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156-638: In all extant accounts from the Second Temple Period , Mattathias was a resident of the rural village of Modi'in , though it is not clear if he was a native. The account of 1 Maccabees states that he moved away from Jerusalem and settled in Modi'in, and while the account of Josephus in Antiquities matches this, the account in Wars simply states that Mattathias (or his father) was a "priest of

312-634: A fortified town in the Lower Galilee , was besieged for 47 days before it fell to treachery; the city was razed, many people were killed, and the rest were enslaved. Gamla , the major Jewish stronghold in the Golan Heights , fell after a one-month siege. Following a lull in military operations caused by civil war and political turmoil in Rome , Vespasian was summoned to Rome and appointed Emperor. In early 70 CE, Titus moved to besiege Jerusalem,

468-459: A fortified town in the Lower Galilee , was besieged for 47 days before it fell to treachery; the city was razed, many people were killed, and the rest were enslaved. Gamla , the major Jewish stronghold in the Golan Heights , fell after a one-month siege. Following a lull in military operations caused by civil war and political turmoil in Rome , Vespasian was summoned to Rome and appointed Emperor. In early 70 CE, Titus moved to besiege Jerusalem,

624-632: A frontier region between the Seleucid Empire and Ptolemaic Egypt . Under the Hellenistic kingdoms, Judea was ruled by the hereditary office of the High Priest of Israel as a Hellenistic vassal. At the same time, Hellenism gradually spread to varied degrees on all sides in the region through a variety of contacts, but especially as a result of the development of commerce and the arrival of Greek settlers. Between 301 and 219 BCE

780-449: A frontier region between the Seleucid Empire and Ptolemaic Egypt . Under the Hellenistic kingdoms, Judea was ruled by the hereditary office of the High Priest of Israel as a Hellenistic vassal. At the same time, Hellenism gradually spread to varied degrees on all sides in the region through a variety of contacts, but especially as a result of the development of commerce and the arrival of Greek settlers. Between 301 and 219 BCE

936-821: A messianic sect from within Second Temple Judaism. In 66 CE, the Jews of Judea rose in revolt against Rome, sparking the First Jewish–Roman War (66-73 CE), also known as the Great Jewish Revolt. Flavius Josephus , a contemporary Jewish historian who fought as the commander of Jewish forces in Galilee but later defected to the Roman side, chronicled the events of the war in his book The Jewish War . Vespasian , an experienced Roman general,

1092-455: A messianic sect from within Second Temple Judaism. In 66 CE, the Jews of Judea rose in revolt against Rome, sparking the First Jewish–Roman War (66-73 CE), also known as the Great Jewish Revolt. Flavius Josephus , a contemporary Jewish historian who fought as the commander of Jewish forces in Galilee but later defected to the Roman side, chronicled the events of the war in his book The Jewish War . Vespasian , an experienced Roman general,

1248-509: A mighty army camped near them, appealed to Pompey to decide between them. Three delegations then appeared before Pompey: one sent by Aristobulus, one sent by Hyrcanus, and another from "the people" who demanded to abolish the Hasmonean dynasty, which had transformed the rule of the priests into the rule of kings. Pompey heard the delegations but refrained from deciding. Eventually, in 63 BCE, Pompey invaded Judea, conquered Jerusalem , desecrated

1404-452: A mighty army camped near them, appealed to Pompey to decide between them. Three delegations then appeared before Pompey: one sent by Aristobulus, one sent by Hyrcanus, and another from "the people" who demanded to abolish the Hasmonean dynasty, which had transformed the rule of the priests into the rule of kings. Pompey heard the delegations but refrained from deciding. Eventually, in 63 BCE, Pompey invaded Judea, conquered Jerusalem , desecrated

1560-615: A moderate, mostly defensive policy that included the formation of a large and deterring army. Her nine-year reign is described as one of peace and economic prosperity, during which the country recovered from wars. The queen clearly supported the Pharisees , even allowing them to persecute and punish the Sadducees. Her rule had a distinct Hellenistic flavor, as there was no tradition of female rule in Judea. Hasmonean kings attempted to revive

1716-450: A moderate, mostly defensive policy that included the formation of a large and deterring army. Her nine-year reign is described as one of peace and economic prosperity, during which the country recovered from wars. The queen clearly supported the Pharisees , even allowing them to persecute and punish the Sadducees. Her rule had a distinct Hellenistic flavor, as there was no tradition of female rule in Judea. Hasmonean kings attempted to revive

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1872-490: A peak in size and population during the late Second Temple period. The majority of scholars estimate that city's population at that time to have been between 70,000 and 100,000. Herod II ruled Ituraea and Trachonitis until his death in 34 CE when he was succeeded as tetrarch by Herod Agrippa I , who had previously been ruler of Chalcis . Agrippa surrendered Chalcis to his brother Herod and ruled in Philip's stead. On

2028-437: A peak in size and population during the late Second Temple period. The majority of scholars estimate that city's population at that time to have been between 70,000 and 100,000. Herod II ruled Ituraea and Trachonitis until his death in 34 CE when he was succeeded as tetrarch by Herod Agrippa I , who had previously been ruler of Chalcis . Agrippa surrendered Chalcis to his brother Herod and ruled in Philip's stead. On

2184-671: A province , part of the subjugated populace was exiled to Babylon . This exilic period lasted for nearly five decades, ending after the Neo-Babylonian Empire itself was conquered by the Achaemenid Persian Empire , which annexed Babylonian territorial possessions after the fall of Babylon . Soon after the conquest, Persian king Cyrus the Great issued a proclamation known as the Edict of Cyrus , encouraging

2340-417: A province , part of the subjugated populace was exiled to Babylon . This exilic period lasted for nearly five decades, ending after the Neo-Babylonian Empire itself was conquered by the Achaemenid Persian Empire , which annexed Babylonian territorial possessions after the fall of Babylon . Soon after the conquest, Persian king Cyrus the Great issued a proclamation known as the Edict of Cyrus , encouraging

2496-508: A revolt whose nature was lost to time. Antiochus IV issued decrees forbidding many traditional Jewish practices and began a campaign of persecution against devout Jews. This triggered a revolt against his rule, the Maccabean Revolt . These decrees were a departure from typical Seleucid practice, which did not attempt to suppress local religions in their empire. Scholars of Second Temple Judaism sometimes refer to Antiochus' reign as

2652-442: A revolt whose nature was lost to time. Antiochus IV issued decrees forbidding many traditional Jewish practices and began a campaign of persecution against devout Jews. This triggered a revolt against his rule, the Maccabean Revolt . These decrees were a departure from typical Seleucid practice, which did not attempt to suppress local religions in their empire. Scholars of Second Temple Judaism sometimes refer to Antiochus' reign as

2808-460: A series of Seleucid persecutions of traditional Judaism began, spearheaded by King Antiochus IV Epiphanes and possibly High Priest Menelaus as well. In 167 BCE, a company of Greek soldiers appeared in Modi'in with orders to enforce Antiochus' ordinances of sacrificing to the Greek gods . Mattathias, being an esteemed member of the community, was asked to serve as an example and lead the village in

2964-461: A testimony to the city's former might. Josephus wrote that over a million people perished in the siege and the subsequent fighting. While contemporary studies dispute this figure, all agree that the siege had a major toll on human life, with many people being killed and enslaved, and large parts of the city destroyed. After the fall of Jerusalem, Titus returned to Rome, leaving the remaining Jewish strongholds, including Herodium and Machaerus , to

