Under the Eagle’s Wings

Abstract This chapter examines the complex dynamics of Judea, Samaria, and Galilee under direct Roman rule, beginning with governance under the early prefects through the temporary restoration of a client monarchy under Agrippa I to the period of the later procurators under whom conditions rapidly deteriorated, hostilities erupted, and the regions were propelled on a collision course with the unstoppable force of Vespasian, Titus, and their legions. Several revolutionary movements, including the peaceful but no less political movement led by Jesus of Nazareth, are explored against this background. A spectrum of factors contributing to the outbreak of hostilities against Rome are examined and the course of the revolt itself, from the massacre of several cohorts under Cestius Gallus to the relentless reprisals of Vespasian and Titus, reconstructed.