BAR GIORA, SIMON (SIMEON)

(fl. 1st cent.)

   Palestinian military leader in the war against Rome in 66-70. He fought in the battle at Beth-Horon in 66, in which the Jews defeated the Romans. He gathered together a band of patriots who attacked opponents of the revolt and Roman sympathizers. He opposed the moderate Jewish government in Jerusalem, which wished to come to terms with Rome. When Titus' forces reached Jerusalem in 70 he fought with the rebels against him. He eventually surrendered, was taken prisoner to Rome, and executed.