3120-461: A testimony to the city's former might. Josephus wrote that over a million people perished in the siege and the subsequent fighting. While contemporary studies dispute this figure, all agree that the siege had a major toll on human life, with many people being killed and enslaved, and large parts of the city destroyed. After the fall of Jerusalem, Titus returned to Rome, leaving the remaining Jewish strongholds, including Herodium and Machaerus , to

3276-416: A village called Modi'in", implying that it was his place of origin. The account of 1 Maccabees provides the lineage of Mattathias, stating that he was a son of John (Johanan) and grandson of Simeon, a priest from the order of Joarib . Josephus adds the name of Asamonaius to this lineage in both his accounts, and though later rabbinic sources mention Hasmonai as a specific person, "Asmonaius" or "Hasmonean"

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3432-470: Is not supported by archeological evidence. Alexander Jannaeus ( r.  103–76 BCE ) waged a series of expansionist wars, primarily against the Hellenistic cities surrounding Judea. Unlike his predecessors, who were focused on the concentration of the Jewish population in one country, his military efforts were motivated by a desire to control key economic points such as ports and trade routes. On

3588-417: Is not supported by archeological evidence. Alexander Jannaeus ( r.  103–76 BCE ) waged a series of expansionist wars, primarily against the Hellenistic cities surrounding Judea. Unlike his predecessors, who were focused on the concentration of the Jewish population in one country, his military efforts were motivated by a desire to control key economic points such as ports and trade routes. On

3744-645: Is reflected in rabbinic sources where the ruling was developed and finally canonized as a Halakhic decree. This was the first step in the Maccabean Revolt, the result of which was Jewish independence, which had not been enjoyed for more than 400 years. The events of the war of the Maccabees form the basis for the holiday of Hanukkah , which is celebrated by Jews on the 25th of Kislev (on the Hebrew calendar , corresponding to mid-November to late December in

3900-728: Is the Septuagint translation of the Hebrew Bible from Biblical Hebrew and Biblical Aramaic to Koiné Greek . The reason for the production of this translation seems to be that many of the Alexandrian Jews had lost the ability to speak Hebrew and Aramaic. At the turn of the 2nd-century BCE, a successful military campaign in Coele-Syria led by the Seleucid Antiochus ;III finally brought

4056-409: Is the Septuagint translation of the Hebrew Bible from Biblical Hebrew and Biblical Aramaic to Koiné Greek . The reason for the production of this translation seems to be that many of the Alexandrian Jews had lost the ability to speak Hebrew and Aramaic. At the turn of the 2nd-century BCE, a successful military campaign in Coele-Syria led by the Seleucid Antiochus III finally brought

4212-576: The Amidah and Birkat Hamazon on Hanukkah , refers to the story of the Maccabees and to Mattathias by name. Second Temple period Canaan State of Israel (1948–present) The Second Temple period or post-exilic period in Jewish history denotes the approximately 600 years (516 BCE – 70 CE) during which the Second Temple stood in the city of Jerusalem . It began with

4368-725: The Diaspora . Others remained in the Land of Israel, and some converted to Christianity . Jewish historians occasionally refers to this time period, which corresponds with the world's late antiquity, as the Rabbinic or Talmudic period. After the destruction of the Second Temple, Judaism separated into a linguistically Greek and a Hebrew / Aramaic sphere. The theology and religious texts of each community were distinctively different. Hellenized Judaism never developed yeshivas to study

4524-500: The Diaspora . Others remained in the Land of Israel, and some converted to Christianity . Jewish historians occasionally refers to this time period, which corresponds with the world's late antiquity, as the Rabbinic or Talmudic period. After the destruction of the Second Temple, Judaism separated into a linguistically Greek and a Hebrew / Aramaic sphere. The theology and religious texts of each community were distinctively different. Hellenized Judaism never developed yeshivas to study

4680-535: The First Jewish–Roman War (66–73 CE), resulting in the destruction of Jerusalem and its Temple, which ended the Second Temple period. As Second Temple Judaism developed, multiple religious currents emerged and extensive cultural, religious, and political developments occurred. The development of the Hebrew Bible canon , the synagogue and Jewish eschatology can be traced back to the Second Temple period. According to Jewish tradition, prophecy ceased during

4836-474: The First Jewish–Roman War (66–73 CE), resulting in the destruction of Jerusalem and its Temple, which ended the Second Temple period. As Second Temple Judaism developed, multiple religious currents emerged and extensive cultural, religious, and political developments occurred. The development of the Hebrew Bible canon , the synagogue and Jewish eschatology can be traced back to the Second Temple period. According to Jewish tradition, prophecy ceased during

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4992-406: The Greek gods ; he then killed a Seleucid official who ordered the sacrifice. According to 1 Maccabees , he declared, "Let everyone who is zealous for the law and supports the covenant come out with me!", and fled with his sons and followers to the wilderness of Judea. These events signaled the start of the Maccabean Revolt . When Mattathias died, his son Judas Maccabeus took over as leader of

5148-406: The Greek gods ; he then killed a Seleucid official who ordered the sacrifice. According to 1 Maccabees , he declared, "Let everyone who is zealous for the law and supports the covenant come out with me!", and fled with his sons and followers to the wilderness of Judea. These events signaled the start of the Maccabean Revolt . When Mattathias died, his son Judas Maccabeus took over as leader of

5304-664: The Gregorian calendar ). Mattathias is mentioned in the story of the Maccabees, found in the deuterocanonical book of 1 Maccabees , in Josephus , and in Talmudic references (Shabbat 21b, Shabbat 23a – related to the candles). He is also made reference to in chapter 28 of 1 Meqabyan , a book considered canonical in the Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church . The " Al HaNisim " prayer, added into

5460-518: The Holy of Holies , imprisoned Aristobulus, and declared Hyrcanus an " ethnarch ", a title inferior to the title "king". Judea then became a vassal kingdom of the Roman Republic . After Pompey's conquest of Judea in 63 BCE, Hyrcanus II assumed the role of ethnarch; however, his advisor Antipater was ruler in practice and managed the kingdom's affairs. Some cities which were conquered by

5616-405: The Holy of Holies , imprisoned Aristobulus, and declared Hyrcanus an " ethnarch ", a title inferior to the title "king". Judea then became a vassal kingdom of the Roman Republic . After Pompey's conquest of Judea in 63 BCE, Hyrcanus II assumed the role of ethnarch; however, his advisor Antipater was ruler in practice and managed the kingdom's affairs. Some cities which were conquered by

5772-519: The Seleucid Empire ( c.  200–167 BCE ). The Maccabean Revolt against Seleucid rule led to the establishment of a nominally independent Jewish kingdom under the Hasmonean dynasty (140–37 BCE). While it initially exercised governance semi-autonomously under Seleucid hegemony, the Hasmoneans' kingdom increasingly exercised total self-governance as it undertook military campaigns to push

5928-404: The Seleucid Empire ( c.  200–167 BCE ). The Maccabean Revolt against Seleucid rule led to the establishment of a nominally independent Jewish kingdom under the Hasmonean dynasty (140–37 BCE). While it initially exercised governance semi-autonomously under Seleucid hegemony, the Hasmoneans' kingdom increasingly exercised total self-governance as it undertook military campaigns to push

6084-617: The Tetrarchy . The central part of the Tetrarchy was given to Herod Archelaus , including Judea proper, Idumea and Samaria . Herod's death in 4 BCE caused the release of built up frustrations of the people who were suppressed by his brutality. Many people were impoverished because of Herod's high taxes and spending. When he died, his building projects that once allowed for job opportunities were stopped, and many people lost their jobs. This built up frustrations that ultimately contributed to

