Bibliography
| Title: The Sicarii: Ancient Jewish Terrorists Secondary Title: JR Volume: 59 Pages: 435-458 Type: Journal Article Year: 1979 Abstract: "Josephus' use of the terms shows that zelotai, sikarioi, and lestai refer to three different groups. The sikarioi can be best understood as ancient terrorists".
"The Sicarii described by Josephus are best understood as ancient Jewish terrorists. Their tactics were threefold: selective, symbolic assassinations; more general assassinations along with destruction or plundering of the property of the wealthy and powerful; and kidnapping. Their goal was the eventual liberation of the Jewish people from the illegitimate rule of Rome, and they understood their own actions as consonant with the eschatological will of God. They emerged from circles not only inclined to resistance but also capable of organising it. Their terroristic activities during the 50s and 60s were a major precipitant of a revolutionary situation. Ironically, one the Jewish revolt finally erupted on a massive scale, the Sicarri played a brief and limited role". - D.J.H. Keywords: Groups and Religious Movements in Palestinian Judaism |