In 66, after a Zealot revolt had destroyed the Roman garrison in Jerusalem, the XII "Fulminata", with "vexillationes" of IV "Scythica" and VI "Ferrata", were sent to restore Roman authority. However, after a defeat where the legion lost its "aquila", Gaius Cestius Gallus, legate of Syria, ordered the survivors to return to Syria. On its way back, XII "Fulminata" was ambushed and defeated by Eleazar ben Simon in the Battle of Beth Horon. However, XII "Fulminata" fought well in the last part of the war, and supported its commander T. Flavius Vespasian in his successful bid for the imperial throne. At the end of the war, XII "Fulminata" and XVI "Flavia Firma" were sent to guard the Euphrates border, camping at Melitene.