Greek Domination of Palestine
This Greek leader conquered Palestine as part of a massive empire which stretched as far east as India.
Who was Alexander the Great?
Jewish independence struggled because this key quality never emerged among leaders.
What is strong leadership?
This region in the south was home to Jerusalem and the Temple.
What is Judea?
This empire ruled territories across Europe, North Africa, and the Middle East during Jesus’ time.
What is the Roman Empire?
Many Jews under foreign rule began hoping for an anointed leader sent by God, known by this title.
Who is the Messiah?
Although Greek rulers controlled Palestine, Jews were often allowed freedom in this area of life.
What is religious practice?
This Jewish group focused on helping ordinary people live holy lives by practicing the Law in everyday situations. They were a sort of "middle ground".
Who were the Pharisees?
Jews from this northern region were often looked down upon by others, including fellow Jews. They were seen as second-class because of the region's late acceptance of Judaism.
What is Galilee?
In order to keep order in conquered territories, Roman authorities appointed leaders from this region, though still under Roman rule.
What is the local region?
Many Jews imagined the Messiah primarily as this type of figure.
What is a mighty warrior or military leader?
Jewish independence followed a revolt against Greek rulers who desecrated the Temple.
What is the Maccabean Revolt?
This Jewish group worked closely with Roman authorities and focused on Temple leadership. They were members of the priestly class and were wealthy.
Who were the Sadducees?
This central region was avoided by many Jews traveling between Judea and Galilee. They were considered "enemies" of Jews from Judea as they were not exiled to Babylon previously.
What is Samaria?
Rome appointed this Idumean Jew to rule Israel beginning in 37 BCE. Hint: He was called ______ the _______.
Who was Herod the Great?
Jewish hopes for the Messiah were shaped by memories of freedom under this earlier king, from whose line they believed the Messiah would come from.
Who was King David?
The rededication of the Temple after Greek defeat is celebrated as this festival.
What is Hanukkah?
This Jewish group removed themselves from society in order to more strictly practice religious traditions.
Who were the Essenes?
This southern region was absorbed into Israel and viewed as less loyal due to forced conversion.
What is Idumea?
This position was created after Herod’s son failed, allowing Rome to rule Judea directly through an appointed official. Hint: three different names can be accepted.
What is a Roman prefect/governor/procurator?
Jewish people rejected Jesus partly because they did not expect the Messiah to be this.
What is the divine Son of God?
Jewish disagreement over compromising with Greek culture helped give rise to these later two Jewish social factions.
Who were the Sadducees and Pharisees?
Jewish unity fractured when one family improperly accepted this religious role, traditionally restricted to only certain families from the original 12 tribes.
What is the high priesthood?
Jesus was discriminated against because he was raised in this town located in Galilee.
What is Nazareth?
This Roman procurator ordered the crucifixion of Jesus.
Who was Pontius Pilate?
Christians believe the true liberator came unexpectedly from this region, not from Jerusalem.
What is Galilee?