Footnote

a On the first attack on Jerusalem in 66 C.E. by Cestius Gallus, Josephus’ Wars of the Jews, Book II, Chapter XIX, gives the most complete account. In section 1 he states that Cestius Gallus drew to within “fifty furlongs” of Jerusalem at the time of the celebration of the feast of the tabernacles (Ethanim [or Tishri] 15-21) which in that year should have run from about October 22-28 (Gregorian calendar). The Jews attacked and did some damage to the Romans; then, after mentioning a wait of “three days,” Josephus says Cestius Gallus brought his army up to Jerusalem and on the thirtieth of Tishri (about November 7) he brought his army into the city. (Sec. 4) In section 5 he says that the Romans made an attack on the temple wall for five days and on the sixth day undermined the wall. Then, for no reason, he retired from the city and was pursued by the Jews. (Secs. 6, 7) According to The Interpreter’s Dictionary of the Bible, Vol. 2, p. 866, Vespasian arrived in Palestine early in 67 C.E. and first endeavored to get the rest of the country under control. He became emperor in 69 C.E. and left his son Titus to carry out the attack on Jerusalem.