6240-504: The Tetrarchy . The central part of the Tetrarchy was given to Herod Archelaus , including Judea proper, Idumea and Samaria . Herod's death in 4 BCE caused the release of built up frustrations of the people who were suppressed by his brutality. Many people were impoverished because of Herod's high taxes and spending. When he died, his building projects that once allowed for job opportunities were stopped, and many people lost their jobs. This built up frustrations that ultimately contributed to

6396-924: The return to Zion and subsequent reconstruction of the Temple in Jerusalem , and ended with the First Jewish–Roman War and the Roman siege of Jerusalem . In 587/586 BCE, the Neo-Babylonian Empire conquered the Kingdom of Judah ; the Judeans lost their independence upon the Babylonian siege of Jerusalem , during which the First Temple was destroyed. After the Babylonians annexed Judah as

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6552-405: The return to Zion and subsequent reconstruction of the Temple in Jerusalem , and ended with the First Jewish–Roman War and the Roman siege of Jerusalem . In 587/586 BCE, the Neo-Babylonian Empire conquered the Kingdom of Judah ; the Judeans lost their independence upon the Babylonian siege of Jerusalem , during which the First Temple was destroyed. After the Babylonians annexed Judah as

6708-557: The 'Antiochene crises' for the Jews, and as a period of civil war between Hellenized and orthodox forms of Judaism. According to 1 Maccabees , 2 Maccabees , and Josephus , the Seleucid Emperor Antiochus IV ( r.  175–164 ) moved to assert strict control over the Seleucid satrapy of Coele Syria and Phoenicia after his successful invasion of Ptolemaic Egypt (170 to 168 BCE) was turned back by

6864-417: The 'Antiochene crises' for the Jews, and as a period of civil war between Hellenized and orthodox forms of Judaism. According to 1 Maccabees , 2 Maccabees , and Josephus , the Seleucid Emperor Antiochus IV ( r.  175–164 ) moved to assert strict control over the Seleucid satrapy of Coele Syria and Phoenicia after his successful invasion of Ptolemaic Egypt (170 to 168 BCE) was turned back by

7020-634: The 146th year of the Ancient Macedonian calendar , equivalent to some point between Spring 166 – Spring 165 BCE, and was buried in the tomb of his ancestors in Modiin. In Jewish scripture there is no explicit mention of the prohibition of warfare on the Sabbath , nor is there any mention of refraining from battle on the Sabbath. Even so, by the Second Temple Period it is clear that combat on

7176-627: The Hasmoneans were removed from Judaean rule, including Azotus , Jaffa and Samaria , as well as Scythopolis and several cities in Transjordan , which formed the semi-autonomous Decapolis . Hyrcanus II's rule was unstable. Alexander II , Aristobulus II's son, raised a large army and seized Jerusalem, forcing Hyrcanus to leave the city. The Roman general Aulus Gabinius invaded Judea in retaliation, sent Hyrcanus back to Jerusalem, and reinstated him as high priest. When Caesar's civil war broke out, Julius Caesar attempted to install Aristobulus on

7332-568: The Hasmoneans were removed from Judaean rule, including Azotus , Jaffa and Samaria , as well as Scythopolis and several cities in Transjordan , which formed the semi-autonomous Decapolis . Hyrcanus II's rule was unstable. Alexander II , Aristobulus II's son, raised a large army and seized Jerusalem, forcing Hyrcanus to leave the city. The Roman general Aulus Gabinius invaded Judea in retaliation, sent Hyrcanus back to Jerusalem, and reinstated him as high priest. When Caesar's civil war broke out, Julius Caesar attempted to install Aristobulus on

7488-411: The Jews without their version of divine guidance at a time when they felt most in need of support and direction. Second Temple period Canaan State of Israel (1948–present) The Second Temple period or post-exilic period in Jewish history denotes the approximately 600 years (516 BCE – 70 CE) during which the Second Temple stood in the city of Jerusalem . It began with

7644-571: The Judah described in the Bible: a Jewish monarchy ruled from Jerusalem and including all territories once ruled by David and Solomon. In order to carry out this project, the Hasmoneans forcibly converted neighbor nations to Judaism. Some scholars argue that the Hasmonean dynasty institutionalized the final Jewish biblical canon . After Salome Alexander died in 67 BCE, Hyrcanus II , her older son,

7800-409: The Judah described in the Bible: a Jewish monarchy ruled from Jerusalem and including all territories once ruled by David and Solomon. In order to carry out this project, the Hasmoneans forcibly converted neighbor nations to Judaism. Some scholars argue that the Hasmonean dynasty institutionalized the final Jewish biblical canon . After Salome Alexander died in 67 BCE, Hyrcanus II , her older son,

7956-607: The Oral Law. Rabbinic Judaism (centered in the Land of Israel and Babylon) almost entirely ignores the Hellenized Diaspora in its writings. It is unknown whether Hellenized Judaism ultimately vanished as its adherents assmiliated into the Christianized Greco-Roman society, or if it persisted as a distinct, bible-oriented community that later affected the development of Karaite Judaism . By

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8112-401: The Oral Law. Rabbinic Judaism (centered in the Land of Israel and Babylon) almost entirely ignores the Hellenized Diaspora in its writings. It is unknown whether Hellenized Judaism ultimately vanished as its adherents assmiliated into the Christianized Greco-Roman society, or if it persisted as a distinct, bible-oriented community that later affected the development of Karaite Judaism . By

8268-672: The Pharisaic school and became the mainstream form of the religion. During the same era, Christianity gradually separated from Judaism , becoming a predominantly Gentile religion. A few decades after the First Jewish-Roman War, the Bar-Kokhba Revolt (132–135 CE) erupted; its brutal suppression by the Romans further dwindled the Jewish population in Judea and enhanced the role of Jewish diaspora . During

8424-420: The Pharisaic school and became the mainstream form of the religion. During the same era, Christianity gradually separated from Judaism , becoming a predominantly Gentile religion. A few decades after the First Jewish-Roman War, the Bar-Kokhba Revolt (132–135 CE) erupted; its brutal suppression by the Romans further dwindled the Jewish population in Judea and enhanced the role of Jewish diaspora . During

8580-610: The Prince (so-called because he was a descendant of the royal line of David ) and Joshua the Priest (a descendant of the line of the former High Priests of the Temple) and their construction of the Second Temple in the period 521–516 BCE. The Cyrus Cylinder , an ancient tablet on which is written a declaration in the name of Cyrus referring to restoration of temples and repatriation of exiled peoples, has often been taken as corroboration of

8736-451: The Prince (so-called because he was a descendant of the royal line of David ) and Joshua the Priest (a descendant of the line of the former High Priests of the Temple) and their construction of the Second Temple in the period 521–516 BCE. The Cyrus Cylinder , an ancient tablet on which is written a declaration in the name of Cyrus referring to restoration of temples and repatriation of exiled peoples, has often been taken as corroboration of

8892-582: The Ptolemies ruled Judea in relative peace. Jews often found themselves working in the Ptolemaic administration and army, which led to the rise of a Hellenized Jewish elite class (e.g. the Tobiads ). This period also saw the rise of a Hellenistic Judaism , which first developed in the Jewish diaspora of Alexandria and Antioch, and then spread to Judea. The major literary product of this cultural syncretism

9048-414: The Ptolemies ruled Judea in relative peace. Jews often found themselves working in the Ptolemaic administration and army, which led to the rise of a Hellenized Jewish elite class (e.g. the Tobiads ). This period also saw the rise of a Hellenistic Judaism , which first developed in the Jewish diaspora of Alexandria and Antioch, and then spread to Judea. The major literary product of this cultural syncretism

