SIEGE THE DAY 2021

Names of each member of your group:

Kendall and Gabe
Name of Siege Siege of Jerusalem 7AD
Year it began It started on April 14, 70 CE How long did it last? Five months Year it ended?
It ended in August of 70 CE
Who was involved?
The Roman Army, led by future Emperor Titus and Tiberius Julius Alexander, and the Judean
rebels/ Judean provisional government.
How did it begin?
With instructions to put an end to the Jewish uprising, Emperor Titus and Tiberius Alexander
commenced the long awaited attack on Jerusalem, which was the core of the resistance and the
rebel leaders.
Where did it happen?
The battles took place in Jerusalem; the upper city and the lower city.
What was the outcome?
Most of Jerusalem city was destroyed by the Romans, including the Second Temple.
What weapons were used? Were there any technological innovations? Be specific.
Traditional Jewish fighters were lightly armed, using slings, bows, and javelins to start, and
closing out their fights with spears, swords, and clubs. Jewish fighters in the heart of Jerusalem
emmased more gear; using gear from the defeated Romans and gear from Jewish stores. Roman
soldiers frequently used battering rams.
Give a summary of the siege? How would you explain it to someone who knows nothing about
it? What is your “elevator pitch” for Exhibition?
Judea was divided and unstable; people were separated by class, ethnicity, and religion. Riots in
Judea began in 66 AD, and the Romans did not react lightly. They responded by attacking
Southwest Jerusalem and killed 3,600 people- and while Romans called in for reinforcements,
the rebellion amongst the people of Jerusalem only spread. The Roman efforts to control the
rebellion were led by future Emperor Titus. In 67 AD the news of Nero’s death reached Titus, and
 he went back to Rome. In 70 AD, with instructions to stop the rebellion, Titus commenced the
attack on Jerusalem. As the Roman’s approached the city they allowed Jewish pilgrims to enter
for Passover, but they did not let them leave. There were over 20,000 Jewish troops and over
60,000 Roman troops. There were a few small victories for the people of Jerusalem, but
eventually the Romans won. In August of 70 CE the Second Temple was destroyed, and the fate
was determined.
Describe the earliest history of your country.
Jerusalem is one of the oldest cities in the world with archaeological evidence pointing towards
development starting in the 17th Century BCE. Jerusalem has been attacked many times, and
destroyed twice.
What is this country known for?
What was the quality of life in your country during this time period? Who are the innocent
victims?
Judea’s way of life was not sustainable; the people were separated into different cities by class,
ethnicity, and religion. The cities were divided by walls, and by the time Romans came to the city
Jerusalem had three walls protecting them. The government in Jerusalem was not solid. Romans
allowed pilgrims to enter the city for Passover, but did not let them leave.

What is the political, economic, social history of this siege?

Political: (relating to
government)
The Roman government had been
trying to control Jerusalem for
some time, and when Titus was
instructed to do so he acted
aggressively. The Roman
government was greatly feared
and because of that the Roman
forces had a lot of outside support
against Jerusalem. Judea’s
government was barely formed,
with Simon Gioras controlling the
Upper City and John of Gischala
controlling the Tempe Mountain.
Economic: (the production,
consumption, and transfer of
wealth)
The Upper City of Jerusalem was
the home to the elites, and the
Lower city was the home to lower
class/ rank people. Ancient Rome
was very powerful and wealthy.
Social/Cultural/Emotional:
(relating to the ideas, customs,
and social behavior of a society)
Prior to the siege there were
Jewish revolts, and an outbreak
that the Romans felt they needed
to take care of Jewish people in
Jerusalem had a different way of
life than the Roman Christians.
Religion was a factor of the siege,
with the Romans burning the
Second Temple during the battles.

What is the lasting impact of this siege?

The siege greatly affected Jewish and Christian people, with many Jewish people deciding to
leave Judaism after the defeat. Christianity began to grow away from its Jewish roots and
become less united.

What projects or products can you envision for this siege for Exhibition? You need both a written
piece and an interactive/performance piece. (Dioramas of a stage, Children’s Book, Song, Video,
Board Game, Choose Your Own Adventure, Play etc.)
I can envision making a short children’s book with illustrations and reading that at an exhibition.
I can also see myself making a board game where the objective is to win the battles, and the
game cards can have information, facts, and surprise obstacles that are related to the siege and
what happened in it.