Rabbi Akiba was a famous Jewish rabbi of the 2nd century AD, a great authority in the matter of Jewish tradition who systematized the traditions that later became the Mishnah. After Emperor Hadrian's decree banning Jews from Jerusalem, he proclaimed Simon bar-Kokhba as Messiah, saying, "This is the king Messiah!" Bar Kokhba's revolt in 135 AD failed, and Akiba who was flayed alive by the Romans as punishment. Many Jews considered him a martyr.