Akiba

Akiba, BEN JOSEPH, a Jewish rabbi of the 2d century, who studied under Rabbi Eliezer, and was himself one of the principal fathers of the Mishna (q.v.). Born in Syria, he travelled through the empire, and became the most eminent teacher of his people and time. He systematised the Jewish traditions, and his Mishna of Rabbi Eliezer was the foundation of the religious code, although the work itself has not been preserved. Akiba entered heartily into the revolt of Bar-Cochba (q.v.), and, on the overthrow of that false Messiah, was put to death with great tortures by the Romans (135 A.D.).