The small city of Gischala, garrisoned by very few men, under the leadership of John, could not possibly hold out against the Romans. Upon the approach of Titus, John begged for a twenty-four hours' truce before the capitulation of his fortress, ostensibly to preserve the sanctity of the Sabbath. Upon the acquiescence of the Roman general, he made his escape from the city, followed by many thousands of his people. On the morrow Gischala capitulated, her gates were thrown open, and her walls razed to the ground. But, indignant at the conduct of the Judæan leader, Titus ordered him to be hotly pursued. John succeeded, however, in reaching Jerusalem with a remnant of his army, whilst numbers of fugitives of both sexes and of every age were captured and massacred by the Roman soldiery. This was the last death-struggle of besieged Galilee. But the Romans were so thoroughly exhausted by those desperate encounters, and their ranks were so much thinned by their long warfare, that Vespasian was obliged to declare a truce to hostilities. CHAPTER XI. DESTRUCTION OF THE JUDÆAN STATE. Galilæan Fugitives in Jerusalem--Condition of the Capital--Internal Contests--The Idumæans--Eleazer ben Simon, John of Gischala, and Simon Bar-Giora--Progress of the War--Affairs in Rome--Vespasian created Emperor--Siege of Jerusalem by Titus--Heroic Defense--Famine--Fall of the Fortress Antonia--Burning of the Temple--Destruction of the City--Number of the Slain. 67.70 C. E.