Difference between revisions of "Simon bar-Kokhba"
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Simon bar-Kokhba ("Son of a star"; later referred to by Jews as "bar-Kosiba", "son of a lie") was the last significant false Messiah. In 130 AD, Emperor Hadrian forbade Jews from visiting Jerusalem and ordered that a temple to the idol Jupiter be constructed on the site of the Second Temple, ruined since the revolt of 70 AD.[1]. Two years later, bar-Kokhba began a revolt.
The influential Rabbi Akiba proclaimed him to be Messiah, saying, "This is the king Messiah!"[2]. Bar-Kokhba called himself "Nasi," or "Prince," a term used to describe Messiah[3]. Coins were even minted with his picture on them, showing him holding Aaron's rod that had budded. He persecuted Christians who would acknowledge only Jesus as Messiah[4].
While the Jews fought tenaciously, the Romans finally managed to suppress the revolt in the winter of 135-136 AD. Bar-Kokhba retreated to the town of Betar, southwest of Jerusalem, where he and his last defenders never surrendered but died from hunger and thirst in the besieged town.[1]