Jewish Zealot

The Jewish Zealots were a group of fanatical Hebrews who were determined to protect their Law and their people by violent means. They were formed during the 1st Century as a political organization that had a rebellious agenda against the Roman Empire. The zealots were the main driving force during the First Jewish-Roman War. Other Jewish political factions considered the zealots to be ruffians and "stirrers of trouble". Enemies of the zealots included the Romans, Jewish allies of the Romans, and the Sadducees, a major Jewish party. The zealots were founded by Judas of Galilee and Zadok the Pharisee. Members totaled in the hundreds, but their cause conjured up the spirits of fellow Jews to rebel against their conquerors. The zealot party collapsed in their final stand against the Romans at Masada.