Bar Kokhba Revolt

The last major Jewish uprising against Roman rule, led by Simon bar Kokhba (meaning “son of a star”) from 132-136 CE. The revolt erupted in response to Emperor Hadrian’s plans to rebuild Jerusalem as a pagan city called Aelia Capitolina and his ban on circumcision.

Bar Kokhba established an independent Jewish state for nearly three years, minting coins declaring “Year One of the Redemption of Israel.” Rabbi Akiva proclaimed him the Messiah, leading many to join the rebellion. The revolt initially succeeded in driving Roman forces from Judea and capturing Jerusalem.

Rome’s brutal suppression resulted in catastrophic losses: over 580,000 Jewish casualties, the destruction of 985 villages, and the near-depopulation of Judea. Hadrian renamed the province “Syria Palaestina” to erase Jewish connection to the land, banned Jews from Jerusalem except on Tisha B’Av, and built a temple to Jupiter on the Temple Mount. This defeat effectively ended Jewish political autonomy in the Land of Israel until 1948, marking a pivotal turning point in Jewish history.