, seeking to show them that he did well in yielding himself to the Romans;
for that though it was an honourable thing for a man to die for his country,
yet he should die in battle, and not by his own hand. "For will not God," he
said, "be wroth, if a man despise the gift which He has given him, even the
gift of life? For whomsoever squandereth or loseth that which is put into his
charge, he is counted as wicked and traitorous. How then shall God punish him
who shall wilfully destroy that thing which He hath committed unto him?"
With these and many like
words Josephus would fain have persuaded them that they should not slay one
another. But they, as men that had their ears deafened [40] by very many sounds,
were greatly wroth with Josephus, and ran upon him with their swords, reviling
him for his cowardice. Then Josephus called every one by name; and at some he
looked sternly as a captain might do, and another he would take by the hand,
and another he would beseech with many prayers, turning, as a wild beast when
it is surrounded by the pursuers, to each one as he came near. So because they
had not altogether forgotten what reverence they had had for him in former days,
they let go their swords, waiting for what he should say. Then, when he had
committed himself to God, he said, "Since ye are resolved to die, let us cast
lots how we shall slay one another, so that each man may die, when he shall
have drawn the lot, by the hand of his companion. So shall we all die, yet shall
no man slay himself." To these words they all consented, and the lots were drawn.
Then he to whom the lot first fell out willingly offered his neck to him that
was next to him; for they were persuaded that their captain also would die with
them, and they judged it better to die in company of Josephus than to live without
him. And in the end—but whether this was of chance or of the ordering of God,
cannot be said—Josephus was left alive with one other; and when these two were
about to draw the lot, Josephus persuaded him that he should live, wishing neither
himself to die nor to slay his companion.
Then did Nicanor lead Josephus
to Vespasian; and all the Romans were gathered together to see him, so that
there was a great commotion, some shouting for joy that he was taken, and some
threatening him, and many pressing forward to look upon him. Of them that were
furthest from him, many cried out that he should be put to death, but such as
stood close to him remembered the great deeds that he had done; and as for the
captains, [41] even such as had before been full of wrath against him, when
they looked upon him had compassion on him. And chiefly Titus, being of a generous
temper, was well inclined to him, remembering how bravely he had borne himself
in battle, and yet was now a prisoner in the hands of his enemies, and considering
how great is the power of fortune, and what changes befall men in war, and how
mutable are the affairs of men. Now Titus had great power with his father, and
was instant with him that he would save Josephus alive. Nevertheless, Vespasian
commanded that he should be kept with all care, being minded to send him to
Nero forthwith.
When Josephus knew that
he had this purpose in his heart, he said that he would gladly speak a few words
with him in private. Therefore when all had departed from him, save Titus and
two of his friends only, Josephus spake, saying:—"I have great things to tell
thee, O Vespasian. For indeed, have I not been sent to thee of God? Thou knowest
the custom of the Jews, and how it becometh the captain of a host to die. Dost
thou send me to Nero? Know that thou shalt be Emperor, thou, and thy son after
thee. Bind me therefore, and keep me, to see whether my words be true or no."
Now Vespasian did not believe the words of Josephus, thinking that he had feigned
them for the saving of his own life. But afterwards he changed his mind, for
indeed God had put the thought of this very thing into his heart, and had also
showed him beforehand by many signs of the things that were to come. And when
one of the friends of Vespasian said:—"I marvel much, Josephus, why thou didst
not prophesy to the men of Jotapata, how their city should be taken, and how
thou shouldest thyself be led into captivity," Josephus answered him, saying:—"Nay,
but I did prophesy to [42] the men of Jotapata that after forty-and-seven days
their city should be taken, and also that I should myself be taken prisoner
by the Romans." When Vespasian made inquiry of the captives he heard that this
was indeed the truth; and after this he believed the words of Josephus. And
though he set him not free from his chains, yet did he give him change of raiment
and other gifts, and had him in great honour; and in all these things Titus
was his friend.
After these things the
other cities of Galilee that yet remained to the Jews were taken, as Joppa,
and Tarichæa, and Gamala. Tiberias, indeed, that is by the Lake of Galilee,
yielded itself to the Romans; and Vespasian, though he destroyed the other cities
and put their inhabitants, for the most part, to the sword, had mercy upon the
inhabitants of Tiberias, for he knew that this would be well pleasing to King
Agrippa.
