Sicarii

The Sicarii (Latin for "dagger-men" or "dagger-men") were a radical splinter group of the Jewish Zealots who operated in Judea during the first century CE, preceding and during the First Jewish-Roman War (66-73 CE). Their name derives from the sica, a small dagger or short sword they concealed beneath their cloaks.

The Sicarii were known for their assassination of individuals they considered collaborators with the Roman authorities, as well as members of the Jewish aristocracy who they believed had become corrupt or overly Hellenized. They would mingle in crowds, stab their targets, and then disappear back into the throng, often inciting chaos and fear. Their actions were intended to destabilize the region, incite rebellion against Roman rule, and purify Jewish society according to their extreme religious views.

Their activities escalated tensions between the Jewish population and the Roman authorities, contributing to the deteriorating political climate that ultimately led to the First Jewish-Roman War. The Sicarii played a significant role in the war, particularly in the defense of Jerusalem and the fortress of Masada. Following the fall of Jerusalem in 70 CE, a group of Sicarii held out at Masada until 73 CE, where they ultimately committed mass suicide rather than surrender to the Romans.

The Sicarii are often considered one of the earliest examples of organized political assassins and are viewed as precursors to modern terrorist groups. Historians like Josephus Flavius provide detailed accounts of their activities, though his portrayal may be biased due to his pro-Roman stance.