This article will address the issue of AD 70, a relevant issue in the current context. AD 70 is a topic that has aroused the interest of many people, since it has profound implications in various areas. From a historical approach, AD 70 has been the subject of study and debate over the years, and its presence remains significant in contemporary society. This article seeks to provide a comprehensive view of AD 70, exploring its many facets and offering an informed perspective on its importance and implications today. Through critical and reflective analysis, the aim is to generate greater understanding and awareness about AD 70, thus contributing to the enrichment of the debate and reflection around this topic.
Panic strikes Rome as adverse winds delay grain shipments from Africa and Egypt, producing a bread shortage. Ships laden with wheat from North Africa sail 300 miles to Rome's port of Ostia in 3 days, and the 1,000 mile voyage from Alexandria averages 13 days. The vessels often carry 1,000 tons each to provide the city with the 8,000 tons per week it normally consumes.
7th of Artemisios (7th of Iyar, about May 6) – The Third Wall of Jerusalem collapses and the Jews withdraw from Bezetha to the Second Wall, where the defences are unorganized.
12th of Artemisios (12th of Iyar, about May 11) – Titus and his Roman legions breach the Second Wall of Jerusalem. The Jewish defenders retreat to the First Wall. The Romans start building a circumvallation; all trees within 90 stadia (ca. fifteen kilometres) of the city are cut down.
21st of Artemisios (about May 20 or 21) – A "certain prodigious and incredible phenomenon", "chariots and troops" seen running in the clouds around Jerusalem
17th of Panemos (17th of Tammuz), about July 14) – Sacrifices cease in the temple.
24th of Panemos (about July 20) – Romans set fire to a cloister after the capture of the Fortress of Antonia, north of the Temple Mount. The Romans are drawn into street fighting with the Zealots.
10th of Loios (9th or 10th of Av, about August 4) – Titus destroys the Jewish Temple in Jerusalem. Roman troops are stationed in Jerusalem and abolish the Jewish high priesthood and Sanhedrin. This becomes known as the Fall of Jerusalem, a conclusive event in the First Jewish–Roman War (the Jewish Revolt), which began in 66 AD. Following this event, the Jewish religious leadership moves from Jerusalem to Jamnia (present-day Yavne), and this date is mourned annually as the Jewish fast of Tisha B'Av.
August – Titus captures Jerusalem.
8th of Gorpiaios (8th of Elul, about September 2) – Romans gain control of all of Jerusalem and proceed to burn it and kill its remaining residents, except for some who are taken captive to be killed later or enslaved.
^War of the Jews Book V, sect. 99 (Ch. 3, paragraph 1 in Whiston's translation)
^War of the Jews Book V, sect. 302 (Ch. 7, par. 2)
^War of the Jews Book V, sect. 466 (Ch. 11, par. 4)
^ abWar of the JewsBook VI, sect. 296 (Ch. 5, par. 3). In Greek, "φάσμα τι δαιμόνιον ὤφθη μεῖζον πίστεως", a phrase that is often translated on UFO sites as "On the 21st of May a demonic phantom of incredible size...".
^War of the Jews Book VI, sect. 94 (Ch. 2, par. 1)
^War of the Jews Book VI, sect. 166 (Ch. 2, par. 9)
^War of the Jews Book VI, sect. 220 (Ch. 4, par. 1)
^Chilver, Guy Edward Farquhar (January 20, 2024). "Vespasian". Encyclopaedia Britannica. Retrieved February 20, 2024.
^War of the Jews Book VI, sect. 407 (Ch. 8, par. 5; Ch. 9, par. 2)
^Tregear, T. R. (1965) A Geography of China, pp. 218–219.