A Jewish extremist group known for their stealthy assassinations during the Roman occupation of Judea.
Religion: Judaism
Denomination: Jewish Zealots
Founded: 1st century CE
Location: Judea (ancient Israel)
Other Names: Zealots, Sicarii Zealots
The Sicarii, a term of Latin origin, refers to a group of Jewish zealots who engaged in a campaign of targeted assassinations against Roman occupiers and Jewish collaborators in Judea from approximately 6 to 73 CE. This name, derived from “sica,” a Latin word for a curved dagger, reflects their method of assassination, using small, easily concealed blades to carry out their attacks, particularly during religious festivals when crowds gathered, making their actions both stealthy and symbolic.
Josephus, a Jewish historian who provides the primary account of the Sicarii, employed the term “sicarii,” translating it into Greek as “σικαριοι” (sikarioi), adopting a label possibly originated by the Roman forces to describe these Jewish fighters. In contrast, his general term for Jewish resistance figures was “λησταί” (lestai), which translates as “bandits”. This linguistic choice underscores the complexity of the Sicarii’s role within the broader Jewish resistance against Roman rule, highlighting the interplay between political rebellion, social banditry, and religious fervor.
The Sicarii’s actions were part of a larger Jewish rebellion against the Roman Empire, notably during the First Jewish-Roman War (66-73 CE). Their campaign included assassinations of Jewish officials and Romans alike, aiming to disrupt the Roman administration and inspire a wider uprising against the occupiers. Their notable act of defiance was the capture of Masada, a fortress where they held out against Roman forces. Their end came in 73 CE when, facing inevitable defeat by the Romans, the Sicarii at Masada chose mass suicide over capture, becoming a symbol of resistance and martyrdom in Jewish history.
The Sicarii’s choice of weapon, the sica, was emblematic of their guerrilla tactics. Josephus describes these as small swords, not much different in length from the Persian acinacæ but somewhat crooked and like the Roman sicae, or sickles. This choice reflects their strategy of blending into crowds at festivals to carry out assassinations, targeting those they viewed as traitors or collaborators with the Roman occupiers.
Josephus’ accounts in both “The Jewish War” and “Antiquities of the Jews” detail the Sicarii’s operations, including their assassination of the high priest Jonathan, highlighting their impact on the Jewish society of the time. Their approach was not just military but also psychological, aiming to instill fear among collaborators and to galvanize resistance among the Jewish populace.
image via GBTimes
