The Jewish Revolt in Palestine During the Reign of Constantius II (351 CE)

In 351 CE, as Emperor Constantius II struggled to govern the vast Roman Empire alone, he appointed his cousin Gallus as Caesar of the East on March 15, 351 CE, at Sirmium. Gallus arrived in Antioch on May 7, 351 CE, assuming control over the eastern provinces.

During this transition of power, or shortly after Gallus' arrival, a Jewish revolt erupted in Palestine, centered in Diocesarea (modern-day Sepphoris, Israel).

1. Leaders and Messianic Hopes

The rebellion was led by:

• Isaac of Diocesarea (or Sepphoris) – A Jewish leader who mobilized local forces.
• Patricius (also called Natrona) – His name carried messianic connotations, suggesting that he may have been viewed as a deliverer or messianic figure.

These leaders likely capitalized on long-standing Jewish discontent over Roman rule and Christian dominance, intensified under Constantius II, who strongly favored Christianity.

2. The Course of the Revolt

• The rebellion began with a night attack on a Roman garrison, which was destroyed, allowing the rebels to seize weapons.
• After securing arms, the insurgents expanded their attacks, targeting:
  • Greeks, who were often aligned with Roman authority.
  • Samaritans, long-standing rivals of Jewish factions in the region.
• The revolt quickly spread, raising concerns in Rome’s eastern provinces about regional instability.

3. Roman Response and Gallus’ Brutal Suppression

• As the Caesar of the East, Gallus was responsible for restoring order.
• He dispatched his general, Ursicinus, to crush the rebellion with overwhelming force.
• Roman legions retaliated harshly, leading to:
  • Mass executions of Jewish rebels.
  • The destruction of Diocesarea, the heart of the uprising.
  • Widespread devastation in Galilean towns, discouraging future resistance.

4. Consequences of the Revolt

• The Jewish population of Palestine suffered severe losses, with many killed, enslaved, or displaced.
• Roman authorities increased their crackdown on Jewish communities, further limiting their autonomy and rights.
• The revolt deepened Jewish-Christian tensions, as Christian Roman officials saw the uprising as a threat to imperial stability.
• This rebellion was one of the last major Jewish revolts in the Roman East, marking the continued decline of Jewish political influence in Palestine.

5. Conclusion: A Failed Revolt and Its Aftermath

While the revolt in Palestine of 351 CE was short-lived, its brutal suppression reaffirmed Roman dominance and highlighted:

• The fragility of Jewish-Roman relations under a Christianized empire.
• The ruthlessness of Gallus, whose harsh rule would eventually lead to his own downfall in 354 CE.
• The gradual decline of Jewish resistance in the region, as repeated uprisings failed to restore independence.

This largely forgotten rebellion was one of the last Jewish armed uprisings in antiquity, overshadowed by earlier revolts but still a testament to the ongoing resistance against Roman and Christian rule.