In 63 BCE, when the Hasmoneans were fighting with each other to rule, the land was conquered by the Roman general Pompey, who was invited by the warring parties to judge between them. Thus began the Early Roman period in this country; from then on the Hasmoneans were under Roman authority.

In 37 BCE Herod the Great began to rule under the aegis of Rome, and he beautified Jerusalem and the Temple Mount. When he died, his son Archelaeus was made king of Judea, but then the Romans removed him from power. From 6 BCE to 41 CE, Roman governors ruled Judea.

In 41 BCE, Agrippa, grandson of Herod the Great was granted rule over Judea and reigned until 44 CE. When he died, Rome once again took over through its governors. Roman oppression and Jewish anticipation of redemption led to the outbreak of the Great Revolt of the Jews against the Romans, which ended with the destruction of the Temple in the Hebrew month of Av, 70 CE.