How did Rome treat the Jewish religion before A.D. 70?
Rome tolerated the Jewish religion before A.D. 70, allowing temple worship and giving no opposition. Although pagan, Rome respected ancient religions, and Judaism seemed as ancient as any, so Rome put up with it at least until A.D. 70. This was Rome's consistent attitude.
Les explains that Rome put up with the Jewish religion, let them have their temple worship at least until 70 A.D., and never gave them opposition. Rome, pagan as it was, had respect for any ancient religion, whether their own or someone else's. In the eyes of Rome, Judaism was as ancient as you could get it, so they would put up with that. But when Christianity came on the scene, it was not ancient but new, and Rome could not go for that. The Roman Caesars and Nero did everything they could to stamp it out. So Rome's tolerance of Judaism contrasted with its vehement opposition to Christianity.