On this Lake Galilee there
was fought a great battle of ships, between the Romans and certain of the inhabitants
that had fled from Tarichæa when they saw that it was now about to be taken.
For Vespasian, when he had taken the city, put into ships so many of his soldiers
as he thought sufficient for the purpose, and sent them against the men of Tarichæa.
These indeed were in a great strait, for they could not disembark from their
boats on to the land, inasmuch as there was no place that was not in the power
of the enemy, nor could they meet the Romans in battle, for their boats were
small and light, and such as could not contend against ships of war. Nevertheless,
rowing round the ships, they cast stones and javelins at them from afar; and
sometimes they would come close and strike at them. But they did hurt to themselves
rather than to their enemies. For the stones were of no avail, being cast at
men that were [43] clothed in armour, but they were themselves grievously wounded
by the javelins of the Romans; and such as dared to come near were struck down
before they could do anything, and oftentimes were sunk, together with their
vessels. Many did the Romans slay with their pikes, and many also they slew
with swords, and some they took alive in their boats. And if one of them that
was overthrown into the water lifted up his head, an arrow would smite him,
or he would be taken by them that were in the ships; and if, in their despair,
the men swam to the ships and laid hold of them, the Romans would cut off their
hands or their heads. Many, therefore, were slain or taken in the midst of the
water, and those that sought to escape to the land were slain by the Romans
so soon as they leapt out of their boats. And the whole lake was filled with
blood and with dead bodies of men, for none escaped.
OF THE TROUBLES IN JERUSALEM
IN the meantime, while
these things came to pass in the land of Galilee, there were great troubles
in the City of Jerusalem. For whereas the princes and the people had chosen
Ananus, the High Priest, to be their ruler, a certain Eleazar, the son of Simon,
prevailed against him; and this he did by his subtlety and by help of the abundance
of the money which he had—for he had laid [44] hold of that which Cestius the
Roman was carrying with him for the wages of his soldiers, and of that which
was in the public treasury. Now Ananus, and they that were with him, made great
preparation of arms and instruments of war, and strengthened the walls, as though
they would defend the City against the Romans. This they did to please the people,
but their purpose was to cease from these preparations after a while, and to
turn the hearts of the Zealots—for so men called the rebels—to moderation and
prudence. But this they could not do.
After these things there
came to Jerusalem one John, the son of Levi, who was also called John of Gischala.
This man had fled by night from Gischala, in which city he had fought against
the Romans, after that all the rest of the land of Galilee had been subdued.
And when the people had gone forth to meet him and his companions, inquiring
how it had fared with them, though it was manifest that the men had fled with
all the speed they might, so quickly did they fetch their breath, yet they talked
bravely, affirming that they had not fled from the Romans, but were rather come
to Jerusalem that they might fight with the more advantage; "For we would not
spend our lives for nought," they said, "at Gischala and places of no account,
but would defend Jerusalem, being the chief city of our nation." And when the
people doubted what they should do, John was very urgent with them that they
should be stubborn in rebelling against the Romans, who, he said, were now in
evil case, and could not, even if they should get themselves wings, climb the
walls of Jerusalem; and besides had had great loss in besieging the towns of
Galilee, and suffered great damage to their machines.
And now throughout all
the land, and especially in [45] Jerusalem, was there strife between the lovers
of peace and those that delighted in war; of whom, in the end, the latter prevailed.
Besides this, the whole country was wasted by robbers, so that it seemed to
the inhabitants a lighter thing to be led into captivity by the Romans than
to suffer such violence. And of these robbers not a few crept secretly into
Jerusalem—for into the City all were admitted without question—who afterwards
had no small share in bringing it to destruction, for they caused tumult without
end, and also consumed the provisions which had sufficed for the men of war.
These men, taking for their leader Eleazar the son of Simon, filled the whole
City with robbery and slaughter. And this they did not secretly, but openly
and in the day; nor did they lay hands on common folk only, but on the great
men and princes, such as was Antipas, the treasurer of the City, who was of
the lineage of Herod. Him, and others with him, they at the first shut up in
the prison, but afterwards, fearing lest they should be delivered by their kinsfolk,
and that the people might make insurrection, they sent a certain John, the son
of Dorcas, with ten swordsmen, and slew them in the prison.
