Jewish revolt against Constantius Gallus

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Jewish revolt against Constantius Gallus

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Jewish revolt against Constantius Gallus (351–352 CE) during the Roman Civil War.

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Origins & Early Life

In 351–352, the Jews of the Roman province of Syria Palaestina revolted against the rule of Constantius Gallus, brother-in-law of Emperor Constantius II and caesar of the eastern part of the Roman Empire. The revolt, which occurred during the Roman civil war of 350–353, was crushed by Gallus' general Ursicinus. The rebellion was led by Isaac of Diocaesarea (also known as Isaac of Sepphoris), aided by a certain Patricius and had its epicentre in the town of Diocaesarea (the Greco-Roman referent for Sepphoris). Jerome records that the revolt began with a night attack on the Roman garrison, which was destroyed, and allowed the Jews to procure the necessary weapons. According to the 9th-century author Theophanes the Confessor, the rebels subsequently killed the people of different ethnicities, pagan Greek Hellenes and Samaritans.

Career & Major Achievements

Following the suppression of the Bar Kokhba revolt in 136 CE, the demographic and spiritual center of Jewish life in the region shifted from Jerusalem to the Galilee. The city of Diocaesarea (Sepphoris) grew in prominence during this period, eventually serving as a primary seat for the Sanhedrin, the supreme Jewish rabbinical court. The emperor Constantius II, like his father Constantine the Great before him, showed a preference for the Christian religion, which he favored over all others, including Judaism. Unlike his father, however, Constantius allowed Christians to persecute the pagans and the Jews. Some Christian clergy practiced intolerance toward non-Christians, both through the secular arm and in directing angry crowds, which attacked and destroyed synagogues and temples.

Enduring Legacy & Impact

Eventually, the Jews reacted, opposing Christian proselytism and showing intolerance toward Jewish Christians. Fiery sermons preached in synagogues against Edom were in fact directed against those Romans who, after removing the Jews' political independence, were now repressing their religion. In 350, Emperor Constantius II was engaged in a campaign in the East against the Sasanians. He was however forced to return to the West to counter the usurpation of Magnentius, who had murdered Constantius' brother and colleague, Constans. Constantius therefore appointed his cousin Gallus Caesar of the East, on March 15, 351 at Sirmium.

Notable Quotes by Jewish revolt against Constantius Gallus

“The Jews of Diocæsarea (Sepphoris) also took up arms and invaded the Roman garrisons in Palestine and the neighboring territories, with the design of shaking off the Roman yoke.”

Historical Fact-Check Quiz: Jewish revolt against Constantius Gallus

True or False: “Did the Jewish revolt against Constantius Gallus occur before Emperor Constantius II was engaged in campaigns against the Sasanians?”

Answer (FALSE ❌): The revolt occurred after Constantius II had been forced to return to the West to counter the usurpation of Magnentius.

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