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In the Battle of Beth Horon, 66 CE the Jewish forces led by Eleazar ben Simon defeated the Roman Legio XII Fulminata, led by Cestius Gallus.

Overview

In 66 CE, at the outset of the Jewish War, the Roman Governor of Syria Cestius Gallus 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. Near Beth Horon the Roman army was surrounded by the rebel forces led by Eleazar ben Simon. It was one of the most devastating defeats suffered by regular Roman troops against a rebelling province in history. The equivalent of an entire legion was destroyed.

Cestius Gallus 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. Eleazar ben Simon gained the status of hero and played a fundamental role in the Jewish War at Jerusalem as leader of the Zealots until he was killed in 70 CE by rival Jewish commander John of Giscala, shortly before the Fall of Jerusalem by Titus.

The Battle of Beth Horon in ancient Sources

External links

• Wikipedia