Roman Empire

With hopeful hearts, the Jewish people put their dreams into action: digging foundations and laying a cornerstone. On May 19th, during joyous song, praise, and dance, work began to rebuild the Temple.

Jewish communities around the world were destroyed, ranging from Mesopotamia to Libya. An ancient papyrus found in Egypt, dated eighty years after the rebellion, reveals that Egyptians celebrate their victory over the Jews annually.

Seeking revenge against a tyrant, rebels executed his daughter, triggering a brutal crackdown threatened to annihilate the Jews of Lod. Yet, two brave souls stepped forward, ready to sacrifice their lives for the community.

Around nine years ago, ISIS captured the city of Palmyra in Syria. The unique history of Palmyra had been forgotten for many generations. It was only in modern times that its ancient ruins began to attract tourists and archaeologists. However, those familiar with our sources can learn about the entire history of the city, originally known as Tadmor.

In the spring, Vespasian stormed through Galilee and the Golan, city by city. The people of Sepphoris surrendered to the Romans, but those in Yodfat held their ground. For 47 days, they bravely defended their city, pouring hot oil on the Roman soldiers approaching the walls.

King Agrippa arrived on Tisha B'Av, leading 3,000 troops to suppress the rebellion but was defeated. Roman soldiers in the fortresses around Jerusalem were slaughtered. The king's palace and archives were burned. By Tu B'Av, the zealots had triumphed.

Florus decided to provoke a revolt by force. He arrived at the gates of Jerusalem, where the city's dignitaries came to greet him, only to be trampled by his soldiers' horses. In 'response', he claimed the Jerusalem leaders had insulted him and demanded their surrender.

Herod served Augustus well but was a ruthless tyrant to the people of Judea and even his own family.

In Roman times, Jews in Cologne thrived and were recognized as a permitted religion, long before Christianity became dominant. Their community was influential enough to participate in city council elections, and their intellectual leaders were exempt from military and civil service.

Herod, arrogant and clad in noble purple robes, arrived with a sword at his side and surrounded by bodyguards. The sages of the Sanhedrin were too afraid to speak, fearing for their lives. Only the president, Shmaya, stood up to the tyrant, rebuking his fellow sages for allowing fear to silence them.

Simon made a strategic alliance with the Romans, perceiving it as a strong safety net amidst the Middle East's turbulent landscape. Little did they realize, this connection would eventually lead to the land's destruction.

Discover the fascinating history behind Tzomet Somech near Shefa-Amr in the north of Israel, a site steeped in ancient tradition and resistance.

Discover the grandeur of the ancient synagogue in Alexandria, so vast that special signalers waved cloths to cue the congregation for 'amen.' Join us on a historical journey.

Whenever tensions flared between the Romans and the Jews in the Land of Israel, Roman citizens would incite hostility against the Jews of Alexandria. In what became known as the "Diaspora Revolt," the entire Jewish population of Alexandria was wiped out. The Jerusalem Talmud recounts this horrific event, noting that blood flowed into the Mediterranean Sea all the way to Cyprus.

The swords were preserved in wooden and leather scabbards, in excellent condition. Israel Antiquities Authority researchers: 'This is a chilling testimony to a moment in time.' One of the project directors suggests they may have been hidden by Jewish fighters during the Bar Kokhba revolt.

Evidence of Jerusalem's deep connection can be found not just in prayer and law, but also in recent archaeological discoveries.