Exam

Question 1

Execration Texts–

Answer 1

1925 CE–pottery bought in Luxor and when they were reassembled they made about 80 different dishes and vases; Inscribed with writing/cursive hieratic . Real writing–mentions names of countries, towns, rulers alleged to be enemies of Egypt. voodoo/sympathetic magic–they took these vessels/wrote on them the town of x, name of ruler, each vessel had one or two names and then you smashed the vessel and thats what should happens to your vessels
Earliest mention of Jerusalem appears here–rushalimum.
Yikran and shashan were princes mentioned of jerusalem

Question 2

Amarna tablets–Armana letters–

Answer 2

you can find clay tablets but not papyrus bc it preserves really well–preserved international correspondence; If it had been in hieroglyphs it wouldve been on papyrus and wouldnt have preserved.
discuss vassals and international scene
Tel amarna is archaeological site
~350 letters in this collection, 6 from Abdi hepa

Question 3

Akhenaten

Answer 3

14c bce–heretic king pharoah Akhenaten moves capital away from Thebes to new town in desert so he could worship sun all day long–Brings father’s and his own international correspondence–babylonian king writing letters “WHY ARE YOU MAKING MY MESSENGER STAND IN SUN ALL DAY”

Question 4

Abdi-Hepa–

Answer 4

prince/king of jerusalem sending letters to pharoah of jerusalem in late bronze age
Jerusalem is city with king and vassal and important enough to communicate with pharoah. One of many canaanite city states–they ask for small petty requests and praise themselves and they impugn motives of neighbors. Egyptian sovereignty in land of israel over bickering vassals

Question 5

Yevusim–

Answer 5

first occupiers of Jerusalem, under King Aravnah? Idea that jerusalem was impregnable so they placed blind and lame statues–mocking. Jerusalem was only vulnerable in north. we don’t know what happened to them.

Question 6

Watershed Moment –

Answer 6

the moment David conquers the Yevusim. Went from provincial canaanite town of some importance and destiny changed to the political and ultimately religious capital for a new nation

Question 7

Yoav–

Answer 7

tunnels thru Gichon spring to conquer, previously impregnable (hence blind and deaf)

Question 8

carbon dating

Answer 8

-we have the same amount of carbon in our bodies but we stop when we die and radioactive carbon begins to die - halflife 5740 years
Cant carbon date stone or pottery but can do anything that was once alive
Olive pits used a lot

Question 9

Ir David–

Answer 9

Ir david (the oldest part of jerusalem) got left out of old city of jerusalem
David’s city. Common practice in ancient near east to make it his city when he conquers it; Ir david rebranding was typical

Question 10

Metzudat Zion, Stepped Stone Structure–

Answer 10

Stepped stone structure excavated long time ago–house is from time of chizkiyahu but the structure itself mustve been holding up an important building. Speculated that it was metzudat tzion fortress. stepped stone structure were integrated into david’s palace (mazar’s theory)

Question 11

Aravnah

Answer 11

The man who owned the land that became the Temple Mount. the raised area that became Kodesh Kodashim was Aravna’s threshing floor

Question 12

Eilat Mazar and Discovery of David’s Palace (?), Large Stone Structure–

Answer 12

From area h kathleen kenyon found this palmette evidence of state govt; Eilat mazar noticed that and put it together with the pasuk bc they were looking in canaanite jerusalem but mazar argues–he went “down” to the fortress–maybe the palace is outside the city and david wouldnt knock down people’s houses to build his palace–found large stone structure, probably David’s palace
Shmuel 2: 8:17–David goes south from his palace to fortress to fight phlishtim

Question 13

Beit haMikdash–

Answer 13

cedar imported from Tyre.
Temple plan is a tripartite (three parts). Standard plan for the times. Three parts are ulam (courtyard), heichal (main room), and the Dvir (Holy of Holies). No archeological evidence of this edifice.
Shlomo’s Temple is innovative. Heichal comes from Sumerian. E.Gal means “great room.” Sumerian to Akkadian and Akkadian to Hebrew. Cubit is a foot and a half. Heichal was 20 cubits wide and 40 cubits long. Main building height is 30 cubits. Temple was 60X20. Ulam has extra space so add 10. No archeological evidence of the structure, but there are archeological parallels. (tayinat (2) and ‘Ain Dara)
reminiscent of halani palaces in turkey and syria

