4. Terrorism in the Biblical Era
Sicarii victims, particularly Imperial officials, were often targeted in a deliberate attempt to provoke the Romans, who needed little provocation to massacre and collectively punish the Jewish population. That kept the embers of discontent smoldering, lit new flames of resentment, and ensured a steady stream of new recruits and sympathizers from the families and friends of the Romans’ victims.
Sicarii terrorism had many modern traits. They engaged in sabotage to worsen the populace’s living conditions and keep them disgruntled. Faced with an occupier prone to indiscriminate violence, the Sicarii deliberately provoked the Romans by committing atrocities that all but guaranteed massive Roman retaliation. As seen below, that forced the hands of many fence sitters by presenting them with unenviable choices.
