The Remnant with Jonah Goldberg The Jews Have the Last Laugh | Interview: Barry Strauss
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Aug 14, 2025 
Jonah Goldberg chats with Barry Strauss, an Emeritus professor at Cornell and senior fellow at the Hoover Institution, about his book 'Jews vs. Rome'. They delve into the epic clashes between Jews and the Roman Empire, highlighting the Siege of Masada and the Bar Kokhba revolt. Strauss discusses the lasting cultural impacts of these uprisings and draws parallels to modern geopolitical issues. The conversation also touches on historical narratives, Jewish resilience, and the complexities of identity in the Middle East.
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Why Jews Resisted Roman Rule
- Jews revolted repeatedly because they valued recent independence, holy texts, and a sacred temple as the legitimate center of power.
- These factors created a persistent refusal to accept Roman occupation and fueled recurring uprisings.
Diaspora And The Parthian Option
- Jewish communities existed across the Roman world and east into Babylon, creating widespread diasporas with political options.
- That diaspora plus ties to Iranian empires gave Jews alternative allies and increased resistance to Rome.
Apocalyptic Thought Fueled Revolts
- The era saw a golden age of apocalyptic and messianic expectation that increased revolutionary fervor.
- Religious hope for a Messiah amplified nationalist rebellion and helped spawn early Christianity.
