2/10/11

Hellenistic Jerusalem:

Alexander the Great defeated Persia's King Darius in 333 BCE conquered Palestine in 332 BCE, and after he died, Jerusalem was captured by the Ptolemies (Egyptians) in 320 BCE and by the Seleucids (Syrians) in 201 BCE.  While the Ptolemies gave the city autonomy if they obeyed, the Seleucids began aggressively Hellenizing the Jews, attempting to transform Jerusalem into a "Polis."  Numerous aspects of society were affected.  This Hellenization is seen in the architecture and burial inscriptions, and even the Bible was translated into Greek.  Antiochus IV sold the High Priesthood, and outlawed Jewish religious practices in 167 BCE.  While some Jews welcomed Hellenization, others resisted, and the creation of factions soon lead to revolt.

Hasmonean Jerusalem:

Conservative Jews revolted in what was called the Maccabean Revolt.  By 165/4 BCE, they took control of the city and the Temple and established Hanukkah to celebrate the victory, thus beginning the Hasmonean dynasty.  During this "Golden Age," Jewish self-rule was instituted, and their territory was greatly expanded.  Rulers became increasingly Hellenized, however, and they assumed the offices of High Priest and King, and they grew insensitive to Jewish tradition, and at the same time, forcibly "Judaized" nearby non-Jewish areas.  Wisdom of Sirach 45 redirected the Promise of David and applied it to Priests, and there was great conflict between the Sadducees and Pharisees.  Pompey and the Romans conquered Jerusalem in 63 BCE.