Question 14

tayinat

Answer 14

There is a sight in Turkey called Tel Tayinat. In 1936 they did some excavations by the University of Chicago. They found a palace, and next to the palace, they found a structure very similar to the Temple structure. This temple in Turkey dates after Shlomo’s time. In 2008, they (University of Toronto) went back to Tayinat to dig more, and they found a second Temple on the other side. Dimensions are remarkably similar. Jewish Temple plans are well known throughout the east. Temples in the Ancient east were considered homes for deities. When they dug in the “Dvir,” they found gold, bronze, iron, libation vessels, foil, and more. Even more found. They found Cuneiform tablets. Cuneiform was invented by the Sumerians (Iraq) (used 2000 before Shlomo’s time). The Sumerians die out and the common language becomes Akkadian. They wrote on clay tablets. Size of someone’s hand (a little bigger). Tablets were found in the Holy of Holies. The luchot. Parallels! It was an appropriate place to put them. The ones at Tayinat are vassals treaties. Treaties outlined the responsibilities (and if they don’t do their job) of the vassals. Found basalt column base.

Question 15

Ain Dara

Answer 15

Another archaeological parallel is at ‘Ain Dara (from the same time of Shlomo), not far from Tayinat. Excavated in the 80s. Decorative motifs very similar to the Temple. There are feet carved into stone. If one compares their layouts, we can see similarities. All have pillars. All tripartite.
Located in south west Syria, Temple is from the 10th century — same as Shlomo Ha’Melech. Had steps approaching platform. Flanked by two columns. In the courtyard had a large stone basin like in Shlomo’s. They had cherub structures. 3ft Long Footprints in stone leading to the temple. Expansion of Jerusalem

Question 16

Water Gate/Layout and Activities

Answer 16

Northern entrance to city was a commercial area. Meetings, trades, announcements, prophets. Storage rooms. There were outer and inner gate houses. Cistern outside the gate. The outer gate also had a projecting tower, this gate we know today. Gates were the hub of activity, where people congregate.
Gates had 3 parts:
Outer-gate house (some chambers there, also had a road that led into the gate)
Watergate complex (open area within gate complex)
Inner-gate house (leads into the city itself)

Question 17

Topography of Jerusalem

Answer 17

Jerusalem (unlike big cities) isn’t by water, or trade routes. It’s 9 acres and is known as Central Hills/Hill Country area.
Jerusalem’s only water source is in Ir David, the Gichon and cities were built on hills nearby (old city) the water source.
Not built to sustain many people.
Jerusalem was often attacked from the north because that’s the only place where you can get the high ground.

Question 18

Rechavam

Answer 18

Son of Shlomo, in his time civil war and Israel splits away under Yeravam ben Nevat.
Still building so labor tax. People want him to stop the tax, but he didn’t. People appointed Yeruvam, (not from the Davidic line). Kingdom split north and south. Yeruvam’s North= Kingdom of Israel (capital Shomron). Rechavam South=Kingdom of Judah (Jerusalem.) The north tribe had 2 mini temples (in place of the Temple in Jerusalem.) in Don and Beit El (at the 2 ends of the new Israel kingdom). Jews weren’t attached to Jerusalem as the spiritual center, bc BHMK wasn’t around for long enough. Jerusalem/Judah/South lost power and got poor because it borders no one. Judah/Israel/North got power and rich because they bordered countries so trade. The 2 kingdoms had war for 50 years until mutual enemy - Aram.

Question 19

Atalia

Answer 19

She is an Israelite princess who marries the Judahite prince Jehoram(not the one who becomes king) When Jehoram dies, he is succeeded by his son Ahaziah and when he dies she takes over. She tries killing all her grandchildren.

Question 20

Assyrian Approach to Conquest and Empire:

Answer 20

Assyrians were builders. Used transmigration, when they conquered a city- deport people all over Assyria to build it. They aim for world domination and conquer Judah and Israel. They speak and write acadian. They turn the conquered states into a vassal (puppet king: if the king will not cooperate , put someone else. Doesn’t usually last long.) or a province, and set up their own ruler. Assyrian governor that will rule. Goes from: vassal - puppet king - vassal.
Assyrian imperial policy make people dependent on state take away external ties and rely on state for survival/take away their resources/farmland

Question 21

Yeshayahu’s advice

Answer 21

The Navi Yeshayahu advises Chizkiyahu. Chizkiyahu wants to rebel. Why? Doesn’t like paying taxes. Why collect money and send it to the enemy? He is a vassal. Wants political independence. Stops paying tribute and attacks. Advised by Yeshayahu to rebel

Question 22

Senchariv

Answer 22

Sencheriv was the Assyrian king who wrote on prisms that were found in Nineveh. Writings on the prisms were about the siege and that he conquered many cities and he was successful, and after Jerusalem, he was going to go to Egypt.