9204-886: The Roman Legions. The war ended in 73-74 CE with the siege of Masada . According to Josephus, the siege resulted in the mass suicide of the Sicarii rebels and resident Jewish families, though the historicity of the mass suicide is debated. The failure of the First Jewish Revolt eventually led to two subsequent Jewish uprisings against Rome: the Diaspora Revolt and the Bar Kokhba Revolt in Judaea, both of which ended in catastrophic failure. The Diaspora Revolt, which erupted between 115 and 117 CE,

9360-513: The Roman Legions. The war ended in 73-74 CE with the siege of Masada . According to Josephus, the siege resulted in the mass suicide of the Sicarii rebels and resident Jewish families, though the historicity of the mass suicide is debated. The failure of the First Jewish Revolt eventually led to two subsequent Jewish uprisings against Rome: the Diaspora Revolt and the Bar Kokhba Revolt in Judaea, both of which ended in catastrophic failure. The Diaspora Revolt, which erupted between 115 and 117 CE,

9516-406: The Roman forces, which led to widespread devastation and the near-total expulsion or annihilation of Jews from these regions. Two generations after the First Jewish-Roman War, the Bar Kokhba Revolt (132-136 CE) erupted. One reason seems to be the re-establishment of Jerusalem as a Roman colony under the name of Aelia Capitolina . The revolt was brutally suppressed by the Romans and resulted in

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9672-406: The Roman forces, which led to widespread devastation and the near-total expulsion or annihilation of Jews from these regions. Two generations after the First Jewish-Roman War, the Bar Kokhba Revolt (132-136 CE) erupted. One reason seems to be the re-establishment of Jerusalem as a Roman colony under the name of Aelia Capitolina . The revolt was brutally suppressed by the Romans and resulted in

9828-415: The Sabbath was widely viewed by Jews as forbidden, even to the extent of large scale defeat and death. Beginning with the invasion of Jerusalem by Ptolemy I Soter , a number of incidents are documented in the writings of Josephus and in the books of the Maccabees , in which Jewish fighters refrained from combat and even sacrificed their lives in the face of the enemy so as not to desecrate the Sabbath . In

9984-672: The Second Temple and expanding the Temple Mount , and founding Caesarea Maritima as a major port city. Herod also constructed the enclosure around the Cave of the Patriarchs in Hebron , the fortress at Masada , and Herodium . The Herodian kingdom under Herod experienced a period of growth and expansion. After Herod's death in 4 BCE, the kingdom was partitioned to several parts to each of his three sons (initially four parts), forming

10140-451: The Second Temple and expanding the Temple Mount , and founding Caesarea Maritima as a major port city. Herod also constructed the enclosure around the Cave of the Patriarchs in Hebron , the fortress at Masada , and Herodium . The Herodian kingdom under Herod experienced a period of growth and expansion. After Herod's death in 4 BCE, the kingdom was partitioned to several parts to each of his three sons (initially four parts), forming

10296-456: The aftermath of one such incident it is said that Mattathias directed: 'Let us fight against anyone who comes to attack us on the Sabbath day; let us not all die as our kindred died in their hiding-places.' This is the earliest known rejection of the commonly accepted prohibition of fighting on the Sabbath, later on in the Second Temple Period this permission was expanded to include not only defensive actions but offensive ones too. This process

10452-417: The allegedly desecrated temple. This event is commemorated by the Jewish festival of Hannukkah . The Maccabean cause was aided further in 164 BCE when Antiochus IV died and his generals fought over guardianship of his young son Antiochus V ; this turmoil ended when Antiochus IV's nephew, Demetrios I , returned from exile in Rome, deposed Antiochus V, and ascended to the Seleucid throne. Demetrios continued

10608-417: The allegedly desecrated temple. This event is commemorated by the Jewish festival of Hannukkah . The Maccabean cause was aided further in 164 BCE when Antiochus IV died and his generals fought over guardianship of his young son Antiochus V ; this turmoil ended when Antiochus IV's nephew, Demetrios I , returned from exile in Rome, deposed Antiochus V, and ascended to the Seleucid throne. Demetrios continued

10764-554: The archeological evidence, virtually all scholars support Dio's claim of massive depopulation. The revolt put an end to Jewish aspirations for the reconstruction of Jerusalem and the Temple as well as, more concretely, for Jewish settlement in the district of Judea. The province of Judaea was renamed Syria Palaestina . Jewish presence in Judaea significantly dwindled after the failure of the Bar Kokhba revolt. Nevertheless, there

10920-442: The archeological evidence, virtually all scholars support Dio's claim of massive depopulation. The revolt put an end to Jewish aspirations for the reconstruction of Jerusalem and the Temple as well as, more concretely, for Jewish settlement in the district of Judea. The province of Judaea was renamed Syria Palaestina . Jewish presence in Judaea significantly dwindled after the failure of the Bar Kokhba revolt. Nevertheless, there

11076-470: The authenticity of the biblical decrees attributed to Cyrus, but other scholars point out that the cylinder's text is specific to Babylon and Mesopotamia and makes no mention of Judah or Jerusalem. Professor Lester L. Grabbe asserted that the "alleged decree of Cyrus" regarding Judah, "cannot be considered authentic", but that there was a "general policy of allowing deportees to return and to re-establish cult sites". He also stated that archaeology suggests that

11232-470: The authenticity of the biblical decrees attributed to Cyrus, but other scholars point out that the cylinder's text is specific to Babylon and Mesopotamia and makes no mention of Judah or Jerusalem. Professor Lester L. Grabbe asserted that the "alleged decree of Cyrus" regarding Judah, "cannot be considered authentic", but that there was a "general policy of allowing deportees to return and to re-establish cult sites". He also stated that archaeology suggests that

11388-553: The causes of the First Jewish–Roman War . In 6 CE, the country fell into unrest, and the Herodian ruler of Judea was deposed in favor of forming the new Iudaea Province under direct Roman rule. The Roman province of Judaea extended over parts of the former regions of the Hasmonean and Herodian kingdoms . It was created in 6 CE with the Census of Quirinius and merged into Syria Palaestina after 135 CE. Jerusalem reached

11544-445: The causes of the First Jewish–Roman War . In 6 CE, the country fell into unrest, and the Herodian ruler of Judea was deposed in favor of forming the new Iudaea Province under direct Roman rule. The Roman province of Judaea extended over parts of the former regions of the Hasmonean and Herodian kingdoms . It was created in 6 CE with the Census of Quirinius and merged into Syria Palaestina after 135 CE. Jerusalem reached

11700-474: The center of rebel resistance in Judaea. The city had been taken over by several rebel factions following a period of massive unrest and the collapse of a short-lived provisional government . The first two walls of Jerusalem were breached in three weeks, but the Roman Army was unable to breach the third and thickest wall due to a stubborn rebel standoff. According to Josephus , a contemporary historian and

11856-415: The center of rebel resistance in Judaea. The city had been taken over by several rebel factions following a period of massive unrest and the collapse of a short-lived provisional government . The first two walls of Jerusalem were breached in three weeks, but the Roman Army was unable to breach the third and thickest wall due to a stubborn rebel standoff. According to Josephus , a contemporary historian and

12012-544: The death of Herod Antipas in 39 CE Herod Agrippa became ruler of Galilee also, and in 41 CE, as a mark of favour by the Emperor Claudius , succeeded the Roman prefect Marullus as ruler of Judea. The era from roughly 4 BCE to 33 CE is also notable as being the time period when Jesus of Nazareth should have lived, primarily in Galilee, under the reign of Herod Antipas. It is therefore considered in specifically Jewish history as being when Christianity arose as

