Category:John of Giscala (subject)

John of Giscala was a Jewish leader and Messiah Claimant during the Jewish War.

• Messiah Claimants -- Jewish War

Overview

John of Giscala emerged as a leader of the Jewish Revolt in Galilee. For his radical positions he challenged the authority of Josephus, who had being appointed governor of Galilee by the priestly authorities of Jerusalem. After the fall of Jotapata and the capture of Josephus, the fortified town of Giscala was the last stronghold of the rebellion in Galilee. John was able to flee his hometown the day before it was taken by the Romans.

Arrived an Jerusalem as a hero, John became one of the leaders of the rebellion. His intervention was decisive for the defeat of the moderate leadership, led by the former High Priest Ananus ben Ananus. The success of the most radical elements however generated an endless fight for hegemony among John of Giscala, Eleazar ben Simon and Simon bar Giora, which greatly weakened the Jewish resistance in Jerusalem.

With the fall of Jerusalem John was captured by the Romans and sent captive to Rome for the triumphal parade of Titus. He probably died in prison in Rome.

John of Giscala in Ancient Sources

John of Giscala in Scholarship

John of Giscala in Fiction

External links

• Wikipedia
• Livius