The Siege of Jerusalem

The Siege of Jerusalem is a medieval English alliterative poem (late 14th century) recounting the Roman destruction of Jerusalem in 70 CE. It is notable for its unusual sympathetic portrayal of the city’s Jewish defenders, prompting readers to identify with rather than pity the besieged Jews, and for denying them any memorial place in contrast to Christian shrines.

Claims that use this term

• The Siege poem denies Jews any memorial place, unlike Christian shrines
• The Siege of Jerusalem narrative makes readers identify with, not pity, its Jews