Riots during Passover Josephus described instances when Passover celebrations led to riots. “When the festival called Passover was at hand, at which it is our custom to serve unleavened bread, a large multitude from all quarters assembled for it. Cumanus, fearing that their presence might afford occasion for an uprising, ordered one company of soldiers to take up arms and stand guard on the porticoes of the temple so as to quell any uprising that might occur.” (Josephus, Ant. 20.106; LCL 9:447;