12168-477: The death of Herod Antipas in 39 CE Herod Agrippa became ruler of Galilee also, and in 41 CE, as a mark of favour by the Emperor Claudius , succeeded the Roman prefect Marullus as ruler of Judea. The era from roughly 4 BCE to 33 CE is also notable as being the time period when Jesus of Nazareth should have lived, primarily in Galilee, under the reign of Herod Antipas. It is therefore considered in specifically Jewish history as being when Christianity arose as

12324-515: The early Second Temple period; this left the Jews without their version of divine guidance when they felt most in need of support and direction. Under Hellenistic rule, the growing influence of Hellenism in Judaism became a source of dissent for those Jews who clung to their monotheistic faith; this was a major catalyst for the Maccabean revolt. In the latter years of the period, Jewish society

12480-403: The early Second Temple period; this left the Jews without their version of divine guidance when they felt most in need of support and direction. Under Hellenistic rule, the growing influence of Hellenism in Judaism became a source of dissent for those Jews who clung to their monotheistic faith; this was a major catalyst for the Maccabean revolt. In the latter years of the period, Jewish society

12636-539: The empire's administrative structures, which included the collection, codification, and administration of local law codes, was the driving force behind the Jewish Torah's redaction. Yehud's population significantly decreased during the Persian era; it is likely that it never exceeded 30,000. This represents a 70% decrease when compared to the late First Temple period. Jerusalem's area was also smaller compared with

12792-423: The empire's administrative structures, which included the collection, codification, and administration of local law codes, was the driving force behind the Jewish Torah's redaction. Yehud's population significantly decreased during the Persian era; it is likely that it never exceeded 30,000. This represents a 70% decrease when compared to the late First Temple period. Jerusalem's area was also smaller compared with

12948-636: The ensuing Rabbinic period , the Jewish demographic center shifted to Galilee , where the Mishnah was compiled, and later to Babylonia , while smaller Jewish communities persisted across the Mediterranean . According to the Book of Ezra , the Persian Cyrus the Great ended the Babylonian exile in 538 BCE, the year after he captured Babylon. The exile ended with the return under Zerubbabel

13104-407: The ensuing Rabbinic period , the Jewish demographic center shifted to Galilee , where the Mishnah was compiled, and later to Babylonia , while smaller Jewish communities persisted across the Mediterranean . According to the Book of Ezra , the Persian Cyrus the Great ended the Babylonian exile in 538 BCE, the year after he captured Babylon. The exile ended with the return under Zerubbabel

13260-603: The exiles to return to their homeland after the Persians raised it as an autonomous Jewish-governed province . Under the Persians ( c.  539–332 BCE ), the returned Jewish population restored the city and rebuilt the Temple in Jerusalem. In 332 BCE, the Achaemenid Empire fell to Alexander the Great , and the region was later incorporated into the Ptolemaic Kingdom ( c.  301–200 BCE ) and

13416-412: The exiles to return to their homeland after the Persians raised it as an autonomous Jewish-governed province . Under the Persians ( c.  539–332 BCE ), the returned Jewish population restored the city and rebuilt the Temple in Jerusalem. In 332 BCE, the Achaemenid Empire fell to Alexander the Great , and the region was later incorporated into the Ptolemaic Kingdom ( c.  301–200 BCE ) and

13572-465: The extensive depopulation of Judea proper, more so than during the First Jewish–Roman War of 70 CE. Some scholars have described these events as genocide . According to Cassius Dio , 580,000 Jews perished in the war and many more died of hunger and disease, 50 fortresses and 985 villages were destroyed. In addition, many Judean war captives were sold into slavery. Some modern historians assert that Dio's numbers were somewhat exaggerated, but based on

13728-465: The extensive depopulation of Judea proper, more so than during the First Jewish–Roman War of 70 CE. Some scholars have described these events as genocide . According to Cassius Dio , 580,000 Jews perished in the war and many more died of hunger and disease, 50 fortresses and 985 villages were destroyed. In addition, many Judean war captives were sold into slavery. Some modern historians assert that Dio's numbers were somewhat exaggerated, but based on

13884-597: The first century, the Jewish community in Babylonia , to which Jews were exiled after the Babylonian conquest as well as after the Bar Kokhba revolt in 135 CE, already held a speedily growing population of an estimated one million Jews, which increased to an estimated two million between the years 200 CE and 500 CE, both by natural growth and by immigration of more Jews from the Land of Israel , making up about one-sixth of

14040-432: The first century, the Jewish community in Babylonia , to which Jews were exiled after the Babylonian conquest as well as after the Bar Kokhba revolt in 135 CE, already held a speedily growing population of an estimated one million Jews, which increased to an estimated two million between the years 200 CE and 500 CE, both by natural growth and by immigration of more Jews from the Land of Israel , making up about one-sixth of

14196-574: The governmental balance and sparked opposition to his rule, resulting in the Judean Civil War , which Jannaeus brutally suppressed. Salome Alexandra ( r.  76–67 BCE ), Jannaeus' widow, ascended to power following her husband's death. Under her rule, the priesthood was separated from the other powers of government for the first time since the rise of the Hasmoneans. Salome appointed her son, Hyrcanus II , as high priest and his brother, Aristobulus II , as army commander, and pursued

14352-508: The governmental balance and sparked opposition to his rule, resulting in the Judean Civil War , which Jannaeus brutally suppressed. Salome Alexandra ( r.  76–67 BCE ), Jannaeus' widow, ascended to power following her husband's death. Under her rule, the priesthood was separated from the other powers of government for the first time since the rise of the Hasmoneans. Salome appointed her son, Hyrcanus II , as high priest and his brother, Aristobulus II , as army commander, and pursued

14508-477: The inhabitants of the former Kingdom of Judah, returnees from the Babylonian exile community, Mesopotamians who had joined them or had been exiled themselves to Samaria at a far earlier period, Samaritans , and others. In 332 BCE, the region was conquered by Alexander the Great of Macedon , ushering in the Hellenistic period . After his death in 322 BCE, his generals divided the empire and Judea became

14664-418: The inhabitants of the former Kingdom of Judah, returnees from the Babylonian exile community, Mesopotamians who had joined them or had been exiled themselves to Samaria at a far earlier period, Samaritans , and others. In 332 BCE, the region was conquered by Alexander the Great of Macedon , ushering in the Hellenistic period . After his death in 322 BCE, his generals divided the empire and Judea became

14820-536: The intervention of the Roman Republic. He sacked Jerusalem and the Temple, suppressing Jewish and Samaritan religious and cultural observances, and imposed Hellenistic practices ( c. 168-167 BCE). Antiochus' actions enraged the elites but also the rural population, who had remained mostly untouched by Hellenism. In 167 BCE, Mattathias , a Hasmonean -lineage Jewish priest, killed a Jew in his hometown Modi'in who stepped forward to offer sacrifice to

14976-472: The intervention of the Roman Republic. He sacked Jerusalem and the Temple, suppressing Jewish and Samaritan religious and cultural observances, and imposed Hellenistic practices ( c. 168-167 BCE). Antiochus' actions enraged the elites but also the rural population, who had remained mostly untouched by Hellenism. In 167 BCE, Mattathias , a Hasmonean -lineage Jewish priest, killed a Jew in his hometown Modi'in who stepped forward to offer sacrifice to

15132-477: The late First Temple period. The city shrank to its pre-eighth century BCE size, and its inhabited areas—the City of David and the Temple Mount —had a population of around 1500. Together with the surrounding farms and unwalled settled areas, Jerusalem's population was around 3000 people. The rest of the population lived in small, unwalled towns and villages. The Israel of the Persian period consisted of descendants of

