Hadrian's construction in Jerusalem is impeded by frequent attack s and revolt by Jewish zealots and growing tension between the Jews and Persians. Hadrian only exacerbates this by his uninformed abolition of circumcision throughout the Empire. The emperor has developed distaste for the Jewish people because of their certitude regarding their religion. He considers them fanatics.
Among the Jew of Jerusalem a zealot leader arises in the form of Simon Bar-Kochba. He rouses the people to open revolt, and the civic leader Akiba proclaims him messiah. Roman soldiers are massacres, and the region erupts with war. Hadrian sends a commander named Severus to put down the Jewish forces, but Severus soon realizes that the guerrilla fighters will have to be decimated completely to be defeated.
The fighting goes on for over a year.....
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