Also they set aside the
law of inheritance, according to which the chief priests were wont to be appointed,
and made chief priests of whom they would—men altogether mean and base. And
for high priest they chose one Phannias, the son of Samuel, a clownish fellow
and one who knew not at all what this office of the priesthood might mean. Him
they took, against his will, from his farm, and adorned with robes, as one who
acts is adorned upon the stage, and sought to teach him what he should do. All
this was an occasion of mirth and laughter to them, but the [46] priests, as
they stood afar off, wept to see the law despised in this fashion.
Then the high priest, Ananus,
a wise man, who haply might have saved the City if the wicked had suffered him
to live, called the people together to an assembly, and sought to stir them
up against Simon and the Zealots, reproaching them that they suffered such wickedness
to be done, none raising a hand to hinder it. "Think," he said, "how your forefathers
fought many and great battles that they might be free. And ye also, why do ye
now wage war against the Romans but for this same cause? Yet ye suffer yourselves
to be made slaves by these robbers. And verily, if the Romans should conquer
you, what could ye suffer worse or more grievous than what ye now endure at
the hands of these men? For these slay them whom the Romans harmed not; and
whereas the Romans went not into the Holy Place, which it is not lawful but
for the priests to enter, these men, being, as they say, Jews, profane it daily.
Come, therefore, and give your lives, if need be, for the honour of the Lord;
and as for me, ye shall not see me hold back from danger."
With these and many like
words the high priest Ananus exhorted the people. And after this he held a levy,
and armed such as gave their names, and set them in order of battle. Which when
the Zealots perceived they sallied forth from the Temple in great wrath and
fell upon the people. And these on their side fought against the Zealots. And
of the two the people were the more in number by far, but the Zealots were the
better armed. But both fought with all their might, for the people judged that
it were better to die than to serve these robbers, and the Zealots knew that
if they were conquered they must die, and at last, as the multitude [47] of
the people increased continually, and those that were behind suffered not such
as were in front to give way, the Zealots perforce gave way, and fled into the
Temple, Ananus and the people following hard after them. And when, leaving the
Outer Court, which is also the Court of the Gentiles, they entered into the
Inner Court, and shut to the gates, Ananus judged it not wise to force the place;
for the Zealots were throwing javelins and the like from above; and also he
would not bring the people into the Court, being not yet purified from blood.
Nevertheless, he set six thousand men in the cloister of the Temple to watch
it; and other six thousand to come in their places after a time. And to this
service all the citizens were bound; only the wealthier sort hired poor men
to stand in their stead.
Now John of Gischala was
of the number of those with whom the high priest took counsel. He was a subtle
man, and one who sought favour for himself; and though he seemed to be zealous
for the people, sitting in the council by day and visiting the watchers by night,
yet did he betray everything to the Zealots. Which when Ananus began to suspect,
for it was manifest that the plans were betrayed, and yet could not rid himself
of John, he would have him take an oath. This the man did with all willingness,
swearing that he would be zealous for the people, and would betray nothing to
the enemy, but would do all that he might for their overthrow. And Ananus and
they that were with him believed the man, insomuch that they sent him to treat
with the Zealots for peace. But John's words, when he was come into the Temple,
were altogether contrary to the purpose of them that sent him. For he said of
Ananus, that he had sent messengers to Vespasian, that he should come without
delay and take the City; also that he would [48] use the pretence of purifying
the Temple to assail them. "As for you," he said, "I see not how ye can either
endure a siege or fight against this great multitude. Wherefore ye must either
submit yourselves to Ananus, or seek help from without. And if you submit yourselves,
ye know well what mercy ye may look for, remembering what things ye have done
in time past against the people."
Now of this help from without,
John dared not to speak openly; but his thought was of the people of Idumæa
(Idumæa is the land of Edom); and Eleazar and his fellows doubted for a while
what they should do; but at last it seemed good to them to call the Idumæans.
Wherefore they wrote a letter, saying:—"Ananus, the high priest, having deceived
the people, is ready to betray the City to the Romans; and we, having rebelled
against him for freedom's sake, are besieged in the Temple, and must perish
speedily unless ye come to our help and to the help of the City against the
Romans." This letter they sent by two fleet runners; nor did they doubt but
that the Idumæans would hearken to their words, for they are a turbulent folk,
delighting in change, and hastening to a battle with as good a will as to a
feast.
