BAR KOKHBA, SIMEON (BAR KOSIBA, SIMEON)

(d. 135)

   Palestinian military leader in the war against Rome in 132-5. At the outbreak of the war, Akiva proclaimed him Messiah; the appelation Bar Kokhba (Son of the Star) was given to him because of his messianic role. His forces captured Jerusalem, but in 133 the Romans counterattacked with an army of 35,000 under Hadrian and the commander Julius Severus. In 134-5 they besieged Bar Kokhba's stronghold Betar, and he was killed.