The 66 CE Alexandria riots, concurrent with the First Jewish–Roman War, resulted in over 50,000 Jewish deaths and demonstrated Roman military suppression of urban ethnic conflict.
Key Facts
- Year
- 66 CE
- Jewish deaths reported
- Over 50,000 people
- Roman legions deployed
- Legio III Cyrenaica and Legio XXII Deiotariana
- Additional soldiers sent
- 5,000 soldiers
- Prefect replaced
- Gaius Caecina Tuscus replaced by Tiberius Julius Alexander in May 66
By the Numbers
Location
Cause → Event → Consequence
Escalating tension between the Greek and Jewish populations of Alexandria came to a head when Jews attended a public assembly called to deliberate on an embassy to Emperor Nero. The Greeks attacked the Jews present, killing many and burning captives alive, prompting Jewish threats of violent retaliation and fueling broader civic unrest.
Roman Prefect Gaius Caecina Tuscus failed to contain the violence and was replaced in May 66 by Tiberius Julius Alexander. After private negotiation with Jewish leaders failed to quell the most seditious elements, Alexander deployed two Roman legions and 5,000 additional soldiers against the Jewish quarter, with orders to kill, plunder, and burn. More than 50,000 Jews were reported killed before Alexander called off the assault.
The riots were among several that erupted simultaneously across Roman cities including Damascus and Caesarea, occurring in parallel with the outbreak of the First Jewish–Roman War in Judea. The episode demonstrated both the fragility of inter-ethnic relations in Roman Alexandria and the willingness of Roman authorities to employ overwhelming military force to restore order.
Political Outcome
Roman military suppression of the Jewish population; over 50,000 Jews killed; riots eventually halted by order of prefect Tiberius Julius Alexander
Gaius Caecina Tuscus serving as Roman Prefect of Egypt, unable to control riots
Tiberius Julius Alexander appointed Prefect in May 66, restoring Roman military order