AD 72

Events

By place

Roman Empire

• Antiochus IV of Syria is deposed by Emperor Vespasian.
• Vespasian and Titus are Roman Consuls.
• First Jewish-Roman War: The Roman army under Sextus Lucilius Bassus lays siege to the Jewish garrison of Machaerus at the Dead Sea. After they capitulate, the Zealots are allowed to leave the fortress before it is destroyed.
• The Romans lay siege to Masada, a desert fortress held by Jewish victims of the Sicarii.
• Flavia Neapolis is founded.
• Vespasian starts the building of the Colosseum; the amphitheatre is used for gladiatorial games and public spectacles, such as sea battles, re-enactments of famous battles, and dramas of Classical mythology.

  Births

• Julia Balbilla, princess of Commagene

  Deaths

• July 3 - Thomas the Apostle, Christian preacher and martyr