Cestius would have been seen as Seron, and doubtless many different Judaean commanders saw themselves as the next Judah Maccabee. And the sun stood still, and the moon stopped, until the nation took vengeance on their enemies. Thus Beth-Horon was the sight of some of the most famous and miraculous victories in Jewish history. In his time the war broke out. Cestius Gallus, legate of Syria, who attempted to crush it, had to fight several battles, generally with ill-success.
All references are to Josephus' Jewish War .
The troops sent by King Agrippa are forced out of Jerusalem by the rebels. The Roman garrison begins its last defense and in a few days is slain. Cestius Gallus, Governor of Syria , removes the Twelfth Legion stationed in Antioch, and together with additional infantry, cavalry, and non-Jewish native auxiliaries, marches to Ptolemais with King Agrippa. The total force numbers between 35,000 and 40,000 men. The army attacks the city of Chabulon in Galilee , burning it, then plunders the villages in the countryside before returning to Ptolemais.