The Samaritan Revolts (c. 484–573 CE) were a series of uprisings in Palaestina Prima province, where the Samaritans rebelled against the Eastern Roman Empire. These revolts led to significant violence and a drastic decline in the Samaritan population, reshaping the region's demographics. After the Jewish–Roman wars, Jews were largely absent in Judaea, with Samaritans and Byzantine Christians filling this vacuum. The Samaritan community experienced a golden age, particularly under Baba Rabba (ca. 288–362 CE), who reformed and strengthened Samaritan society. However, this period ended when Byzantine forces captured Baba Rabba.^[131]

Justa Uprising (484)

Emperor Zeno's persecution of Samaritans in Neapolis sparked the first major revolt. The Samaritans, led by Justa, retaliated by killing Christians and destroying a church in Neapolis. The revolt was crushed by Byzantine forces, and Zeno erected a church on Mount Gerizim, further aggravating Samaritan sentiments.^[132]

Samaritan Unrest (495)

Another rebellion occurred in 495 under Emperor Anastasius I, where Samaritans briefly reoccupied Mount Gerizim but were again suppressed by Byzantine authorities.^[132]

Ben Sabar Revolt (529–531)

The most violent revolt was led by Julianus ben Sabar, in response to restrictions imposed by Byzantine laws. Ben Sabar's anti-Christian campaign was met with strong Byzantine and Ghassanid Arab resistance, leading to his defeat and execution. This revolt significantly diminished the Samaritan population and presence in the region.^[132]

Samaritan Revolt (556)

A joint Samaritan-Jewish revolt in 556 was suppressed, with severe repercussions for the rebels.^[132]

Revolt (572)

Another revolt in 572/573 (or 578) occurred during Byzantine Emperor Justin II's reign, leading to further restrictions on Samaritans.^[132]

Aftermath

The revolts drastically reduced the Samaritan population, which dwindled further during the Islamic era. Samaritans faced discrimination and persecution, with their numbers continuing to decrease due to conversions and economic pressures.^[133] These revolts marked a significant shift in the religious and demographic landscape of the region, with the Samaritan community's influence and numbers drastically reduced, paving the way for the dominance of other religious groups.