Simon bar Kokhba

Arthur Szyk (1894-1951). Bar Kochba (1927), Paris

Simon bar Kokhba (Hebrew: שמעון בר כוכבא‎) was the leader of the Bar Kokhba revolt against the Roman Empire in 132-136 CE. His leadership and the revolt he led are significant events in the history of Judea and the Jewish people.

Early Life

Little is known about the early life of Simon bar Kokhba. His original name was Simon ben Kosiba (Hebrew: שמעון בן כוסבה‎). The name "Bar Kokhba" means "Son of the Star" in Aramaic, a reference to the Star Prophecy in the Book of Numbers.

The Bar Kokhba Revolt

The Bar Kokhba revolt was the third major rebellion by the Jews of Judea against the Roman Empire, following the First Jewish–Roman War (66-73 CE) and the Kitos War (115-117 CE). The revolt erupted as a result of religious and political tensions, including the Roman decision to build a new city, Aelia Capitolina, on the ruins of Jerusalem and the construction of a temple to Jupiter on the Temple Mount.

Leadership and Strategy

Simon bar Kokhba was recognized as the leader of the revolt and was given the title "Nasi" (prince). He established a short-lived independent Jewish state and led a guerrilla war against the Roman forces. Bar Kokhba's forces managed to capture Jerusalem and establish a provisional government.

Roman Response

The Roman Empire, under the leadership of Emperor Hadrian, responded with overwhelming military force. The Roman general Sextus Julius Severus was dispatched to Judea with a large army. The Romans employed scorched earth tactics, destroying villages and fortresses, and eventually besieged the stronghold of Betar, where Bar Kokhba made his last stand.

Death and Legacy

Simon bar Kokhba was killed in 136 CE during the siege of Betar. His death marked the end of the revolt and led to severe repercussions for the Jewish population in Judea. The Romans imposed harsh penalties, including the banning of Jews from Jerusalem and the renaming of Judea to Syria Palaestina.

Bar Kokhba's legacy is complex; he is remembered as a heroic figure in Jewish history, symbolizing resistance and the struggle for independence. His revolt, although ultimately unsuccessful, had a lasting impact on Jewish identity and the history of the region.

See Also

• Bar Kokhba revolt
• First Jewish–Roman War
• Kitos War
• Hadrian
• Aelia Capitolina
• Betar