How did the Jewish people contribute to their own defeat?

Question

They were unable to take control of outlying fortresses.
They were unable to capture Josephus after he became a collaborator.
They were unable to maintain unity.
They were unable to reinforce the rebels stationed at Masada.
They were unable to secure the armory at Machaerus.

Answer 1

The defeat of the Jewish people during the Jewish-Roman War (66-73 CE) can be attributed to a combination of internal and external factors. Among the points you've mentioned, several highlight aspects of how internal divisions and strategic failures contributed to their defeat:

1. Unable to Maintain Unity: One of the most significant factors was the lack of unified leadership and cooperation among different factions within the Jewish population. Various groups, such as the Zealots, Sadducees, and Pharisees, often had conflicting goals and ideologies, which undermined their ability to present a united front against the Romans.

2. Unable to Take Control of Outlying Fortresses: Strategic fortresses were critical in maintaining control over territory and resisting Roman advances. The inability to secure and hold these positions weakened their overall defense strategy and allowed Roman forces to isolate and defeat pockets of resistance more easily.

3. Unable to Reinforce the Rebels Stationed at Masada: The siege of Masada became a symbol of Jewish resistance, but the inability to send reinforcements to support the defenders there indicated a broader failure in coordination and strategy among the various rebel groups.

4. Unable to Capture Josephus After He Became a Collaborator: Josephus, a Jewish general who became a Roman collaborator, had extensive knowledge of Jewish tactics and strategies. His survival and collaboration with the Romans provided them with valuable insights that likely contributed to the Roman success and the Jews' inability to regroup effectively.

5. Unable to Secure the Armory at Machaerus: The loss of critical supplies and armaments would have drastically reduced the capability of Jewish forces to resist Roman legions. Control over armories was essential for sustaining prolonged engagements in warfare.

In summary, a combination of internal discord among Jewish factions, strategic failures in securing key locations, and the loss of critical resources played a significant role in their eventual defeat against the Roman Empire.