Introduction | Early years | Climbing the greasy pole
Military commander | Desperate straits | The Judaean adventure
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The Judaean adventure

Rebellion in Judaea
Nero needed Vespasian to take control of the army in Judaea, to subdue a massive uprising in that province. Vespasian was a safe appointment to such a powerful military resource, at a time when Rome itself was close to rebellion. As historian David Stockton wrote, 'An increasingly insecure Nero had committed the cardinal sin of unsettling his own ruling class and army commanders.'

Rebellion had erupted in Judaea in AD 66 specifically because of increasing taxation of the lower classes, but it could have occurred for any of a dozen reasons. Tribute paid to Rome was in direct contradiction of the Jews' religious beliefs. Rule by an alien Gentile power was against the will of God. The Jews themselves were divided into many factions. Sooner or later, the whole situation would blow up.

That it did so just when Vespasian's career had been thrown into reverse can only be seen as fortuitous. His experience as a commander in Britain – particularly the skill he had gained at siege warfare – and as governor of Africa qualified him perfectly for the job.

Josephus
Following his appointment in AD 67, Vespasian moved first against the cities of Galilee. At Jotopata, he laid siege for 40 days without let, unleashing massive force against the Jewish rebels. It was a ferocious battle that resulted in the annihilation of all 40,000 inhabitants – all, that is, except one.

The general in charge of the defending forces, Josephus, survived and underwent a miraculous conversion to emerge as a great scholar and historian. He went on to chronicle Vespasian's adventures and to write a history of the Jewish war. After Jotopata, he was never far from the Roman general's side, and it is because of Josephus that we see another, darker side of Vespasian – a man perfectly capable of delivering Roman vengeance in full measure.

The Romans swept through Galilee, clearing the towns and driving the rebels into the mountains. It was here, in the town of Gamala, that Vespasian, within months of becoming emperor, would come within inches of death.

The siege of Gamala
A fortified hill-top town, Gamala is so called because of its resemblance to a camel's back. The hill is in a gorge, and so is overlooked on three sides, but the hill itself is unassailable from below. The town within the walls is so steep that each house overlooks its neighbour's roof top, and the winding streets are very narrow.

Vespasian laid siege to the town. Inside were 7,000 Jewish rebels. When the Romans breached the wall, they flooded through, driving the defenders uphill towards a precipice. But then the battle turned. Forced on to the high ground, the defenders pressed their advantage. The advancing Romans couldn't retreat because they were being pushed forwards by troops at the back. They were forced to escape outwards by jumping down on to the surrounding roof tops. These collapsed under their weight and thousands lost their lives.

In the meantime, Vespasian, with a small detachment, was cut off and isolated behind enemy lines at the top of the town. The 58-year-old military leader had to fight for his life until he reached the safety of the breached wall.

The Romans were defeated that day. But the siege held and the Romans, undermining a tower, eventually re-entered Gamala, this time with more discipline. They forced the defenders to the precipice where many leapt to their deaths and many more were massacred.

In Jerusalem, sectarian strife was tearing the city apart. In late June 68, Vespasian was about to draw the net around the beleaguered city when he heard the news. Nero was dead.

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