After the destruction of the Temple, the Jewish High Priesthood
lost its center and authority. But the dream of rebuilding the
Temple still smoldered. Sixty-two years after the Temple
perished in flames, the Roman Emperor Hadrian proposed to build
a new city on the site of Jerusalem, including a magnificent new
temple dedicated to Jupiter on the site of the former Jewish
temple. Hadrian's plans fanned this dream back to flame, and
rebellion flared up. Simon Bar Kochba, a Jewish leader of
massive physical strength (whom many believed to be the
Messiah), rallied the Jews. Caught by surprise, the Roman forces
in the region were defeated. Jerusalem and its surrounding area
were once again under control of the Jews. A glorious series of
coinage was minted by the Jews, containing legends proclaiming
the "Freedom of Israel". These coins were usually struck over
the top of an existing coin, and you can often make out the
remnants of the old design under the new. But the concentrated
might of the Romans was brought to