The siege of Jerusalem by Titus, a commander in the Roman army, signified a climactic moment in the First Jewish-Roman War. Beginning in 66 AD, the conflict arose from Jewish resistance against Roman rule, driven by aspirations for independence and cultural identity. As tensions escalated, Roman forces initially struggled, but in time, they organized extensive military strategies to reclaim control over the rebellious city. By mid-70 AD, Titus led a concerted assault on Jerusalem, ultimately breaching the city's formidable defenses. His tactical decision to encircle and starve the city played a critical role in the eventual Roman victory.

The assault reached its zenith with the burning of Herod’s Temple, a landmark of Jewish faith and identity, marking the profound loss felt by the Jewish people. The Temple served not just as a worship site, but also as a symbol of national pride. The destruction of the Temple on Tisha B'Av, the day of mourning for this calamity within the Jewish calendar, was a significant moment that reverberated through Jewish history. Following the breach, Roman soldiers looted and burned the city, leading to widespread destruction and the displacement of the Jewish population.

Titus's actions during the siege were both hailed and criticized. While the conquest fortified Roman dominance in Judea, it also led to long-lasting animosities between Rome and the Jewish people. The fall of Jerusalem established a new paradigm of governance that would influence the region for centuries. Following the siege, many Jews were executed, enslaved, or forced into exile, creating a diaspora that spread Jewish culture worldwide and significantly impacted the later development of Judaism.