The Roman authorities had taken measures in…
131 CE
The Roman authorities had taken measures in 70 CE to suppress the rebellious province of Iuadea after the failed Great Jewish Revolt, installing a praetor instead of a procurator as a governor and stationing in Jerusalem an entire legion, the X Fretensis.
The Council at Yavne, as the Great Revolt had resulted in the destruction of Jerusalem, provides spiritual guidance for the Jewish nation, both in Judea and throughout the Jewish Diaspora.
The tensions continued to build, resulting in the Kitos War, the second large-scale Jewish insurrection in the Eastern Mediterranean, the final stages of which had been fought in Judaea.
Jerusalem had been partially repopulated by 130.
Emperor Hadrian, although more cautious in his foreign policy than his imperialistic predecessor Trajan, is notably less benevolent in his attitude toward the Jews than Rome's other subject peoples.
During his tour in 131 of the Eastern Empire, Hadrian decides upon a policy of Hellenization to integrate the Jews into the empire.
Visiting the ruins of the temple, Hadrian is at first sympathetic towards the Jews and promises to rebuild the temple, but the Jews feel betrayed when they find out that his intentions are to build a temple dedicated to Jupiter upon the ruins of the Second Temple.
An additional legion, the VI Ferrata, is stationed in the province to maintain order, and the works commence in 131 CE after the governor of Judaea, Tineius Rufus, performs the foundation ceremony of Aelia Capitolina, the city’s projected new name.
"Plowing up the Temple" is a religious offense that turns many Jews against the Roman authorities.
The tensions grow higher when Hadrian abolishes circumcision (brit milah), which he, a Hellenist, views as mutilation. (The ban is later revoked, but only for the Jews).