|
81 September 13, DEATH OF FLAVIUS VESPESIANUS TITUS
(The son of Vespasian). He played an active
part in the capture of the Galilee during the Jewish revolt. Upon Vespasian's appointment as
ruler of Rome, he was given command of the Roman forces in Eretz-Israel. Titus' name is
forever linked to the devastation of the Temple and the brutality of the destruction of
Jerusalem. This is based on the writings of Tacitus, a Roman historian. Josephus tried to
whitewash Titus and claim that he was against the burning of the Temple. According to
talmudic legend Titus challenged God to punish him, where upon God sent in a gnat which
ate at his brain causing him terrible headaches until he died. Upon his death he ordered his
body to be burned and his ashes scattered so as to prevent the "God of the Jews" from
punishing him.
|
