The Kitos War (115-117 CE), part of the Jewish–Roman wars (66–136 CE), erupted during Trajan's Parthian War. Jewish rebellions in Cyrenaica, Cyprus, and Egypt led to the mass killing of Roman garrisons and citizens. These uprisings were a response to Roman rule, and their intensity increased due to the Roman military's focus on the eastern border.

The Roman response was led by General Lusius Quietus, whose name later morphed into "Kitos," giving the conflict its title. Quietus was instrumental in suppressing the rebellions, often resulting in severe devastation and depopulation of affected areas. To address this, Romans resettled these regions.

In Judea, the Jewish leader Lukuas, after initial successes, fled following Roman counterattacks. Marcius Turbo, another Roman general, pursued the rebels, executing key leaders like Julian and Pappus. Quietus then took command in Judea, besieging Lydda where many rebels were killed, including Pappus and Julian. The Talmud mentions the "slain of Lydda" with high regard.

The conflict's aftermath saw the permanent stationing of the Legio VI Ferrata in Caesarea Maritima, indicating continued Roman tension and vigilance in Judea. This war, although less known than others like the First Jewish–Roman War, was significant in the turbulent relationship between the Jewish population and the Roman Empire.