Jewish revolt against Heraclius
| Jewish revolt against Heraclius | |||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Part of the Byzantine–Sasanian War of 602–628 | |||||||
| |||||||
| Belligerents | |||||||
| Byzantine Empire |
Sasanian Empire Jewish allies | ||||||
| Commanders and leaders | |||||||
|
Heraclius Zacharias of Jerusalem (POW) Modestus of Jerusalem (in 617) |
Shahrbaraz Nehemiah ben Hushiel Benjamin of Tiberias | ||||||
| Units involved | |||||||
| Byzantine army | Sasanian army | ||||||
| Strength | |||||||
| Unknown | 20,000 or 26,000 Jewish rebels | ||||||
| Casualties and losses | |||||||
| 4,518–24,518+ Christians killed around Jerusalem | |||||||
| History of Israel |
|---|
| Israel portal |
The Jewish revolt against Heraclius was part of the Byzantine–Sasanian War of 602–628 and is considered the last time Jews had autonomy over Jerusalem prior to modern times. Taking advantage of the weakening Byzantine control in the eastern provinces, Jewish communities in Palestine allied with the invading Persian forces against Byzantine rule, which had long imposed religious and legal restrictions on them. When the Persians captured Jerusalem in 614, Jewish rebels briefly gained influence in the city. However, when Heraclius later defeated the Persians and reconquered the region, Byzantine authority was re-established, and severe reprisals followed. These included massacres, forced conversions, and expulsions of Jews, ultimately ending the revolt.