In Jews vs. Rome: Two Centuries of Rebellion Against the World’s Mightiest Empire, Barry Strauss, Professor Emeritus in History and Humanistic Studies at Cornell University and a leading authority on ancient military history,uses his considerable expertise to examine three major Jewish revolts against the Roman Empire. This engaging and accessible narrative history, covers the period between 63 BC and 135 AD, focuses on the Great Revolt (or Jewish War, which took place from 66 to 74 CE), the Diaspora Revolt (116 to 117 CE), and the Bar Kokhba Revolt (132 to 136 CE). Strauss examines the uprisings’ origins and long-term consequences for the Jewish people and the practice of Judaism. In addition, he claims that he breaks new ground with his examination of Judea’s “unique position between east and west, between Parthia (ancient Iran) and Rome.”
Rome conquered Judea in 63 BC, one hundred and twenty years before the first revolt. Judea had gained independence from the Greco-Syrians and was the first independent Jewish state in over four centuries. Its inhabitants deeply resented the Roman conquest. Strauss vividly demonstrates how this discontent, fueled by the messianism and apocalyptic thinking of the period, triggered subsequent rebellions. The divided Jewish community had to repeatedly decide if they wanted to tolerate Roman rule or rebel and fight to the death.
The Great Revolt, also known as the Jewish War, is the best-documented of the three revolts. Josephus, a Jewish historian and leader in the early uprising who later defected to Rome, wrote a detailed account of the conflict, The Jewish War. His narrative recounts the destruction of Jerusalem, the burning of the Second Temple, and the siege and mass suicide at Masada. As a military historian, Strauss provides a detailed account of battle maneuvers and tactics. He also demonstrates that the three revolts resulted in a massive Jewish casualty count, the displacement or enslavement of thousands, and the loss of political autonomy for those who remained.
Judaism had to change to survive amongst Jews living in a diaspora. Strauss chronicles the shift from temple-centric Judaism to Rabbinic Judaism, in which prayer replaced sacrifice and rabbis replaced priests. He focuses on the contribution of Rabbi Judah, who, along with other rabbis, compiled the Mishnah — a collection of oral traditions that emerged from the Talmud, which includes stories, legal opinions, and traditions. Rabbi Judah advocated spiritual resistance for survival.
Strauss concludes by lauding Jewish resilience: “Ancient Jewry is one of history’s great examples of how a people can lose on the battlefield and yet prevail.”
Linda Kantor-Swerdlow is a retired Associate Professor of History Education from Drew University and the author of Global Activism in an American School: From Empathy to Action. She is currently freelancing and reviews books and theater.
