Julianus ben Sabar
Messianic Samaritan leader who led a revolt against the Byzantine Empire in the 6th century.
Quick Facts: Who was Julianus ben Sabar?
- Subject:
- Julianus ben Sabar
- Known for:
- Messianic Samaritan leader who led a revolt against the Byzantine Empire in the 6th century.
- Born:
- 500
- Died:
- 531
- Century / Era:
- 500s Historical Era Archive
- Verified Source:
- 2Day Chrono-Wiki & Primary Historical Archives
Origins & Early Life
Julianus ben Sabar (also known as Julian or Julianus ben Sahir and Latinized as Iulianus Sabari filius) was a leader of the Samaritans, seen widely as being the Taheb who led a failed revolt against the Byzantine Empire during the early 6th century. In 529 Julianus led a revolt against the Byzantine Empire ruled by Justinian I, because of legislation outlawing the Samaritan religion, according to Procopius, though Cyril of Scythopolis claimed it was because of tension with Christians. Julianus declared himself King of Israel, taking Jeroboam as his model, and led a Samaritan army to ravage the cities of Scythopolis, Caesarea Maritima, Neapolis, Bethlehem, and Emmaus. By 530 he had succeeded in capturing virtually all of Samaria.
Career & Major Achievements
The revolt was marked by large scale slaughter of Christians and destruction of Christian churches. Justinian enlisted the help of the Ghassanids, and by 531 the rebellion had been put down. Julianus himself was beheaded according to Theophanes the Confessor. Tens of thousands of Samaritans were killed and enslaved and many were sold as slaves throughout the Middle East.
Enduring Legacy & Impact
Others were sold as far away as the Sasanian Empire, where their descendants would be included in the invasion of the Levant during the Byzantine–Sassanid War of 602–628 some eighty-five years later and shortly before the Muslim conquest of the Levant. Julianus' revolt has been compared to the Bar Kokhba revolt 400 years prior. Both revolts against foreign imperial occupation led by a Messiah/Taheb were initially successful, only to be later brutally suppressed. However, unlike the Jews, the Samaritan community never recovered from their ethnic cleansing, and were further reduced to a minority in Samaria after persecutions in the late Middle Ages by the Mamluk Sultanate under whose rule they became nearly extinct.
Chronological Milestones & Life Events
Historical Fact-Check Quiz: Julianus ben Sabar
True or False: “Julianus ben Sabar's revolt was immediately successful enough to overthrow the entire Byzantine administration across the Levant.”
Answer (FALSE ❌): While he captured many cities by 530, the rebellion was ultimately put down by Justinian I with the help of the Ghassanids in 531.
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- 500 Historical Timeline & Archive — Explore world events and figures from 500
- 531 Historical Timeline & Archive — Explore world events and figures from 531
Frequently Asked Questions about Julianus ben Sabar
Who was Julianus ben Sabar and what are their primary contributions?
Messianic Samaritan leader who led a revolt against the Byzantine Empire in the 6th century. Origins & Early Life: Julianus ben Sabar (also known as Julian or Julianus ben Sahir and Latinized as Iulianus Sabari filius) was a leader of the Samaritans, seen widely as being the Taheb who led a failed revolt against the Byzantine Empire during the early 6th century. In 529 Julianus led a revolt against the Byzantine Empire ruled by Justinian I, because of legislation outlawing the Samaritan religion, according to Procopius, though Cyril of Scythopolis claimed it was because of tension with Christians. Julianus declared himself King of Israel, taking Jeroboam as his model, and led a Samaritan army to ravage the cities of Scythopolis, Caesarea Maritima, Neapolis, Bethlehem, and Emmaus. By 530 he had succeeded in capturing virtually all of Samaria.
When was Julianus ben Sabar born and during which historical era did they live?
Julianus ben Sabar was born on 500 and passed away on 531. For complete historical world events during this era, explore the 500 Chrono-Archive.
Where can I read more verified chronological archives on Julianus ben Sabar?
Explore verified primary sources, interactive timelines, and contemporary figures in the 2Day Chrono-Wiki encyclopedia or review the original entry on Wikipedia.
Source: Wikipedia