Category:Eleazar ben Simon (subject)
Eleazar ben Simon was a Jewish leader and Messiah Claimant during the Jewish War.
Overview
Eleazar ben Simon distinguished himself as the leader of the Zealots since the first stages of the Jewish Revolt. He led the Jewish forces to an astounding victory against the Romans in the Battle of Beth Horon, 66 CE.
The victory gave to Eleazar the status of hero, yet the Jerusalem authorities, led by former High Priest Ananus ben Ananus looked with suspicion to his faction and tried to marginalize him. Eleazar remained in Jerusalem to fight his battle against the moderate leaders. In 67-68 CE the Zealots seized control of the Temple, deposed the High Priest Matthias ben Theophilus and appointed Phannias ben Samuel as the new High Priest.
Eleazar joined forces with John of Giscala, when in 68 CE he arrived from Galilee. Their alliance led to the complete defeat of the moderate leadership and the killing of Ananus ben Ananus. The struggle between Eleazar and John of Giscala for hegemony was complicated by the intervention of Simon bar Giora, who in 69 CE arrived in Jerusalem from Masada. The city was now divided in three factions. Simon bar Giora controlled the whole upper city and some of the lower city; John of Giscala held parts of the lower city and the temple's outer court. Eleazar and the Zealots barricaded themselves in the Temple. This internal fighting greatly weakened the Jewish resistance in Jerusalem.
Before the Fall of Jerusalem by Titus, Eleazar was betrayed and killed by John of Giscala.
Eleazar ben Simon in ancient sources
- Eleazar ben Simon (sources) -- survey of ancient sources
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