So soon as the chiefs of
the Idumæans had read the letter and heard the words of the messengers, they
gathered together an army with all speed, and sent it, even two thousand men,
to Jerusalem. Now, Ananus had not perceived the going forth of the messengers;
but of the coming of the Idumæans he knew beforehand. Wherefore he shut the
gates of the City and set guards upon the walls. Nevertheless he purposed not
to fight against them, but rather to win them over by words. For this cause
he sent to them a certain Joshua, who was next to himself among the priests.
This man stood [49] upon a turret of the wall over against them, and spake to
them. He reproached them that they were come to help a company of robbers against
their own kinsfolk. "As to this accusation of treachery," he said, "that they
bring against us, it is altogether false. For what proof have they? Can they
show any letter that we have sent to the Romans? Have they laid hands on any
messenger? But as for the things which they themselves have done, come into
the City (though ye come not in as conquerors), and see them for yourselves.
Ye will see houses desolate and mourners everywhere; yea, and the Holy Place,
which the whole world worshippeth, trampled under foot of these wild beasts."
To this Simon, son of Cathlas,
who was captain of the Idumæans, made reply, that he and his fellows were come
to defend the Holy City against traitors and enemies, and that it was their
purpose not to depart till this had been accomplished. Nevertheless many doubted
whether they had done well in coming; yet being ashamed to go back without doing
aught, they abode under the walls. Now, that night, there was a very grievous
storm of wind and rain, with lightnings and thunderings. And the Idumæans gathered
their whole company together as close as might be, and joining their shields
over their heads, so kept off the rain, nor did they take much harm from it.
But the Zealots were much concerned on their behalf, and took counsel together
how they might help them. And some of the bolder sort would have set upon the
guards of the gates. "For they are not men of war," they said, "and will without
doubt give way before us. Nor will they easily gather the citizens together,
by reason of the rain and wind. And indeed, if there be danger, yet must we
endure it rather than see our friends perish." But the [50] more prudent would
have them gain their end by craft rather than by force. For they saw that the
guard was larger than it was wont to be, and that the walls of the City were
kept with the more diligence by reason of the Idumæans. And they thought that
Ananus would himself see to the ordering of all things. And indeed this was
his custom; but for that night he omitted it, it being so decreed that he and
his fellows should perish. And so it fell out that at
So they opened the gate
that was nearest to the Idumæans; and these at first were slow to enter, doubting
whether this might not be some stratagem of Ananus. But when they knew who had
done it, straightway they entered. Now, if they had turned to the City to attack
it, doubtless they had destroyed it wholly, so furious were they. But they that
had opened the gates were urgent with them that they should first deliver such
as were shut up in the Temple. "For if ye do this," they said, "and scatter
the guard, afterwards ye can do what ye will to the City."
So the Idumæans went up
to the Temple; and when the Zealots that were within saw them come near, they
sallied forth and set upon the guard. Some they slew, being not yet awaked out
of sleep; but the rest caught up their arms with all speed and defended themselves.
And this they did with sufficient courage, so long as they thought that they
had the Zealots only to deal with; but when they knew that the Idumæans were
come into the City, many of them cast away their arms and began to [51] weep
and to lament. Notwithstanding, a few of the young men bare themselves bravely.
And though their fellows in the City knew in what a strait they were, yet durst
they not come to their help for fear of the Idumæans; but there was made a great
crying and wailing of women. And the Idumæans and the Zealots shouted as they
fought; and the noise was the more terrible by reason of the storm. The Idumæans
had mercy upon none, for they are a savage folk, but slew all alike, whether
they fought or prayed for mercy. And because there was no way of escape, many
threw themselves down into the City below, and so perished miserably. And all
the Temple was swimming with blood; and when it was day, they counted the dead
bodies, and found that the number of them was eight thousand and five hundred.
After this, the Idumæans turned to the City, spoiling the houses, and slaying
all whom they met. And especially were they furious against Ananus the high
priest and against Joshua. These they took and slew forthwith. Moreover, such
was their wickedness, they cast forth the dead bodies of these holy men without
burial; though the Jews are commonly so careful in this matter that they take
down the dead bodies of them that are crucified, that they may bury them before
the setting of the sun.
Now this slaying of Ananus
may well be counted as the beginning of the destruction of the City. For he
was a righteous man, and a lover of liberty, and one who set the good of the
state before his own advantage. Also he was very earnest for peace, knowing
that it was not possible to prevail over the Romans, and that the nation must
needs perish in the war, unless they could come to some conditions of peace.
