Simon bar Giora

Simon bar Giora, born in Gerasa, Samaria,[1][2][3] became notable during the First Jewish–Roman War when Roman troops under Cestius Gallus marched towards Jerusalem in 66.

[6] However, he was rejected for a command position by the Jerusalem authorities, for they did not want a popular leader of a rebellious peasantry if they were to moderate the revolt and negotiate with the Romans.

[7] As a result, Simon gathered a large number of revolutionaries and started robbing houses of wealthy people in the district of Acrabbene: But as for the Acrabbene toparchy, Simon, the son of Gioras, which means "The Strong", got a great number of those that were fond of innovations together, and betook himself to ravage the country; nor did he only harass the rich men's houses, but tormented their bodies, and appeared openly and beforehand to affect tyranny in his government.

[8]Meanwhile, a large force of Idumeans had encamped outside the walls of Jerusalem, and were barred by the citizenry from entering inside the city, in hopes of preserving the peace.

Members of the Zealot party secretly opened one of the gates to bring them inside, hoping thereby to augment their forces against the common enemy of Rome.

He soon dared to venture into the flatlands, constructed a fort in a village called Nain,[10] and stored food and booty within caves in Pharan valley.

[12] However, Simon ben Giora first attacked Idumea to the south of Jerusalem, sacking its many villages,[13] and his intimidating army met no real resistance.

[14] Within Jerusalem, John of Giscala had set himself up as a despotic ruler after overthrowing lawful authority of the Judean provisional government in the Zealot Temple Siege.

He quickly took down the first and second wall, but then met fierce resistance[14] as the rebel Judean factions within Jerusalem realized the necessity of joining forces.