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115 - 117 THE SECOND ROMAN REBELLION (Roman Empire)
While Trajan (98-117) was busy fighting against the Armenians and Parthians, a revolt which was mainly led by Jews, broke out in Cyprus, Egypt, and Cyrene on the north coast of Africa. In Cyrene, it was led by a Jewish "king" called Lukuas, and in Cyprus by Artemion. Some violence also flared in the Jerusalem area and the Galilee. These wars were known as Polemos Shel Kitos (War of Quietus) named after the Moorish General Lucius Quietus who put down the rebellion. After almost a year of fighting, Trajan's General, Marcius Turbo, succeeded in putting down the rebellion. In all of the cities, there was widespread destruction including the capital of Cyprus, Salamis, much of Alexandria, and most of the Island of Cyrene. In Alexandria, the great synagogue and library were destroyed as well. As a result, Jews were forbidden to live in Cyprus. The rebellion forced Trajan to abandon his campaign to conquer Babylon which continued to provide a refuge for the Jews.
117 LUCIUS QUIETUS
Was appointed Roman Governor of Judea after putting down the revolt in Babylonia. The wars against Rome which included those in Cyprus/ North Africa and those in Babylon were known after his name as "The War of Kitos" although he was only active in the eastern campaign. His harsh rule of Judea only lasted a year when he was murdered, probably on orders of Hadrian(the new Emperor), who feared his popularity and disagreed with his policies of annexation.rn
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