Which thing doubtless had been done, if only he had lived, for he was a skilful
[52] orator and one who could persuade the people. But without doubt, because
it was the pleasure of God to destroy the City that had so defiled itself, and
to purge the Holy Place with fire, therefore He cut off from the people such
as might have saved them.
OF THE FIRST COMING OF THE
ROMANS
AFTER this the Zealots
and the Idumæans slew a great multitude of the people. But many of the princes
and of the better sort they cast into prison, hoping that so they might win
them over to their own cause. Nevertheless of these prisoners not one would
hearken to their persuasions; for they judged it better to die than to be numbered
with those wicked men that were conspiring against their own country. So great
was the fear among the people that none durst openly lament for his kinsfolk,
or so much as bury them; but they wept for the dead in secret, and were careful
that the enemy should not hear their groans. And at night, or even by day, if
there was found a man a little bolder than his fellows, they would throw earth
upon the dead bodies.
After a while they grew
weary of slaughtering after this fashion, and would set up mockeries of courts
and judgment seats. There was a certain Zacharias, the son of Baruch, a wealthy
man and a powerful, and a lover [53] of liberty. Him they took and brought before
seventy judges whom they had chosen from the people, being men wholly without
authority. And when they accused him that he sought to betray the country to
the Romans and had sent messengers to Vespasian for this end, but could bring
no proof or witness of what they laid against him, Zacharias, knowing that his
case was desperate, spake out his mind with all freedom. And first he showed
the truth about the things whereof he was accused, and proved that the charge
which they laid against him was naught; and afterwards he turned against his
accusers, setting forth their misdeeds in order and lamenting the ruin that
they had brought to pass. When the Zealots heard these words, they cried out
against him, and could scarce refrain from drawing their swords upon him, only
they would fain have the trial brought to an end, that they might know how these
judges would bear themselves. Nevertheless the seventy acquitted the man, choosing
rather to die themselves than to condemn him to death. But when this judgment
was declared all the Zealots cried out. And two of the boldest ran upon Zacharias
and smote him with their swords, crying, "This is the vote we give thee; of
this acquittal there can be no question." Then they threw down the dead body
into the valley below. As for the judges they smote them with the flat of their
swords, and drave them out of the Temple. But now the Idumæans began to repent
them that they had come, and to grow weary of these ill deeds. And while they
thus thought on these things, there came one of the Zealots to them and unfolded
all the frauds and deceits of his fellows. "As for the betraying of the City
to the Romans," he said, "we have found no proof of it, and now we had best
have nothing more to do with [54] these men; else we shall surely be counted
guilty of all their misdeeds."
So the Idumæans departed;
but first they set free those that lay bound in the prisons, to the number of
two thousand. But when they were gone, the Zealots raged against their adversaries
more furiously than before; and especially against all the better sort of the
people, for they judged that they should scarcely be safe, if they left even
one of them alive. The chief of them that they slew were Gorion, a man well
born and of great honour, whom they hated for his freedom of speech, and Niger
of Peræa, who had borne himself very bravely in battle against the Romans. This
Niger they dragged through the City while he cried out against their wrongdoings,
and showed the scars of his wounds. And when he found that they led him without
the gates, he asked of them that they would at least give his body to his kinsfolk
for burial. But even this they denied to him. Then he lifted up his voice, being
at the point to die, and cried that the Romans would avenge him, and that they
should suffer not war only, but hunger also and pestilence, and that they should
be slain by each other's hands; all which things, for the greater punishment
of these wicked men, God brought upon them.
When the Roman captains
heard that there was such strife in the City, they thought to profit by it,
and would have marched forthwith to assail it, saying to Vespasian, who was
over the whole host, "Surely now God is on our side, seeing that our enemies
have turned their hands against each other. Let us, therefore, make haste before
they repent them of their folly and make peace among themselves." But Vespasian
made answer, "Ye perceive not what is best for us, and are like not to true
[55] soldiers, but those who make display of their arms in the theatre; only
that your display is not without peril. For if we march against their City forthwith,
then shall we bring it to pass that they be reconciled to each other, and will
thus turn their strength against us. But if we wait, then shall we have the
fewer to deal with. Nay, it is God who is a better captain than I, for He giveth
the Jews into our hands without toil or peril. Wherefore if we look to our safety,
it were best to leave them to destroy themselves; and if we look to our honour,
let us not suffer it to be said that we have conquered by their strife rather
than by our valour."
