Category:Gallus (subject)

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Gaius Cestius Gallus was the Roman Governor of Syria, from 63 to 67 CE, under Emperor Nero.

< Battle of Beth Horon >


Overview

In 63 CE, the Emperor Nero appointed Cestius Gallus as Roman Governor of Syria. At the Passover of 66 CE Cestius visited Jerusalem, where he heard complaints against the Roman Governor Florus, but took no decisive action. He sent his tribune Neopolitanus to see in what condition the affairs of the Jews were. In spite of the mediation of Herod Agrippa II and Berenice, the situation at Jerusalem quickly deteriorated.

In 66 CE, at the outset of the Jewish War, Cestius made an unsuccessful attempt to restore order in Judea. He led the Twelve Legion, stationed in Antioch, to Ptolemais and Caesarea Maritima. The Roman army razed Chabulon, Joppa, Antipatris, and Lydda, before arriving to Jerusalem. It was a trap. Surrounded by rebel forces in the Battle of Beth Horon and surprised by the extent of the rebellion, Cestius was forced to a disastrous withdrawal, which left the whole Judea defenseless in the hands of the rebels, with the exception of the fortified coastal towns. Having failed to contain the war as a local affair, Cestius had no choice but to require the intervention of the Emperor Nero.

Cestius died in 67 CE shortly after his return in Syria.

Cestius Gallus in ancient sources

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