In 66, the Jews of the Judaea Province revolted against the Roman Empire. Cestius Gallus, the legate of Syria, was forced to retreat from Jerusalem and defeated at the battle of Beth-Horon.Josephus, The Wars of the Jews II.19.9 The pro-Roman king Agrippa II and his sister Berenice fled the city to Galilee where they later gave themselves up to the Romans. Nero appointed Vespasian to put down the rebellion, and dispatched him to the region at once with the fifth and tenth legions.Jones (1992), p. 13Josephus, The Wars of the Jews III.1.2 He was later joined by Titus at Ptolemais, bringing with him the fifteenth legion.Josephus, The War of the Jews III.4.2 With a strength of 60,000 professional soldiers, the Romans quickly swept across Galilee, and by 68 marched on Jerusalem.