15288-427: The late First Temple period. The city shrank to its pre-eighth century BCE size, and its inhabited areas—the City of David and the Temple Mount —had a population of around 1500. Together with the surrounding farms and unwalled settled areas, Jerusalem's population was around 3000 people. The rest of the population lived in small, unwalled towns and villages. The Israel of the Persian period consisted of descendants of

15444-418: The leader of the revolt. He benefited from another internal Seleucid struggle between King Demetrius I Soter and an usurper, Alexander Balas . Both turned to Jonathan, attempting to win him over with concessions, and Alexander Balas even elevated him to the position of high priest. Alexander Balas was eventually able to assert himself, but he was quickly defeated by Demetrios' son Demetrios II . The battle for

15600-418: The leader of the revolt. He benefited from another internal Seleucid struggle between King Demetrius I Soter and an usurper, Alexander Balas . Both turned to Jonathan, attempting to win him over with concessions, and Alexander Balas even elevated him to the position of high priest. Alexander Balas was eventually able to assert himself, but he was quickly defeated by Demetrios' son Demetrios II . The battle for

15756-416: The main source for the war, the city was ravaged by murder, famine and cannibalism . On Tisha B'Av , 70 CE (August 30), Roman forces finally overwhelmed the defenders and set fire to the Temple. Resistance continued for another month, but eventually the upper and lower parts of the city were taken as well, and the city was burned to the ground. Titus spared only the three towers of the Herodian citadel as

15912-416: The main source for the war, the city was ravaged by murder, famine and cannibalism . On Tisha B'Av , 70 CE (August 30), Roman forces finally overwhelmed the defenders and set fire to the Temple. Resistance continued for another month, but eventually the upper and lower parts of the city were taken as well, and the city was burned to the ground. Titus spared only the three towers of the Herodian citadel as

16068-602: The major sources for the time period are the writings of Josephus , Philo , the Books of the Maccabees , Greek and Roman writers and later Rabbinic literature . The destruction of Jerusalem and the Second Temple in 70 CE is considered one of the most cataclysmic events in Jewish history. The loss of mother-city and temple necessitated a reshaping of Jewish culture to ensure its survival. Judaism's Temple-based sects disappeared. Rabbinic Judaism , centered around communal synagogue worship and Torah study , eventually evolved out of

16224-551: The major sources for the time period are the writings of Josephus , Philo , the Books of the Maccabees , Greek and Roman writers and later Rabbinic literature . The destruction of Jerusalem and the Second Temple in 70 CE is considered one of the most cataclysmic events in Jewish history. The loss of mother-city and temple necessitated a reshaping of Jewish culture to ensure its survival. Judaism's Temple-based sects disappeared. Rabbinic Judaism , centered around communal synagogue worship and Torah study , eventually evolved out of

16380-568: The official and the Jew, he and his five sons fled to the wilderness of Judea where they began to build a guerilla force of followers. The area was then known as the Gophna Hills, a region near modern Jifna . He led the rebellion for one year, and before his death, he assigned different roles to two of his sons, based on their individual qualities. Simon was appointed counselor and Judah the military commander. According to 1 Maccabees , he died in

16536-459: The prophesies of Ezekiel and his followers. The Persian era, and especially the period between 538 and 400 BCE, laid the foundations for the unified Judaic religion and the beginning of a scriptural canon. The final Torah is widely seen as a product of the Persian period (probably 450–350 BCE). This consensus echoes a traditional Jewish view which gives Ezra a pivotal role in its promulgation. It has been suggested that Darius ' reform of

16692-459: The prophesies of Ezekiel and his followers. The Persian era, and especially the period between 538 and 400 BCE, laid the foundations for the unified Judaic religion and the beginning of a scriptural canon. The final Torah is widely seen as a product of the Persian period (probably 450–350 BCE). This consensus echoes a traditional Jewish view which gives Ezra a pivotal role in its promulgation. It has been suggested that Darius ' reform of

16848-463: The rebuilding of the Temple; this attitude was based partly on the exclusivism which the exiles had developed while in Babylon and, probably, partly on disputes over property. The careers of Ezra and Nehemiah in the 5th century BCE were thus a kind of religious colonisation in reverse, an attempt by one of the many Jewish factions in Babylon to create a self-segregated, ritually pure society inspired by

17004-408: The rebuilding of the Temple; this attitude was based partly on the exclusivism which the exiles had developed while in Babylon and, probably, partly on disputes over property. The careers of Ezra and Nehemiah in the 5th century BCE were thus a kind of religious colonisation in reverse, an attempt by one of the many Jewish factions in Babylon to create a self-segregated, ritually pure society inspired by

17160-462: The region into the Seleucid empire, with Jerusalem falling under his control in 198 BCE. The Seleucids, like the Ptolemies before them, held a suzerainty over Judea : they respected Jewish culture and protected Jewish institutions. This policy was drastically reversed by Antiochus IV , possibly due to a dispute over leadership of the Temple in Jerusalem and the office of High Priest or

17316-406: The region into the Seleucid empire, with Jerusalem falling under his control in 198 BCE. The Seleucids, like the Ptolemies before them, held a suzerainty over Judea : they respected Jewish culture and protected Jewish institutions. This policy was drastically reversed by Antiochus IV , possibly due to a dispute over leadership of the Temple in Jerusalem and the office of High Priest or

17472-430: The return was a "trickle" taking place over decades, rather than a single event. The Persians may have experimented initially with ruling Judah as a Davidic client-kingdom under descendants of Jehoiachin , but by the mid–5th century BCE Judah had become in practice a theocracy , ruled by hereditary High Priests and a Persian-appointed governor, frequently Jewish, charged with keeping order and seeing that tribute

17628-430: The return was a "trickle" taking place over decades, rather than a single event. The Persians may have experimented initially with ruling Judah as a Davidic client-kingdom under descendants of Jehoiachin , but by the mid–5th century BCE Judah had become in practice a theocracy , ruled by hereditary High Priests and a Persian-appointed governor, frequently Jewish, charged with keeping order and seeing that tribute

17784-415: The revolt. He used guerrilla tactics to defeat several small Seleucid armies while Antiochus IV was fighting a war in the east. The conflict was heavily religiously charged because, in order to distinguish themselves from their Jewish opponents, the Maccabees presented themselves as radical Jews and carried out large-scale forced circumcisions . Judas eventually succeeded in capturing Jerusalem and purifying

17940-415: The revolt. He used guerrilla tactics to defeat several small Seleucid armies while Antiochus IV was fighting a war in the east. The conflict was heavily religiously charged because, in order to distinguish themselves from their Jewish opponents, the Maccabees presented themselves as radical Jews and carried out large-scale forced circumcisions . Judas eventually succeeded in capturing Jerusalem and purifying

18096-467: The sacrifice to the pagan deities, while being promised riches and the prestigious title of "Friend of the King" in return. Mattathias refused, and when another Jew stepped forward to do so, Mattathias slew both him and the government official overseeing the sacrifice, and rallied his supporters: Let everyone who is zealous for the law and supports the covenant come out with me! Upon the dramatic killing of

18252-497: The same time, he carried on his predecessors' conversion policy, and destroyed Pella because its inhabitants refused to convert. During his reign, the Hasmonean kingdom expanded to its greatest extent, now including the coastal plain, the northern Negev, and western parts of Transjordan. Jannaeus' dual role as king and high priest, his inclination towards the Sadducees , the high cost of the wars in both money and lives threatened

18408-441: The same time, he carried on his predecessors' conversion policy, and destroyed Pella because its inhabitants refused to convert. During his reign, the Hasmonean kingdom expanded to its greatest extent, now including the coastal plain, the northern Negev, and western parts of Transjordan. Jannaeus' dual role as king and high priest, his inclination towards the Sadducees , the high cost of the wars in both money and lives threatened