Question 23

Growth under Chizkiyahu

Answer 23

Everyone knows what Assyrians do to people. Jerusalem will now become a big city. Israel brings technological know-how. Getting refugees from Israel as Assyria attacks them whose practice is more syncretistic (two religious traditions blended).
During the times of Chizkiyahu Jerusalem expanded. The refugees from the north fill it in.
Chizkiyahu centralizes Jerusalem as the place of worship. Purify Judaism from idolatrous elements. Religious reforms. Israel goes through 100 years of economic growth. Growing. Trading.

Question 24

Siege of Jerusalem/preparations

Answer 24

Yeshayahu HaNavi influences Chizkiyahu religiously. Yeshayahu enforces no idols and to celeb He tells C to rebel and not be a vassal to Ashur. C knows that if he does this he has to prepare for a siege in 3 ways.

1. makes sure there’s enough food. Food stored in jars, such storage jars were found with “Lemelech Seals”, seals with a sun disc, beetle, and a city listed on them.
2. He builds a second wall around the wall that is already there. Everyone helps build the wall bc they know they’re at risk.
3. He diverts the water source from the Gichon not only bc it’s in an inconvenient area but also from the Assyrians. The diversion of water was greatest technological advance of all time, it was diverted 2 feet uphill! (DOWNHILL, the tunnel used gravity to divert water, the amazing part was that it worked with only a 2 foot change in height over a long distance–⅓ mile)

Question 25

Broad wall

Answer 25

Broad wall remains in the Old City found from Chizkiyahu’s time. Founded after 1967. Uncovered a huge portion of the wall.

Question 26

LMLK seals

Answer 26

Found some “Lemelech” seals. If one is making a siege, they need food and water (able to get water easily). Created a system for storing food. State sponsored storage vessels. Found at least 2,000 of these stamps for the siege. Names of four cities on it. Each vessel (storage jars) typically weighed around 50-80 pounds. Likely only one strong guy would lift it. Probably buried them in the ground to stay cool (and because they can’t stand on their own). That was the first thing Chizkiyahu did, gather provisions.

Question 27

Conclusion of siege

Answer 27

The conclusion of the siege is that Sencheiruv couldn’t conquer the city, and Chizkiyahu had to pay a fine. But when they conquered the north (Israel), refugees fled to Judah, so Jerusalem expands 4-5x and becomes a big city. These immigrants come with a lot of knowhow, but they religiously practice Syncretism which will affect others. Chizkiyahu made reforms disallowing idols. He broke the serpent from Moshe, getting rid of syncretistic elements that refugees brought to Jerusalem.

