The Fall of Jerusalem: A Historical Perspective

The fall of Jerusalem in 70 CE was a catastrophic event that marked a significant turn in Jewish and Roman history. The aftermath of this event has been the subject of much speculation and scholarly inquiry, particularly regarding the fate of the Jewish bodies that were slain. Archeological and historical records offer partial but incomplete insights into this tragic period.

Archeological and Historical Records

Archeological evidence in the form of excavations and remains provide limited information about the fate of the Jewish bodies. Despite the extensive rubble that covered the city, indicating the scale of destruction, there is no clear and definitive evidence of how the bodies were disposed of. Some historical accounts suggest that the bodies were buried under the rubble, but others mention they were burned or left to rot. This ambiguity can be attributed to the complete destruction of the city and the loss of many records during the subsequent centuries.

However, it is possible that Roman soldiers may have disintegrated the bodies by burning them. This would be in keeping with the Roman practice of reducing the enemy to rubble after a victory. It's also significant to note that the Romans were not concerned with Jewish burial laws, given the context of the war and aftermath. This lack of respect for Jewish customs adds credence to the possibility that the bodies were burned or otherwise destroyed.

Crucifixion and Slavery

Apart from the bodies, historical records also describe a wide range of gruesome practices by the Roman soldiers. According to Josephus, all males aged 12 and over were executed by crucifixion on the main roads leading into and out of Jerusalem. Shortages of wood may have led to double crucifixions on the same stake. This method of execution was designed to send a powerful message of deterrence to any surviving Jews. The sheer number of crucifixions and the public nature of the punishment enforced a sense of fear and submission across the population.

Women, girls, and children were unlawfully taken as slaves, a common practice during military conquests. The Roman army’s treatment of these individuals signified their complete dominance over the defeated population. This act not only dehumanized the victims but also served as a form of punishment and humiliation for the Jewish community. The survivors were left to fend for themselves in hostile and unfamiliar environments, effectively ending the hope of restoring a temple, a priesthood, or any semblance of the former glory of Jerusalem.

Interpretation of Jesus' Prophecies

The Gospels contain prophecies attributed to Jesus about Jerusalem's destruction and the subsequent events. Scholars debate whether these prophecies were genuine or created afterward to justify the outcome. Some argue that these prophecies, such as those concerning the "Gehenna," were pseudo-prophecies, written in response to the already completed destruction of the Second Temple in 70 CE.

However, there is a possible exception to this theory. If Jesus was influenced by the apocalyptic thought of John the Baptist, he may have envisioned the destruction of Herod's temple as part of the end-times scenario. This belief, ultimately proven false, could have led him to make prophecies or warnings about Jerusalem's fate. Nevertheless, these predictions were not fulfilled, leading many scholars to conclude that they are more likely to be constructed narratives rather than genuine prophecies.

The disobedience of his foretold end-times apocalyptic warnings and the failure to bring about the predicted messianic kingdom render these prophetic declarations false.

Conclusion

In summary, while there are no definitive records of how the Jewish bodies were disposed of following the fall of Jerusalem, it is likely that the Roman forces played a significant role in disposing of the bodies in a manner that did not align with Jewish burial laws. The depiction of violence and the desolation in the aftermath of the fall of Jerusalem reflect the brutal reality of the Roman conquest. As for the prophecies of Jesus, they remain a subject of scholarly debate, with some viewing them as false predictions while others see them as later constructions based on the actual events.