ABSTRACT
THE HISTORICAL CONTEXT OF TERRORISM Terrorism is not a new phenomenon; it may be one of the oldest forms of illegitimate political dissent. The use of violence or the threat of violence to “send a message” to political leaders, or society at large, has occurred throughout recorded history. Groups such as the Zealots and Sicari in biblical Palestine, and the Assassins of eleventh century Persia, are often cited as historical terrorists.
