For the Temple

by G. A. Henty

First published 1888

Amazon Gutenberg EPUB

2.5(5)

John of Gamala is a young Jewish leader drawn into the revolt against Rome as political factionalism, brigandage and imperial pressure drive Judaea towards catastrophe. He fights first in the countryside and then becomes increasingly involved in the defence of Jewish strongholds as Vespasian and Titus bring overwhelming Roman forces against the rebellion.

The story follows John through the campaigns that culminate in the siege and destruction of Jerusalem in 70 CE. His attempts to defend the Temple are complicated by bitter divisions among the rebels themselves, making the city’s internal violence almost as dangerous as the Roman army outside. Josephus, Vespasian and Titus connect John’s fictional adventures with the documented course of the First Jewish–Roman War.