The Romans treated Judea as a valued crossroads to trading territories, and buffer state against the Parthian Empire. Direct rule was imposed in 6 CE, and Roman prefects were appointed to maintain order through a political appointee, the High Priest. After the uprising by Judas the Galilean and before Pilate (26 CE), in general, Roman Judea was troubled but self-managed, and occasional riots, sporadic rebellions, and violent resistance were an ongoing risk.