18564-646: The throne was a mistake that needed to be undone. Along with Aretas III , king of the Nabateans , these two formed an alliance and together they attacked and besieged Jerusalem. During the same period, Roman general Pompey was in the midst of a campaign in the Eastern Mediterranean. After defeating Mithridates VI of Pontus, Pompey conquered the Seleucid Kingdom, which became a Roman province called Syria . The warrying brothers, who saw

18720-450: The throne was a mistake that needed to be undone. Along with Aretas III , king of the Nabateans , these two formed an alliance and together they attacked and besieged Jerusalem. During the same period, Roman general Pompey was in the midst of a campaign in the Eastern Mediterranean. After defeating Mithridates VI of Pontus, Pompey conquered the Seleucid Kingdom, which became a Roman province called Syria . The warrying brothers, who saw

18876-519: The throne was now between him and the general Diodotos Tryphon , which strengthened Jonathan's position even more. This did not change when Tryphon was able to capture and murder Jonathan in Acre through treachery. In 142 BCE, Simon Thassi , the last of Mattathias' sons, took over as rebellion leader and high priest. He was eventually successful in destroying the Acra , a fortified complex in Jerusalem that

19032-419: The throne was now between him and the general Diodotos Tryphon , which strengthened Jonathan's position even more. This did not change when Tryphon was able to capture and murder Jonathan in Acre through treachery. In 142 BCE, Simon Thassi , the last of Mattathias' sons, took over as rebellion leader and high priest. He was eventually successful in destroying the Acra , a fortified complex in Jerusalem that

19188-622: The throne. In 37 BCE, Jerusalem was taken after a siege , and Antigonus was captured and executed. In 37-36 BCE, Herod the Great was appointed king of the Jews by the Roman Senate . The kingdom of Judea during his period is also referred to as the Herodian kingdom . As a close and loyal ally to the Romans, Herod extended his rule as far as Arabia and the Hauran. Herod undertook many colossal building projects, including fully rebuilding

19344-454: The throne. In 37 BCE, Jerusalem was taken after a siege , and Antigonus was captured and executed. In 37-36 BCE, Herod the Great was appointed king of the Jews by the Roman Senate . The kingdom of Judea during his period is also referred to as the Herodian kingdom . As a close and loyal ally to the Romans, Herod extended his rule as far as Arabia and the Hauran. Herod undertook many colossal building projects, including fully rebuilding

19500-512: The throne; however, Aristobulus was poisoned, and his son Alexander, who was preparing to support him, was beheaded at Antioch at the command of Pompey. Antipater and his sons Phasael and Herod gained status and power at the expense of the Hasmonean dynasty's waning power. When the Parthians invaded the area in 40 BCE, they installed Antigonus II Mattathias , Aristobulus II's youngest son, as king. Phasael committed suicide, and Hyrcanus II

19656-456: The throne; however, Aristobulus was poisoned, and his son Alexander, who was preparing to support him, was beheaded at Antioch at the command of Pompey. Antipater and his sons Phasael and Herod gained status and power at the expense of the Hasmonean dynasty's waning power. When the Parthians invaded the area in 40 BCE, they installed Antigonus II Mattathias , Aristobulus II's youngest son, as king. Phasael committed suicide, and Hyrcanus II

19812-618: The title of king for the first time and combined it with the office of high priest. People were now more open to Hellenistic influences that had been demonized as un-Jewish during the war; the Hasmonean kingship bore clear Hellenistic monarchy traits, but combined these with theocratic elements. Aristobulus conquered and annexed Galilee . The Galilee, which had previously been sparsely inhabited, mostly by pagan populations, but also by Jewish communities, experienced an influx of Jewish settlement following these conquests. Josephus writes that he had also subjugated and Judaized Iturea , but this claim

19968-618: The title of king for the first time and combined it with the office of high priest. People were now more open to Hellenistic influences that had been demonized as un-Jewish during the war; the Hasmonean kingship bore clear Hellenistic monarchy traits, but combined these with theocratic elements. Aristobulus conquered and annexed Galilee . The Galilee, which had previously been sparsely inhabited, mostly by pagan populations, but also by Jewish communities, experienced an influx of Jewish settlement following these conquests. Josephus writes that he had also subjugated and Judaized Iturea , but this claim

20124-460: The war against the Maccabees and backed their Jewish opponents. Around this time Judas was able to make a treaty with the Romans. Around 161 BCE, a Roman–Jewish Treaty was signed. In 160 BCE, the Seleucid general Bacchides defeated the Maccabees at the Battle of Elasa in 160 BCE; Judas' death during the battle dealt a blow to the rebels. After Judas died, his brother Jonathan Apphus took over as

20280-408: The war against the Maccabees and backed their Jewish opponents. Around this time Judas was able to make a treaty with the Romans. Around 161 BCE, a Roman–Jewish Treaty was signed. In 160 BCE, the Seleucid general Bacchides defeated the Maccabees at the Battle of Elasa in 160 BCE; Judas' death during the battle dealt a blow to the rebels. After Judas died, his brother Jonathan Apphus took over as

20436-597: The weakening Seleucids out of the region, establishing itself as the last Jewish kingdom and preceding an almost 2000-year-long hiatus in Jewish sovereignty in the Levant . In 63 BCE, the Roman Republic conquered the kingdom. In 37 BCE, the Romans appointed Herod the Great as king of a vassal Judea . In 6 CE, Judea was fully incorporated into the Roman Empire as the province of Judaea . Growing dissatisfaction with Roman rule and civil disturbances eventually led to

20592-484: The weakening Seleucids out of the region, establishing itself as the last Jewish kingdom and preceding an almost 2000-year-long hiatus in Jewish sovereignty in the Levant . In 63 BCE, the Roman Republic conquered the kingdom. In 37 BCE, the Romans appointed Herod the Great as king of a vassal Judea . In 6 CE, Judea was fully incorporated into the Roman Empire as the province of Judaea . Growing dissatisfaction with Roman rule and civil disturbances eventually led to

20748-411: The world Jewish population at that era. During the 600 years of the Second Temple period, multiple religious currents emerged and extensive religious developments occurred. The development of the Hebrew Bible canon , the synagogue , Jewish eschatology can all be traced back to the Second Temple period. According to Jewish tradition, prophecy ceased during the early Second Temple period; this left

20904-411: The world Jewish population at that era. During the 600 years of the Second Temple period, multiple religious currents emerged and extensive religious developments occurred. The development of the Hebrew Bible canon , the synagogue , Jewish eschatology can all be traced back to the Second Temple period. According to Jewish tradition, prophecy ceased during the early Second Temple period; this left

21060-445: Was a High Priest are relatively late and anachronistic. Mattathias was the father of Judas Maccabeus (Judah Maccabee), Eleazar Avaran , Simon Thassi (Simeon), John Gaddi , and Jonathan Apphus (Yonatan). The accounts of 1 Maccabees and Josephus largely agree in their description of the oppressive laws the Hellenistic administration enforced on the Jewish religion, and the role Mattathias played in opposing them. In 168–167 BCE,

21216-510: Was a continuous small Jewish presence and Galilee became its religious center. Jewish communities also continued to reside in the southern Hebron Hills and on the coastal plain. The Mishnah and part of the Talmud , central Jewish texts, were composed during the 2nd to 4th centuries CE in Tiberias and Jerusalem . Over the next centuries, more Jews emigrated to flourishing communities in

