The Illustrated Guide to Terrorism

Chapter 1: What Is Terrorism?

Page 9: The First Terrorists

1950s-looking middle eastern biker gang

NARRATOR

Terrorism (in the modern sense of the word) was first documented in the Middle East, back in the 50s.

Map of the Levant and Judea (“minor Roman province”)

No, not the 1950s. Literally the 50s.

Jerusalem, 54 A.D.

One fine day in Jerusalem, in 54 AD…

A man is stabbed in the crowd. People find the body and react

VARIOUS

It’s the High Priest Jonathan!

Someone’s killed the old high priest!

Who did it?

Where did he go?

WHY?

Another man is stabbed. Narration: “The next day:”

Marketplace crowd reacts

VARIOUS

Another priest!

In broad daylight!

Who did it?

Where did he go?

WHY?

Another crowd gathers in a plaza

NARRATOR

After years of relative peace, Jerusalem was suddenly SHOCKED by almost daily, apparently random assassinations.

ONLOOKERS

Another priest?

No, it’s Tobiah the landowner. But who’d want to hurt him?

Crowd fleeing a body on the steps of a large building.

NARRATOR

Anonymous killers mingled with the crowds, struck without warning, only to vanish back into the crowd in all the confusion.

BYSTANDER

Who is doing this?

And WHY?