A stratagem at Machaerus

Although the Romans had begun to construct earthworks to assault Machaerus from the east, they were not ultimately needed to force the garrison’s surrender. It sallied out to attack the Romans at work on their earthworks but a youth from a distinguished family named Eleazar (one of several individuals with the same name known during the revolt) was taken prisoner by a soldier named Rufus from Egypt and carried back to the Roman camp. Eleazar was stripped and taken to a spot visible to all the defenders and there he was scourged in view of all. Next, a cross was erected and it was clear the Romans intented to crucify Eleazar. Loud cries of lamentation at Eleazar’s fate rose from the defenders and Eleazar implored his kinsmen to not let…

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Ancient Warfare (Digital) - 1 Issue, AW XVII.5

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