After Alexander – The Hellenistic Powers
This empire fragmented among Alexander’s generals (the Diadochi) after his death in 323 BC.
What is the Macedonian (or Alexander’s) Empire?
The Ptolemies generally allowed Jews this type of rule focused on religious and cultural autonomy.
What is lenient/self-governance (or “according to the laws of their forefathers”)?
The Seleucid king nicknamed “Epiphanes” who ruled 175–164 BC.
Who is Antiochus IV?
The family name of the priest Mattathias and his five sons who sparked the revolt in Modi’in.
What are the Hasmoneans (or Maccabees)?
The "sword" portion of the Hasidim.
Who are the zealots?
These two rival Hellenistic kingdoms fought for control of the strategic land bridge of Judea/Coele-Syria.
What are the Ptolemies (Egypt) and Seleucids (Syria)?
This period of Ptolemaic rule over Judea lasted roughly from 301 BC until this year.
What is 198 BC?
These two opposing Jewish factions divided over the speed and extent of adopting Greek culture.
Who are the Hellenizers and the Hasidim (Pious Ones)?
This son of Mattathias, known as “the Hammer,” led the early guerrilla phase of the revolt.
Who is Judas Maccabeus?
This priestly group would have come from the hellenized priestly tradition that ran the temple in Jerusalem.
Who are the Sadducees?
This title meaning "conqueror" given to the first Seleucid ruler.
What is Nicator?
Under both early Ptolemaic and Seleucid rule, this Jewish position/office continued to function with significant authority.
What is the High Priesthood?
This Zadokite priest bribed Antiochus IV to become High Priest and built a gymnasium in Jerusalem.
Who is Jason (Yeshua)?
This Roman leader intervened in a Hasmonean succession struggle in 63 BC, ending full independence.
Who is Pompey?
The highly devout, highly legalistic "pen" sect that derived from the Hasidim.
Who are the Pharisees?
Judea served as this kind of zone for the Ptolemies, helping protect Egypt from their northern rivals.
What is a buffer zone?
Antiochus III initially continued this general policy toward the Jews after conquering Judea.
What is tolerance (confirmed rights, lowered taxes, supported the Temple)?
This non-Zadokite priest outbid Jason for the High Priesthood and was accused of temple robbery.
Who is Menelaus?
Some Jewish groups (such as the Qumran/Essene community) criticized the Hasmoneans for combining these two offices.
What are the kingly and priestly offices? (or for violating the distinction between a Zadokite priest and Davidic ruler)
Greek title meaning "savior."
What is Soter?
The Seleucid king who defeated the Ptolemies at the Battle of Panium (c. 200/198 BC) and took Judea.
Who is Antiochus III the Great?
Hellenization began gradually in this social group during Ptolemaic times, without forced imposition.
What are the urban elites (or Jerusalem elite)?
The 167 BC desecration of the Temple with a pagan altar (to Zeus) and swine sacrifices is known by this biblical phrase.
What is the Abomination of Desolation?
The Maccabean victory renewed hope for this kind of figure who would purify the Temple and defeat foreign powers.
What is a Messiah (or messianic expectations)?
This group is largely related to the Essenes and is thought to have written the Dead Sea Scrolls.
Who is the Qumran Community?