Jerusalem. Titus extinguishes the flames and calls a council of war of his general staff. It includes Tiberius Julius Alexander, Prince Sextus’s right-hand man; Vettulenus Cerialis, commander of the Fifth Macedonica; Larcius Lepidus Supulcianus, at the head of the Tenth Fretensus; Tittius Frugi, who leads the Fifteenth Apollinaris; Eternius Fronto, who leads the Egyptian vexillationes; M. Antonius Julianus, procurator of Judea; and A. Caesennius Gallus, at the head of the Twelfth Fulminata. In this extremely important council, the fate of the Temple is decided. In the end, Titus declares that he would never burn such a sumptuous and majestic building, because it could later serve as an ornament to the Empire. He thus intends to forgo the easiest of siege methods: fire. The Jews attempt a final attack, but are repelled. While repelling a second Jewish attempt, a soldier throws a burning brand into the temple, on the north side. Titus himself rushes to the scene and orders his soldiers to put out the fire. But the soldiers, feeling the long-awaited victory within their grasp, are gripped by an uncontrollable outburst: many, rather than extinguishing the flames, fan them. Titus is forced to leave the Temple, which is lost. The Romans overrun, indulging in a terrible massacre. Titus, who usually seeks negotiation and grants pardons and spares the lives of those conquered, does not spare the high priests, who are put to death. The Romans destroy everything. Gathering their standards in the clearing in front of the Temple, the legions salute their commander with the title of Imperator.
