The First Jewish Revolt: Who was…Simeon Bar Giora

While my forthcoming range of miniatures can be used for any of the Jewish revolts against Rome, the most famous is the First Jewish War, largely due to the writings of Josephus. Unlike the other revolts we can be relatively confident in the chronology of events as well as the names of many of the key leaders. One of the most prominent was Simeon Bar Giora. Naturally I needed to make a figure of him, and I wanted his miniature to reflect something of his somewhat spectacular career as a rebel against the might of Rome.

Simeon Bar Giora’s life and actions, as recorded by Josephus, reveal a complex and controversial leader. His role in the rebellion remains a topic of considerable debate among historians. Simeon’s origins are uncertain, with different scholars suggesting various alternative locations for his birthplace. Josephus claimed he was from Gerasa, a Hellenistic city in Transjordan where Jews coexisted peacefully with non-Jewish residents. However, other scholars suggest he may have been born in Jerash near Hartuv or Kefar Jorish near Shechem, as his early activities occurred in the Acrabatene region. The name “Giora,” means “the strong”, has led some to believe his father was a convert to Judaism.

It is worth noting that Josephus serves as the only real source for details on Simeon’s life, so while his account must be approached with caution, without it we know nothing. Josephus’s writings suggest that he harboured intense animosity toward Simeon. The reason for this is likely because Josephus was part of the ‘moderate’ rebel faction, while Simeon was part of the more socially and religiously radical ‘Zealot’ faction (in reality a collection of very loosely aligned groups). The Zealots subverted the moderate’s control of the rebellion after the rebels suffered several early defeats against the Romans, after which Josephus defected/ surrendered to the Romans. Nonetheless, while vilified, Simeon emerges as a formidable military leader in Josephus’ writings.

Simeon’s rise began during the battle of Beth Horon in 66AD, where Jewish forces under his command dealt a crushing defeat to the Roman army led by Cestius Gallus. However, the moderate faction in Jerusalem, which sought reconciliation with Rome, marginalized Simeon despite his military success. In response, Simeon gathered a group of loyal followers, whom Josephus labelled as brigands. Several of the future key leaders of the revolt started their career as so-called brigands, and it seems that this label is used more as an insult than an accurate description.  His activities as a bandit provoked hostility from Jerusalem’s moderate leadership, forcing Simeon to seek refuge with the Sicarii at Masada, led by Eleazar Ben Jair. While at Masada, Simeon likely participated in their raids, before he later broke away and established his own base of operations in southern Judea.

As his power grew, Simeon’s forces conducted campaigns against various adversaries, including the Idumeans (a Jewish tribe). At this stage in the revolt the various Zealot factions were deeply suspicious of one another and much of the rebel effort was directed inwards against other rebels. Consequently, the Zealots within Jerusalem refused to allow him admittance, holding his wife as a hostage. However, by April 69AD, Simeon entered Jerusalem after being invited by opponents of John of Giscala, another prominent rebel leader. Once inside, Simeon took control of most of the Upper City and a significant portion of the Lower City, solidifying his position as a central figure in the rebellion.

The rivalry between Simeon and John of Giscala then began to intensify, resulting in continuous hostilities within Jerusalem, leaving many dead and destroying important stocks of food and supplies. This internal strife weakened the city’s defences against the approaching Roman forces, led by Titus, who began their siege in April 70AD. Despite fierce resistance and acts of remarkable bravery, the Jewish forces were ultimately overwhelmed. The Romans burned the Temple and devastated the city. Simeon and a small group of loyal followers sought refuge in underground passages, but were eventually forced to surrender.

Simeon’s surrender was dramatic and, if Josephus is to be believed, steeped in symbolism. Emerging from the ruins in a white robe and a purple mantle, he startled the Roman soldiers, who initially recoiled in fear at this apparition before capturing him. This peculiar appearance has been variously interpreted as a manifestation of messianic aspirations, a deliberate attempt at martyrdom, or a somewhat elaborate (and quite confusing) escape plan. After being apprehended Simeon was taken to Rome, where he was paraded as a prisoner in Vespasian’s triumphal procession celebrating the Roman victory. Ultimately, he was executed in the Mamertine prison, marking the definitive end of the revolt as far as the Romans were concerned.

The Romans regarded Simeon as the most significant leader of the Jewish rebellion, evidenced by his prominent role in their triumph. At the height of the siege of Jerusalem, his army may have numbered 15,000 men, surpassing those of his rivals. His leadership, though not universally accepted, was clearly an important element in the rebel’s lengthy defence of the city. Simeon’s social outlook also set him apart from other rebel leaders. Josephus reports that he was hostile toward the wealthy and sympathetic to the poor (although this may just be a literary device given the outlook of Josephus’ target audience for his writing – the elite and wealthy), even going so far as to liberate slaves. If true however, this egalitarian approach likely stemmed from his party’s broader opposition to the established social and economic order. His charisma, bravery, and dedication to the cause of Jewish independence won him a following and solidified his legacy as one of the foremost leaders of the revolt against Rome.