Simon (son of Giora)

Also known as: Simon · Family: Jewish · Role: leader · First appears: Book II, Chapter 19

In Book II, Chapter 19, Simon, the son of Giora, attacked the Roman rear at Bethoron, captured beasts carrying weapons, and led Shem into the city: “Simon, the son of Giora, fell upon the backs of the Romans.” In Chapter 22, at the Acrabbene toparchy, he gathered supporters, ravaged the countryside, abused the wealthy, and openly pursued tyrannical rule. When Artanus and the other rulers sent an army against him, Simon withdrew with his band to Masada, where they plundered Idumea.

By Book IV, Chapter 6, prisoners freed by the Idumeans fled to Simon. In Chapter 9, he proclaimed freedom for slaves and rewards for the free, gathered followers, and was opposed by Ananus, who had driven him from the Acrabattene toparchy. He rivaled John of Gisehala in the struggle for Jerusalem, while fighting the zealots and facing the Idumeans. Jacob came to him and helped bring the Idumean army under his rule; Simon also sent Eleazar to the garrison at Herodium, and Matthias was sent to beseech him to join the others. In the third year of the war, Simon seized Jerusalem, leaving John of Gisehala and his zealots without control of the city.

Around 70, Titus ordered Simon and John (unresolved ch104) transported to Italy with selected captives for his triumph. Simon was then paraded as the defeated enemy commander and executed at the forum, after which the people shouted for joy.