ted Idumea with fire and sword.

The Zealots, in Simon's absence, succeeded in capturing his wife;
and carried her off to Jerusalem, hoping by this means to force him
to come to terms. On receiving the news he hurried back with his
forces, surrounded Jerusalem, and slew everyone who ventured to
leave the city--except some whom he sent back, having cut off their
hands, to tell those within that, unless his wife were returned, he
would storm the city and slay every man within it. Even the Zealots
were alarmed at his threats and fury, and restored his wife;
whereupon he withdrew.

This had happened in the previous year, before Cerealis and
Vespasian had entered Idumea. As soon as the Romans had retired,
Simon again sallied forth from Masada, collected a great number of
Idumeans, and drove them before him into Jerusalem. Then he
encamped before the city, and slew all who quitted the protection
of its walls.

Thus, within, John of Gischala and his followers tyrannized over
the people, murdering and plundering till they were sated with
blood, and knew not what to do with their booty; while Simon cut
off all flight beyond its walls. But at length the party of John
became divided. The Idumeans, who were in considerable numbers in
the city, rose and drove John and the Zealots into the palace built
by Grapte; which had served them as their headquarters, and the
storehouse where they piled up the treasure which they had amassed
by the plunder of the people. But the Idumeans attacked them here,
and drove them into the Temple--which adjoined the palace--and took
possession of all the plunder that they had amassed. The Zealots,
however, were in great force in the Temple, and threatened to pour
out and destroy the whole city by fire. The Idumeans called an
assembly of the chief priests, and they decided to admit Simon
within the gates.

The high priest, Matthias, went out in person to invite him to
enter and, amidst the joyful greetings of the population, Simon
marched through the gates with his followers, and took possession
of the upper city. This was the last and most fatal mistake of the
people of Jerusalem. The sheep had invited a tiger to save them
from a wolf; and now two tyrants, instead of one, lorded it over
the city. As soon as Simon entered, he proceeded to attack the
Zealots in the Temple; but the commanding position of that building
enabled them to defend themselves with success.

To obtain still further advantag