The fast called the Passover--a religious affair, of course--was near, and thousands were pouring in from the country, according to custom, to celebrate the feast in Jerusalem.

These newcomers, naturally, were all excitable folk, else they would not be bent on such pilgrimage.

The city was packed with them, so that many camped outside the walls.

As for me, I could not distinguish how much of the ferment was due to the teachings of the wandering fisherman, and how much of it was due to Jewish hatred for Rome.
"A tithe, no more, and maybe not so much, is due to this Jesus," Pilate answered my query.

"Look to Caiaphas and Hanan for the main cause of the excitement.