Thesiege of Gush Halav refers to the Roman siege and sack of the fortified Galilean town ofGush Halav (Gischala, modern Jish), during theFirst Jewish–Roman War. Following the flight of the main Zealot fighting force from the town, the Romans took it by force.

Both Josephus and later Jewish sources from the Roman-Byzantine period mention the fine olive oil for which the village was known.^[1] According to theTalmud, the inhabitants also engaged in the production of silk.^[2]

Gischala was the home of Yohanan Ben-Levi ofGush Halav, better known asJohn of Giscala, a wealthy olive oil merchant who became a chiefZealot commander in the Jewish revolt in the Galilee and laterJerusalem.^[3] According to Josephus, John of Giscala was eager for rebellion and upgraded the town's fortifications. In one account Josephus writes that John fortified the town on Josephus' instructions, but in another he writes that John was hostile to the main Judean government, which Josephus represented in the Galilee, and undertook the fortifications at his own expense.^[3] Josephus includes the town in the list of 17 strategic fortifications undertaken in the wake of the revolt, suggesting the high importance of Gush Halav as a military fortress.^[3]

After the fall ofGamla andJotapata in 67, Gush Halav was the last Jewish stronghold in theGalilee andGolan region during northern phase of the revolt.

As part of the Roman campaign to suppress the revolt,Titus marched on Gush Halav. Giscala was the last town inGalilee not yet conquered. Initially known as a moderate, John changed his stance when Titus arrived at the gates of Gischala accompanied by 1,000 horsemen and demanded the town's surrender.^[4]

John prevailed upon Titus not to enter the city that day, as it was theSabbath, "not so much out of regard to the seventh day as to his own preservation." John fled to Jerusalem that night, and "Titus was greatly displeased that he had not been able to bring this John, who had deluded him, to punishment."^[5]

• Siege of Yodfat

• First Jewish–Roman War
• Sieges involving the Roman Empire
• 67
• 60s in the Roman Empire
• 60s conflicts
• Zealots

• Articles with short description
• Short description matches Wikidata