John of Giscala
- ANCIENT SOURCES: see John of Giscala (sources)
- SCHOLARLY AND FICTIONAL WORKS: see Category:John of Giscala (subject)
John of Giscala was a Jewish leader and Messiah Claimant during the 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 alliance with the Eleazar ben Simon and the Zealots 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, that was further complicated by the arrival of Simon bar Giora. This internal fighting greatly weakened the Jewish resistance in Jerusalem. The city was de facto divided into 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 ben Simon and the Zealots barricaded themselves in the Temple.
Shortly before the Fall of Jerusalem by Titus, John killed by deception Eleazar ben Simon. John was eventually captured by the Romans and sent captive to Rome for the triumphal parade of Titus. He probably died in prison in Rome.