The Sicarii: Extremist Jewish Rebels of 1st Century CE

Sicarii (singular: sicarius) was a term used by the ancient Romans to describe a type of Jewish rebels who were active during the 1st century CE. The word "sicarii" is derived from the Latin word "sica," which means "dagger."
The sicarii were a group of extremist Jews who believed that the only way to achieve their goals was through violence and terrorism. They were known for using daggers and other weapons to attack Roman soldiers and officials, as well as Jewish collaborators with the Romans.
The sicarii were active during a time of great turmoil in Judea, when the Roman Empire was trying to assert its control over the region. Many Jews resented the Roman occupation and saw the sicarii as heroes who were fighting against an oppressive regime. However, the Roman authorities viewed the sicarii as terrorists and brutally suppressed their activities.
One of the most famous sicarii was a man named Eleazar, who led a group of rebels in a failed attack on the Roman fortress of Masada in 73 CE. According to historical accounts, Eleazar and his followers committed suicide rather than surrender to the Romans.
The term "sicarii" has been used in modern times to describe other groups or individuals who use violence and terrorism as a means to achieve their goals. However, it is important to note that the original sicarii were a specific group of Jewish rebels who lived in a particular time and place, and their actions should not be generalized or romanticized.