Analysis for the strategy of Cestius Gallus in the year of AD 66 (66년 케스티우스 갈루스(Cestius Gallus)의 전략 분석)

Bae Eun Suk (배은숙)

doi:10.29212/mh.2020..117.93

Analysis for the strategy of Cestius Gallus in the year of AD 66

military history
2020, (117), pp.93-127
DOI : 10.29212/mh.2020..117.93
Publisher : Military History Institute, MND
Research Area : Humanities > History
Received : September 16, 2020
Accepted : December 2, 2020
Published : December 15, 2020

Bae Eun Suk ¹

¹계명대학교

Accredited

ABSTRACT

This study is to understand the military capabilities of Cestius Gallus who led the Jewish War in 66. Josephus found the cause for the defeat of the Romans in Cestius' strategic error and military incompetence. But I think that the judgment of Cestius, who retreated troops after giving them accurate recognition of the situation, was reasonable. The Roman cavalry was used to protect the flanks of the military formation, and a convoy of military supplies was placed in the rear of the convoy to increase the mobility and safety of other troops. The defeat of Cestius was due to the lack of consideration for the terrain features of the ties of guerrilla warfare in mountainous areas. In response to the withdrawal after the battle of Beth Horon, Josephus claimed that he had missed the chance to take control of Jerusalem. All conditions, such as troop, munitions, armed conditions, topography, and weather, were inappropriate for attacking Jerusalem. In this situation, a strategic withdrawal could have been better than an unreasonable challenge. It was a good judgment that Cestius to give up his attack on Jerusalem and withdraw most of his troops overnight. Of the Cestius, Vespasianus, Titus and Silva who exercised command in the Jewish War, it is Cestius whose military role has been underestimated. Cestius' careful judgment and strategic withdrawal provided a foundation for subsequent commanders to take control of Judaea. The supply and demand of troops, the securing of supply lines, and the establishment of siege equipment became important to the Roman army. In addition, the guerrilla tactics of the Judaea and the tactics of utilizing the mountainous terrain became a reference to the Roman army's strategy. In the Jewish War, Cestius was not the cause of the prolonged war, but the foundation for victory.

KEYWORDS

Jewish War, Military Formation Strategy, Logistics, Mountainous Terrain, Strategic Withdrawal

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* References for papers published after 2023 are currently being built.

[other] Ammianus / Res Gestae

[other] Caesar / Bellum Gallicum

[other] Josephus / Antiquitates Judaicae

[other] Josephus / Vita

[other] Josephus / Bellum Judaicum

[other] Livius / Ab Urbe Condita

[other] Polybius / Historiae

[other] Sallustius / Bellum Jugurthinum

[other] Tacitus / Annales

[other] Tacitus / Historiae

[other] Vegetius / Epitoma Rei Militaris

[other] Zosimus / Historia Nova

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military history 2023 KCI Impact Factor : 0.94

Analysis for the strategy of Cestius Gallus in the year of AD 66

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Citation status

* References for papers published after 2023 are currently being built.

military history 2023 KCI Impact Factor : 0.94

Analysis for the strategy of Cestius Gallus in the year of AD 66

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* References for papers published after 2023 are currently being built.