The siege of Jerusalem by Roman forces under General Titus was a climactic episode in the First Jewish–Roman War, which began in 66 CE. The Romans sought to reassert control over Judea, a province that had fallen into unrest and revolt. Following an extended siege, which included the construction of siege works and relentless assaults, Titus and his troops managed to breach the city's defenses on the 17th of Tammuz. This breach marked the beginning of the end for the Jewish resistance, as it allowed Roman troops to flood into the city, leading to widespread chaos and violence.

Despite their limited resources and desperate spirit, the defenders of Jerusalem mounted a fierce defense. They employed various tactics, including using the city's terrain to their advantage and staging counterattacks on Roman forces. Nevertheless, the overwhelming numbers and military discipline of the Roman legions proved too great. As the Romans entered Jerusalem, they inflicted severe damage on the city, destroying buildings and setting fire to significant structures, including the Second Temple, a central place of worship for the Jewish people.

The fall of Jerusalem had far-reaching consequences for both the Jewish population and the Roman Empire. It symbolized the culmination of the Jewish revolt and showcased the might of Roman military strategy. The total destruction of the city was a pivotal moment, leading to a mass dispersal of Jews from their homeland, an event that contributed to the long-term Jewish diaspora throughout the Roman Empire and beyond.