ABSTRACT
This chapter explores the complex role played by civilians in the course of reductive operations mounted by the Roman state in the suppression of the First Jewish Revolt. This analysis of the Josephan narrative suggests that it would be misleading to view civilian populations solely as passive victims of violence. Instead, a more nuanced picture emerges that confers a far greater agency to non-combatants in the decision-making of both besiegers and the besieged. The chapter emphasizes the absence of a distinction between civilian and combatant in ancient Roman warfare and argues that the targeting of civilians stemmed precisely from the active participation of civilians in certain acts of warfare. Even men and women not actively engaged in combat identified wholly with the representatives of their side in warfare; choosing to die rather than be taken captive by rival sides.
