The problem is that we don't even know the real reasons for the rebellion. Most of our information comes from Jewish/rabbinic sources which are ... slightly biased.
Basically, there are two reasons given for the outbreak of violence: 1. Hadrian forbade circumcision. We don't know whether Hadrian did this as an anti-semitic act or whether he did this because, as a fervent Hellenic, he thought he was helping the Jews from the "cult" they belonged to. We don't know how much dialog took place between the edict being published and violence breaking out. 2. Hadrian built a temple to Jupiter in Jerusalem. We actually are not sure whether this temple was built before or after the Rebellion!
Probably, the rebellion broke out due to a mixture of ineffectual, perhaps corrupt, local Roman rule and fanatical, messianic Jewish behavior on the other side and less due to Hadrian himself.
no subject
Basically, there are two reasons given for the outbreak of violence:
1. Hadrian forbade circumcision. We don't know whether Hadrian did this as an anti-semitic act or whether he did this because, as a fervent Hellenic, he thought he was helping the Jews from the "cult" they belonged to. We don't know how much dialog took place between the edict being published and violence breaking out.
2. Hadrian built a temple to Jupiter in Jerusalem. We actually are not sure whether this temple was built before or after the Rebellion!
Probably, the rebellion broke out due to a mixture of ineffectual, perhaps corrupt, local Roman rule and fanatical, messianic Jewish behavior on the other side and less due to Hadrian himself.
Robert