This paper will discuss 66 CE Revolt in which the Jews attempted to overthrow the Roman Empire. In doing so, the paper will talk about where Judea was before the time of the revolt; the revolt against Antiochus the Syrian leader; the events that lead to the fall of Jerusalem; the Conquering of the Judean Empire and how the Judean civil war played a role in the outcome.

After fifty years of exile in Babylon, a small group of devoted Jews, probably fewer than 50,000, returned to their holy city. They were allowed to do so by the Persian king, Cyrus. He authorized the rebuilding of the Temple in Jerusalem, which was completed in 515 BCE (Fisher, 2002).

The second Temple became the central symbol to a scattered Jewish nation, of which most did not return to Jerusalem from Babylon, which was now their home. A new emphasis on Temple rites developed, with a he

The Revolt Against Antiochus IV Epiphanes

King Antiochus IV made a change that to this day is consider a complex decision, this new King was very wicked although he started very small and as he conquered many cities his power grew. The problem was that as he grew in power his ego grew as well, he pictured himself as a king. It was after a second evasion of Egypt and the false rumor of the king’s death was spread throughout the land. With the spread of the King’s false death many Jews was attacked and killed. Once the word got back to King Antiochus he felt that the land was in rebellion and sat out to apply the new law of the land.

It was doing this time all of the laws that applied to the Jewish worship were taken away. “Jason, Onias' brother, obtained the high-priesthood by corrupt means.52 He petitioned the king and promised him 360 talents in silver coin immediately and 80 talents from future revenues.53 He promised to build a sports-stadium and to arrange for the education of young men. The king agreed and, as soon as he seized the priesthood, Jason made the Jews conform to the Greek way of life.54 Hellenism reached a high point with the introduction of foreign customs.” http://www.csg.net/eschatology/Daniel-8.htm. King Antiochus IV begins by informing everyone that the people of the land would become as one. This meant major changes as stated above, his father King Antiochus III had granted the people the rights of their ancestral worship but, the changes cause the Maccabees Revolt (66 C.E)

Antiochus IV leadership would change the law that applies to Judaism worship. Antiochus IV was not well known or powerful until he begins conquering other cities. The information of Antiochus IV conquest can be found in (The Book of Daniel) which states that “Antiochus IV Epiphanes, who started small, grew in power, conquered Palestine and ultimately committed great atrocities against his subjects the Jews. With initial control over Syria, Antiochus IV expanded toward the south (Egypt) and the east (Asia Minor).” It was doing this time that he made a decision that will cause what is known today as the Machabees Revolt.

This was heartening victory that had a terrible consequence; Many Jews suddenly became convinced that they could not defeat Rome, and Zealots’ ranks grew geometrically. Never again however, did the Jews achieve so decisive victory. When the Romans returned, they had 60,000 heavily armed and highly professional troops. They launched their first attack against the Jewish state’s most radicalized area, the Galilee in the north. The Romans vanquished the Galilee; an estimated 100,000 Jews were killed or sold into slavery.

Some topics in this essay:
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