The Classical World: Greece and Rome · Ages 15–16
Judea Under Roman Rule: Revolt and Transformation
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Answer the questions below using historical evidence from 63 BCE through the second century CE. This worksheet is designed for 10th-grade history students.
Identify the Roman general who first conquered Jerusalem in 63 BCE, ending Judean independence.
Define the term 'procurator' and describe one action by Procurator Gessius Florus that triggered the Great Revolt in 66 CE.
Explain why Jewish rebels burned the public debt archives in Jerusalem shortly after taking the city in 66 CE.
Source Analysis: Flavius Josephus was a Jewish general who surrendered to Rome and wrote 'The Jewish War' while living in Rome on an imperial pension. Name one strength and one limitation of Josephus as a historical source.
Contrast the religious structure of Judaism before 70 CE with the new structure established by Yohanan ben Zakkai at Yavne after the Temple was destroyed.
Weighing Perspectives: Read the passage below and answer the question. Passage: 'Some historians view the Bar Kokhba Revolt (132-135 CE) as a noble defense of religious freedom against Hadrian's decree to build Aelia Capitolina. Other historians view it as a reckless catastrophe that resulted in the exile of Judean Jews and the renaming of the province to Syria Palaestina.' Based on historical outcomes, which interpretation is better supported, and why?
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Identify the Roman general who first conquered Jerusalem in 63 BCE, ending Judean independence.
Pompey the Great.
Define the term 'procurator' and describe one action by Procurator Gessius Florus that triggered the Great Revolt in 66 CE.
A procurator was a Roman official appointed to govern a province, collect taxes, and maintain order. Florus looted seventeen talents from the Temple treasury and ordered troops to massacre Jerusalem citizens who protested.
Explain why Jewish rebels burned the public debt archives in Jerusalem shortly after taking the city in 66 CE.
Burning the records canceled peasant debts to the wealthy priestly elite, mobilizing impoverished Judeans to join the rebellion.
Source Analysis: Flavius Josephus was a Jewish general who surrendered to Rome and wrote 'The Jewish War' while living in Rome on an imperial pension. Name one strength and one limitation of Josephus as a historical source.
Strength: He was an eyewitness with military knowledge who observed operations on both sides. Limitation: He wrote under imperial patronage, giving him an incentive to praise Titus and blame radical Jewish factions for the Temple's destruction.
Contrast the religious structure of Judaism before 70 CE with the new structure established by Yohanan ben Zakkai at Yavne after the Temple was destroyed.
Before 70 CE, worship centered on the Jerusalem Temple, hereditary priests, and animal sacrifices. After 70 CE at Yavne, religious practice shifted toward synagogues, rabbinic study, ethical deeds, and formalized prayer.
Weighing Perspectives: Read the passage below and answer the question. Passage: 'Some historians view the Bar Kokhba Revolt (132-135 CE) as a noble defense of religious freedom against Hadrian's decree to build Aelia Capitolina. Other historians view it as a reckless catastrophe that resulted in the exile of Judean Jews and the renaming of the province to Syria Palaestina.' Based on historical outcomes, which interpretation is better supported, and why?
Answers may defend either view: Students defending the 'reckless catastrophe' view point to the death toll, destruction of hundreds of villages, mass enslavement, and ban on Jews entering Jerusalem. Students defending the 'noble defense' view point to rebel coinage asserting 'Freedom of Israel' and resistance against cultural and religious erasure by Roman imperial authority.