Reply To: Why did Bar Koziba rebel?

Bayit Beitar, the Gemara does not describe it as a rebellion, nor as Rebbe Akiva as a central figure or even as a promoter. All it says is that Rebbe Akiva, upon seeing Bar Koziba’s initial success, declared that he must be Moshiach. And then, another Tanna told him that he is wrong.

The Rambam’s description of him as “carrying his weapons” is not clear where it’s from, but perhaps this declaration is seen as significant support. But all this is not how it began, but rather the reaction to his success.