the Jews.  They now began to suppose that heaven had forsaken them, while their cries and lamentations echoed from the adjacent mountains.  Even those who were almost expiring, lifted up their dying eyes to bewail the loss of their temple, which they valued more than life itself. 35.  The most resolute, however, still endeavoured to defend the upper and stronger part of the city, named Sion; but Ti’tus, with his battering engines, soon made himself entire master of the place. 36.  John and Simon were taken from the vaults where they had concealed themselves; the former was condemned to perpetual imprisonment, and the latter reserved to grace the conqueror’s triumph.  The greatest part of the populace were put to the sword; and the city was, after a six month’s siege, entirely razed, and its site ploughed up; so that according to our Saviour’s prophecy, not one stone remained upon another.  Those who perished in this siege amounted to about a million; the captives to almost a hundred thousand.[26]

Questions for Examination.

1.  Who succeeded Otho?

2.  In what way did he assume the sovereignty?

3.  How did he conduct himself in his new station?

4.  What were the consequences of this conduct?

5.  Did Vitellius tamely submit to his rival?

6.  Who first commenced hostilities?

7.  What followed?

8.  What was the conduct of Vitellius on this occasion?

9.  What farther measures did he adopt?

10.  Were the friends of Vespasian idle at this juncture?

11.  How was Vitellius engaged at the time of this disaster?

12.  What became of Sabinus?

13.  What was the consequence of this success on the part of Vitellius?

14.  What became of the fallen emperor?

15.  Was his request granted?

16.  Did Vespasian quietly succeed?

17.  What were his first measures?

18.  Were they disappointed in their expectations?

19.  What was the state of the Jewish war?

20.  What was the state of the Jewish nation?

21.  Were they united among themselves?

22.  Who were at the head of these factions?

23.  What was the chief theatre of their enormities?

24.  At what remarkable season did Titus commence his attack?

25.  What effect did this attack produce?

26.  Did the Jews bravely defend their city?

27.  What progress did Titus make in the siege?

28.  Did he make no attempt to persuade the Jews to surrender?

29.  What measures were then adopted?

30.  Did these formidable measures terrify the Jews?

31.  By what means did Titus gain the city?

32.  Was all opposition now at an end?

33.  Was the temple destroyed?

34.  What effect did this sad event produce?

35.  Were there none who attempted farther resistance?