To these words of Vespasian
all the captains gave assent. And indeed it was speedily manifest that his counsel
was wise; for day by day many deserted to the Romans, escaping from the Zealots;
though indeed it was not an easy thing to escape, for the Zealots kept all the
ways; and if one was taken he was slain forthwith as a deserter. Yet if a man
had the wherewithal to bribe the guards, he was loosed, and they were only counted
for traitors who had nothing which they could give. And all the streets were
filled with dead bodies; nor was it permitted for the kinsfolk of the slain
to bury them; but if anyone dared to do this he was punished with death. And
as for those that languished in the prisons, so great was their misery that
they counted the dead to be happy in comparison of themselves.
About this time there came
news to Vespasian of troubles in Gaul, where indeed Vindex had revolted against
Nero. And when he heard these tidings he was the more desirous to finish the
war, judging that there would be great confusion throughout the world, and peril
to the whole Empire; and that if he could first bring about peace in the East,
there would be the [56] less fear for Italy. Wherefore during the winter he
set garrisons in such towns and villages as he had subdued, building up again
much that had been destroyed. And when it was spring he set out with the greater
part of his army; and so, having subdued other regions, came to Jericho, which
city he found desolate, for the dwellers therein had fled to the hill country
of Judæa. Here he made a camp, and others elsewhere, so that now it was not
possible for any that were in Jerusalem to come out thence.
But when he was now preparing
to assault the City, there came news to him from the West, which caused him
to delay his purpose; for he heard that Nero was dead (having reigned thirteen
years and eight days). And first he waited till he should know who had been
made Emperor in Nero's stead. And when he heard that Galba had been made, he
would take nothing in hand till he should have his commands; but he sent Titus,
his son, to salute him, and hear from him what he should do. With Titus went
also King Agrippa. But while they sailed by Cyprus they heard that Galba was
dead, and that Otho was now Emperor. Then indeed Agrippa went on to Rome, but
Titus sailed across to Cæsarea to his father. And Vespasian, seeing that there
was such confusion in the Empire, thought the time unseasonable for making war,
and so held his hand.
But, meanwhile, there came
to be great troubles in Jerusalem, and these from a certain Simon, the son of
Gioras, who, when Ananus was dead, conceived in his heart the hope of ruling
the City, and gathered together for this end an army of wicked men. He built
for himself a fort at a certain village called Nain; and in the valley of Pharos,
where there are many caves, he hid away the plunder which he had taken.
[57] After a while the
Zealots, fearing the man and his counsels, for they doubted not that he had
it in his mind to take the City, came out and fought against him. But they fled
before him, and many were slain, and the others driven back into the City. Yet
he durst not as yet attack the walls, but went back to his fort. After this
he made war on the Idumæans, and laid waste their country, and took many cities
therein; and afterwards, coming back, pitched his camp without Jerusalem, surrounding
it with a wall; and coming out thence he slew such as would have entered the
City.
Meanwhile there arose great
strife in the City among those who followed John of Gischala. For such of them
as were Idumæans—and there were yet many Idumæans in the City—conspired against
him, either being envious of his power, or hating him for his cruelty. Then
these men and those who still clave to John fought together; but though they
prevailed in the battle, they doubted how this matter should turn out, for the
followers of John were many and desperate, and they feared lest they should
burn the City. Therefore that they might overthrow John they purposed to bring
Simon, the son of Gioras, into the City. And this counsel was performed, for
they sent Matthias, the high priest, and besought him, whom aforetimes they
had feared, to enter the City. And this he did, making loud and boastful promises
that he would set the people free from their tyrants; and the people answered
with much shouting and applause. Yet when he had taken it he counted all alike
for enemies, both them who had sent for him, and them against whom these would
have had him fight.
This happened in the third
year of the war. And straightway Simon took possession of the Upper City, and
shut up John in the Temple, which also he would [58] fain have taken. But this
he could not do, for John and his men had the highest ground, and upon this
they had built four great towers, on which they set their engines, with their
bowmen and the slingers, so that many of Simon's men were slain.