21372-403: Was a continuous small Jewish presence and Galilee became its religious center. Jewish communities also continued to reside in the southern Hebron Hills and on the coastal plain. The Mishnah and part of the Talmud , central Jewish texts, were composed during the 2nd to 4th centuries CE in Tiberias and Jerusalem . Over the next centuries, more Jews emigrated to flourishing communities in

21528-537: Was deeply polarized along ideological lines, and the sects of the Pharisees , Sadducees , Essenes , Zealots , and early Christianity were formed. Important Jewish writings were also composed during the Second Temple period, including portions of the Hebrew Bible, such as the books of Ezra , Nehemiah , Esther and Daniel and writings that are a part of the Apocrypha and the Dead Sea Scrolls . Among

21684-415: Was deeply polarized along ideological lines, and the sects of the Pharisees , Sadducees , Essenes , Zealots , and early Christianity were formed. Important Jewish writings were also composed during the Second Temple period, including portions of the Hebrew Bible, such as the books of Ezra , Nehemiah , Esther and Daniel and writings that are a part of the Apocrypha and the Dead Sea Scrolls . Among

21840-428: Was driven by messianic expectations and the local tensions and violence experienced by Jews in the diaspora. This revolt saw Jewish communities in the Roman provinces of Egypt , Cyrenaica , and Cyprus rise in rebellion, characterized by attacks on local populations, temples, public structures, and roads. The Roman suppression was marked by severe retaliation and ethnic cleansing , involving local populations joining

21996-428: Was driven by messianic expectations and the local tensions and violence experienced by Jews in the diaspora. This revolt saw Jewish communities in the Roman provinces of Egypt , Cyrenaica , and Cyprus rise in rebellion, characterized by attacks on local populations, temples, public structures, and roads. The Roman suppression was marked by severe retaliation and ethnic cleansing , involving local populations joining

22152-486: Was entitled to assume the throne and was already acting as high priest. However, Aristobulus II , her younger son, was more energetic and determined to become king. Aristobulus gathered an army to attack Jerusalem, forcing Hyrcanus to abdicate the crown. The abdication was formally carried out in the temple, and Aristobulus' son, Alexander, married Hyrcanus' daughter, Alexandra. However, Antipater , an Edomite noble who served as Hyrcanus' advisor, convinced him that giving up

22308-486: Was entitled to assume the throne and was already acting as high priest. However, Aristobulus II , her younger son, was more energetic and determined to become king. Aristobulus gathered an army to attack Jerusalem, forcing Hyrcanus to abdicate the crown. The abdication was formally carried out in the temple, and Aristobulus' son, Alexander, married Hyrcanus' daughter, Alexandra. However, Antipater , an Edomite noble who served as Hyrcanus' advisor, convinced him that giving up

22464-475: Was paid. A second group of 5,000, led by Ezra and Nehemiah , returned to Judah in 456 BCE. The first was empowered by the Persian king to enforce the Torah , the second had the status of governor and a royal mission to restore the walls of the city. The Bible mentions tension between the returnees and those who had remained in Judah, the former rebuffing the attempt of the "peoples of the land" to participate in

22620-424: Was paid. A second group of 5,000, led by Ezra and Nehemiah , returned to Judah in 456 BCE. The first was empowered by the Persian king to enforce the Torah , the second had the status of governor and a royal mission to restore the walls of the city. The Bible mentions tension between the returnees and those who had remained in Judah, the former rebuffing the attempt of the "peoples of the land" to participate in

22776-471: Was probably meant as a family title. This would lead to Mattathias and his descendants being known as the Hasmoneans. Being a descendant of Joarib, the first chief of a priestly division mentioned in the book of Chronicles, he was in turn a descendant of Phinehas , third High Priest of Israel . Like many priests, he most probably served in the Second Temple in Jerusalem , though the sources stating that he

22932-569: Was reduced to a village and the Samaritan Temple on Mount Gerizim was destroyed. Archaeological evidence places these events between 111 and 110 BCE. Hyrcanus also launched a military campaign in Idumea , capturing Marisa and Adora. The Idumeans were forced to convert to Judaism, by threat of exile or death, depending on the source. Following the death of Hyrcanus, his son Aristobulus I ( r.  104–103 BCE ) assumed

23088-451: Was reduced to a village and the Samaritan Temple on Mount Gerizim was destroyed. Archaeological evidence places these events between 111 and 110 BCE. Hyrcanus also launched a military campaign in Idumea , capturing Marisa and Adora. The Idumeans were forced to convert to Judaism, by threat of exile or death, depending on the source. Following the death of Hyrcanus, his son Aristobulus I ( r.  104–103 BCE ) assumed

23244-451: Was relieved of his burden, establishing the now de facto independent Hasmonean state of Judea, minting coins for the first time, and doubling the state's territory. Around 110 BCE, Hyrcanus launched an invasion of Transjordan . His army laid siege to the city of Medeba and took it after a six-month siege. After this victory, he turned north and invaded Samaria , which had long separated Judea from Jewish settlements in Galilee. Shechem

23400-451: Was relieved of his burden, establishing the now de facto independent Hasmonean state of Judea, minting coins for the first time, and doubling the state's territory. Around 110 BCE, Hyrcanus launched an invasion of Transjordan . His army laid siege to the city of Medeba and took it after a six-month siege. After this victory, he turned north and invaded Samaria , which had long separated Judea from Jewish settlements in Galilee. Shechem

23556-493: Was sent by emperor Nero to crush the rebellion. He arrived at Ptolemais along with legions X Fretensis and V Macedonica . There he was joined by his son Titus , who arrived from Alexandria at the head of Legio XV Apollinaris , as well as by the armies of various local allies including that of king Agrippa II. During the Galilee campaign , many towns surrendered without a fight, and others were taken by force. Yodfat ,

23712-439: Was sent by emperor Nero to crush the rebellion. He arrived at Ptolemais along with legions X Fretensis and V Macedonica . There he was joined by his son Titus , who arrived from Alexandria at the head of Legio XV Apollinaris , as well as by the armies of various local allies including that of king Agrippa II. During the Galilee campaign , many towns surrendered without a fight, and others were taken by force. Yodfat ,

23868-469: Was taken as a prisoner to Babylon after having his ear severed in order to prevent him from ever acting as high priest again. Herod, who fled the Parthians, found his way to Mark Antony , who then controlled the eastern part of the Roman Republic. In agreement with his co-ruler Augustus , who controlled the western part, the two decided to appoint Herod as king of Judaea, and sent him with an army to seize

24024-412: Was taken as a prisoner to Babylon after having his ear severed in order to prevent him from ever acting as high priest again. Herod, who fled the Parthians, found his way to Mark Antony , who then controlled the eastern part of the Roman Republic. In agreement with his co-ruler Augustus , who controlled the western part, the two decided to appoint Herod as king of Judaea, and sent him with an army to seize

24180-584: Was the last symbol of Seleucid rule in Judea. After Simon was assassinated and replaced by his son John Hyrcanus I ( r.  134–104 BCE ), Antiochus VII led a large army into Judea, forcing Hyrcanus to surrender as a vassal ruler in Jerusalem after a two-year siege. However, following Antiochus' death in the Seleucid-Parthian Wars in 129 BCE, the Seleucids were soon too weak to pursue an active policy outside of Syria ; Hyrcanus

24336-453: Was the last symbol of Seleucid rule in Judea. After Simon was assassinated and replaced by his son John Hyrcanus I ( r.  134–104 BCE ), Antiochus VII led a large army into Judea, forcing Hyrcanus to surrender as a vassal ruler in Jerusalem after a two-year siege. However, following Antiochus' death in the Seleucid-Parthian Wars in 129 BCE, the Seleucids were soon too weak to pursue an active policy outside of Syria ; Hyrcanus

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