On This Day

Betar, the last outpost of Bar Kochba, falls to Rome

The Bar Kokhba revolt (132–136 CE), also known as the Bar Kokhba war, the War of Betar, and the Third (or Second) Jewish–Roman War, was the last and most devastating of three major Jewish rebellions...

The Bar Kokhba revolt (132–136 CE), also known as the Bar Kokhba war, the War of Betar, and the Third (or Second) Jewish–Roman War, was the last and most devastating of three major Jewish rebellions against the Roman Empire. The rebels, led by Simon bar Kokhba, succeeded in establishing an independent Jewish state in Judaea that lasted several years. The revolt was ultimately crushed by the Romans, resulting in the near depopulation of Judea proper through mass killings, widespread enslavement, and the displacement of much of its Jewish population.

Resentment toward Roman rule and nationalistic aspirations remained high in Judaea following the destruction of Jerusalem and the Second Temple during the First Jewish Revolt in 70 CE.

Historical Significance

The Bar Kokhba revolt (132–136 CE), also known as the Bar Kokhba war, the War of Betar, and the Third (or Second) Jewish–Roman War, was the last and most devastating of three major Jewish rebellions against the Roman Empire.

Events Before

  1. Greek astronomer and mathematician Ptolemy begins his observations of the heavens (until 141 AD)

    Greek astronomer and mathematician Ptolemy begins his observations of the heavens (until 141 AD)

Events After

  1. BC Liu Che, posthumously known as Emperor Wu of Han, assumes the throne of the Han Dynasty in China and rules for 54 yea

    BC Liu Che, posthumously known as Emperor Wu of Han, assumes the throne of the Han Dynasty in China and rules for 54 years

  2. 6th recorded perihelion passage of Halley's Comet

    A comet is an icy, small Solar System body or interstellar object that warms and begins to release gases when passing close to the Sun, a process called outgassing.

Frequently Asked Questions

What happened on August 5, 135?
The Bar Kokhba revolt (132–136 CE), also known as the Bar Kokhba war, the War of Betar, and the Third (or Second) Jewish–Roman War, was the last and most devastating of three major Jewish rebellions against the Roman Empire. The rebels, led by Simon bar Kokhba, succeeded in establishing an independent Jewish state in Judaea that lasted several years. The revolt was ultimately crushed by the Romans, resulting in the near depopulation of Judea proper through mass killings, widespread enslavement, and the displacement of much of its Jewish population.
Why is Betar, the last outpost of Bar Kochba, falls to Rome significant?
The Bar Kokhba revolt (132–136 CE), also known as the Bar Kokhba war, the War of Betar, and the Third (or Second) Jewish–Roman War, was the last and most devastating of three major Jewish rebellions against the Roman Empire.

Explore More