About this time there came
tidings to Vespasian that Vitellius was made Emperor, for Otho had been conquered
by him. With this Vespasian was very ill content; yet when he thought what changes
and chances there are in war, and how fickle a thing is fortune, he doubted
what he should do. But the soldiers were very urgent with him that he should
consent to be Emperor, for they could not endure that such a one as Vitellius
should rule over them. And to this after a while he consented.
Then did he begin to consider
with himself that he had been called to this dignity by the providence of God.
Also he remembered besides other signs, and indeed there had been many, which
had portended to him this sovereignty, and also the words which Josephus had
spoken to him; for while Nero was yet alive he had dared to call him Emperor.
And he was astonished that the man who had done this should yet be held as a
prisoner. Wherefore, calling for Mucianus and his other captains and friends,
he set forth to them what great things Josephus had done, and how he had hindered
him when he was besieging Jotapata, and after had prophesied to him, and how
having suspected before that these prophecies were feigned, that the man might
save himself thereby, he now knew that they were spoken by the inspiration of
God. "Surely," he said, "it is a shameful thing that he who prophesied to me
my sovereignty, and was the minister of the voice of God, should yet be held
in the estate of a captive and a prisoner." Then he called for Josephus, and
com- [59] manded that he should be loosed from his chains. But Titus, who stood
by, said, "It is right, sire, that Josephus should be set free, not from the
chains only, but from the reproach also. And this shall be if the chains be
not loosed but cut asunder." For this is the custom with such as have been wrongfully
bound. To this Vespasian gave consent; and one stepped forth and cut asunder
his chains with an axe. Thus did the words of his prophecy bring him into good
repute, and thereafter he was counted as one who might be believed when he spake
of things to come.
After this Vespasian went
to Antioch; and from Antioch, after a while, to Alexandria. And being at Alexandria
he heard good tidings from Rome, how that Vitellius was dead, and that all received
him for Emperor; and indeed there came envoys from all parts of the world to
do him homage. Then he himself proposed to go to Rome; but he sent Titus, his
son, to take the City of Jerusalem, and Titus, having sailed down the Nile as
far as Mende, led his army thence to Cæsarea, to which place he came after a
nine days' march; and there he purposed to set his army in order for the siege.
THE BEGINNING OF THE SIEGE
[60] MEANWHILE the strife
in the City waxed yet fiercer than before. For now Eleazar, the son of Simon,
who had at the first separated the Zealots from the people, and taken possession
of the Temple, began to stir himself. He made indeed as though he could not
any longer endure the doings of John of Gischala, for John ceased not from shedding
blood, but in sooth he was not content to be under the rule of another sect,
but would have the dominion for himself. Therefore he revolted from John, and
drew away not a few of the Zealots after him. With these he seized the Inner
Court of the Temple. Of stores indeed they had sufficiency, for the Temple was
well furnished with them; nor did they abstain from anything, as accounting
it sacred. But because they were few in number they went not forth beyond the
enclosure. As for John of Gischala, he was superior to Eleazar in the number
of his men, but inferior in the advantage of his place; for he had the enemy
above, and so could not attack them without peril, yet could not for wrath remain
quiet. Wherefore though he suffered more damage than he caused to Eleazar and
his fellows, yet he slackened not at all, but assailed them without ceasing;
and the Temple was defiled daily with bloodshed.
As for Simon, the son of
Gioras, who possessed the whole of the Upper City, and a great part of the Lower,
he assailed John with the more fury, as knowing that [61] he was being assailed
by Eleazar also from above. But he was lower than John, as John was lower than
Eleazar. As for John, he drove back them that assailed him from below with no
great trouble, and them that were above he checked with his engines of war and
artillery, for he had these in plenty, throwing stones and bullets and the like,
with which he slew not the enemy only, but many also of them that came to do
sacrifice in the Temple. And indeed, for all their madness and wickedness, the
Zealots refused not entrance to such as would offer sacrifice, admitting the
people of the land not without suspicion, but strangers freely. These then would
often be slain in the midst of their sacrificing, for the stones from the artillery
reached to the altar itself, so great was the force of them.
Now therefore there were
three parties in the City striving with each other. And in this strife they
destroyed, as though of set purpose, all that had been stored in the City for
the enduring of a siege, and in other things also served the cause of the enemy.
For all the space that was round about the Temple was wasted with fire, being
made ready, as it were, for the ordering of an army therein; and all the wheat,
excepting a little only, which had otherwise sufficed for many years, was destroyed.
