The defeat of the Jewish uprising (years 66-73 CE) was influenced by the internal division of the insurgents. Jerusalem was torn apart by an internal civil war between four factions: the Jerusalem zealots led by Eleazar Ben-Simon (2,400), the Galilean zealots under John of Gishala (6,000), the Sicarians led by Simon bar Giora (10,000) and the Idumeans led by Jacob ben Sosa and Simon ben Cathlas (5000 people).
It was not until the entry of Titus Flavius in 70 CE at the head of 70,000 troops to Judea, resulted in the merger of the two groups. The young commander, who had previously conquered the cities and regions around Jerusalem, having heard of the commotion in the capital of Judea, set off at the head of his mighty army. He tightened the ring around Jerusalem in preparation for an attack on the fortifications.
However, the lack of agreement across divisions and a unified command meant that the Romans could more easily be victorious.
