دانلود کتاب Jews vs. Rome 2025

Jews vs. Rome: Two Centuries of Rebellion Against the World’s Mightiest Empire by Barry Strauss recounts the period from 63 BCE to 136 CE during which the Jewish people in Judea repeatedly rose up against Roman rule. Barry Strauss explores three major revolts: the Great Revolt (66–70 CE), which resulted in the destruction of the Second Temple and the Siege of Masada;

the Diaspora Revolt (115–116 CE), provoked by harsh taxation and humiliation of Jews throughout the empire; and the Bar Kokhba Revolt (132–136 CE), a last-ditch rebellion that was ultimately crushed. He examines not just battles and leaders, but also religion, culture, identity, and external pressures that stoked resistance.

Strauss argues that Jewish resistance was shaped both by deeply held religious convictions—seeing Jerusalem as God’s city and monotheism as incompatible with emperor worship—and by geopolitical forces, including nearby Parthia and the large Jewish diaspora.

Despite repeated military defeat, this period redefined Judaism and laid foundations for the development of Rabbinic Judaism, as physical resistance gave way to spiritual and cultural forms of resilience. Barry Strauss also draws parallels to modern struggles, suggesting that the historical story of Judea vs. Rome offers lessons about identity, mission, and resistance in the face of overwhelming power¹.