And now began many, the
old men especially and the women, to pray for the coming of the Romans, having
indeed no other hope of deliverance. But as for escape, that was not possible
to any, for all the ways were diligently guarded; and though the armed men strove
with each other, yet they agreed in this, that they counted for enemies such
as seemed to them to desire peace with the Romans, and slew them without mercy.
And now John of Gischala
took of the consecrated [62] timber that he might make thereof engines of war.
For before this the priests and the people had thought to build the Temple higher
by twenty cubits; and for this end King Agrippa had caused that there should
be brought down from Mount Lebanon great beams, suitable for the work, doing
this with great cost of money and with much labour. And these beams were of
marvellous size and beauty; and John, seeing that they were of suitable length
for his purpose, built of them great towers on the west side of the Temple,
seeking thus to be on a level with them that assailed him from above.
By the help of these towers
he hoped that he should prevail over his enemies; nor did he heed at all that
the timber was consecrated. Yet did God show him that his labour was in vain;
for before that any man set foot in the towers the Romans came upon the City.
For by this time Titus had set out from Cæsarea; and part of his army he had
with him, and to part he had given commandment that they should meet him at
Jerusalem. Three legions he had under him with which his father Vespasian had
laid waste the whole land of Judæa; he had the twelfth also, which legion had
suffered defeat under Cestius, and having always been renowned for courage,
was now the more eager to avenge itself upon the Jews. The fifth legion also
was coming to meet him, marching by way of Emmaus, and the tenth by way of Jericho.
Over and above these there were the auxiliaries of the kings, and many others
from the province of Syria. And to fill the place of those whom Vespasian had
chosen from the legions and sent on to Rome, there came two thousand men of
the army of Alexandria and three thousand of the garrison that is on the river
Euphrates. This was the army of Titus, and he had for chief counsellor, Tiberius
[63] Alexander, who aforetime had been Governor of Egypt.
This was the order of march
with the army of Titus. First the auxiliaries from the kings; after these the
pioneers; then the baggage of the captains with a guard; then Titus himself
with his spearmen. After these the artillery; and after them the legions, marching
six men abreast; then the slaves with the baggage; and last of all the mercenaries.
And Titus pitched his camp in the Valley of Thorns, which is distant thirty
furlongs from the City.
Then Titus took with him
six hundred horsemen, and went forth to spy out the strength of the City. Also
he had hopes that it might submit itself to him without a siege. For he had
heard, as indeed was true, that the people were ill-disposed to the rebels,
and would fain be at peace. And when he came near to the City by the way that
slopes down to the walls, he saw no man, and the gates were shut. But when he
approached the tower that is called Psephina, suddenly there burst forth from
one of the gates a great multitude of men, and brake the array of the horsemen
in twain, so that Titus with a few others was cut off from the rest. And indeed
he could not go, forward, for the ground was broken with trenches, and divided
with hedges and such like even up to the wall; and to go back was perilous,
so great was the multitude of the enemy. Nor did the horsemen know how it was
with him, but fled, thinking that he was with them. But he cried out to his
companions that they should follow him, and drave right at the enemy to break
through them. Then indeed might be seen the providence of God; for though javelins
without number were cast at him, and he had neither helmet nor breastplate,
for he had gone forth to spy [64] and not to fight, yet did none wound him;
but he let drive with his sword at them who stood near, and overthrew others
with his horse. Then the Jews shouted aloud to see the courage of the man; and
though they ceased not to encourage each other to assail him, yet for all that
they gave place when he came near. And the other horsemen followed close behind
him, seeing that thus only could they be saved. And in the end two only were
taken and slain, but Titus and the others came back safe to his company. Nevertheless,
the Jews were much lifted up in hope by this matter, and thought that it was
a fair beginning of great good fortune to come.
That night came the fifth
legion by way of Emmaus. And the next day Titus went to a certain place called
Scopus (which is by interpretation the "Outlook "), from which the City and
the Temple could easily be seen; and it lieth on the north side of the City.
Here he pitched a camp for two legions at seven furlongs from the City; and
another for the fifth legion three furlongs behind. After this came the tenth
legion by way of Jericho; to this it was commanded that it should pitch its
camp on a hill called the Mount of Olives. This is distant six furlongs from
the City, being divided from it by a deep valley, which is called the Valley
of Cedron.