Question 28

Water tunnels

Answer 28

``` Chizkiyahu made a tunnel from the Gichon spring (down the slope, Kidron) to the Silwan pool (lower part, Central) (incredible engineering feat.) Goes by Ir David. Built completely underground (couldn’t really see where they were building). Gravity transports the water. About a third of a mile. Change of elevation from the spring to the pool. Done by a team of two. One team started at the pool, the other at the spring, they worked toward each other. If you touch the wall, you can feel the difference of the chisel marks. We know this because of an inscription they found inside. Had to carve niches where they could put their lamps (no natural light). Chizkiyahu’s numbers. Date of Construction: 701 BCE Length: 1,750 feet (⅓ mile) Direct Distance: About 1,000 feet Entrance: Gichon Spring ``` The inscription is by the exit of the Silwan Pool. Founded in 1909 by the Parker expedition. Ktav Ivri. The original was cut out by the Ottomans and is in Istanbul. Goal was to divert the waters so the Assyrians could not have access to it. Concealed the entrance to the water. Area of water is inconvenient. Central Valley was more convenient. Inscription was written by an engineer. Literacy is higher than it was in Egypt and Mesopotamia (if an engineer can write). Recounts the exciting moment when the tunnel was completed.

Question 29

Yoshiyahu religious reforms

Answer 29

Religious reform: pillar figurines, horse with sun disc Yoshiyahu collected Pillar Figurines from people and buried them in Favissae - sacred burial pits. They were female figurines made of clay with breasts. These common household rituals; said to be figurines of fertility, or lactation because of breasts - hoping to help kids reach 5 years (They were not thought to be idols because made of cheap material?) Also thought to be an Assyrian figurine, as the molds have Phoenician influence. Horse with sun-disc: Yoshiyahu collected horse sundisk idols that the kingis of Judah set up in front of the Bet Hamikash in the honor of the sun. They were found in a second sacred burial pit.

Question 30

Yoshiyahu's story

Answer 30

In 625 Bavel threw off the yoke of Ashur. Ashur has no more control over Bavel. Bvael becomes independent. Same time as Yoshiyahu. Yoshiyahu knows Assyria is weakening. Yoshiyahu expands his territory (pushes up north). Very successful king. In 622 he began to repair the Temple. During the renovation is when the scroll is found by the Cohen Gadol. Yoshiyahu reads the scroll out loud to the people and he initiates reforms (whatever Menashe did he removed/overturned it). Gets rid of bad things that Menashe did. Burns Baal. Abolishes rural shrines. Expands Judah up to the kingdom of Israel (expands northward). Destroys the shrines of Beit-El and Shomron. Expanding and becoming more frum. Reinstates Pesach. Reigns for 31 years (started at eight years old). Same time while Assyria is declining while Bavel is rising. In 612 Bvael conquered Ashur. Yoshiyahu does not know Bavel (knows Ashur). Yoshiyahu had this passion against Egypt because of something he read in the Torah scroll they just found. Didn’t want them to control. Feared that if Egypt defeated Bavel, that Israel would come under Egyptian control (meaning slaves). Yoshiyahu was able to expand because Assyria was weak. Yoshiyahu confronts Pharaoh Neco at Megiddo. who is on his way to fight the Bablyonias (the way to get there was through Israel). Yoshiyahu gets strong feelings. Yoshiyahu did not want to become slaves again. Yoshiyahu is killed by Pharaoh Neco.

Question 31

Ketef Hinnom

Answer 31

There was a need for a new burial ground for people. He made a burial chamber in Ketef Hinnom, which was able to fit many people in one chamber. (Each family would have their own burial chamber and there would be dead people laid out, unburied, on top, and underneath there would a repository with good like pottery and jewelry. After the dead bodies were dead for a long time and decomposed, their bones would be placed in the repository and a new dead body would be put in its place, on top of the repository). Sometimes tombs were robbed of its grave goods. Around 1,000 objects were found inside, including 2 silver amulets (which contained Birchas Kohanim written on it)- first old copy of biblical texts. Amidst all this, they found thin layers of silver foil that were rolled with a hole in the middle to be worn as necklaces. Found two silver amulets rolled to be hung by a string around the neck. One was found 7cm above the floor (far down). Second one was found while sifting. Ketef Chinnom amulets. Both embedded in pottery from the 6th/7th centuries. Read them. Ktav Ivri. First one is 27X97ml. First one has part of the blessing of Birkat HaCohanim. Second one is smaller (half an inchX1/2 inch). It says the blessing of Birkat Cohanim! Some people wear silver necklaces with this bracha today! This is the oldest existing copy/writing of anything written in the Torah.

Question 32

Nevuchadnezzar/ Destruction of Jerusalem

Answer 32

Nebuchadnetzar attacked Jerusalem from the north. From the northwest corner. All enemies come from the north. Weakest spot because there are no natural defenses. Herod will address this problem. The Babylonians made a breach in the wall big enough to let them in, and then they went in and destroyed it. After the Temple is destroyed, its game over. In the ancient Near East, once two groups went to war, if one temple fell, then their leader lost, and the winners would take the temple vessels. Babylonians also destroyed the Philistines and deported them. They adapted to their religion. Their religion was dead. Jews think differently. G-d is punishing us, and He is using the Babylonains as His agent. Yehudah now becomes a vassal to Bavel, but it's not much. Population declines to about 90%. 10% of them stay. Lots of Babylonian arrowheads were found in Jerusalem. Iron arrowheads. Big finds. Hard to find ancient iron, because it doesn’t preserve. Eventually the Babylonians destroy the whole city. Remains of rooms that were burnt on the easrten slope. They never reoccupied the slopes after.

Question 33

Babylonian approach to conquest

Answer 33

Babylonian conquest resulted in mass deportations of the elite to Bavel so that the capital would grow, destroying every region they conquered. The Babylonians conquered and ended the Assyrian rule; so Jerusalem becomes a vassal to Bavel. They allow the people they exile to keep the lifestyle they lived, encouraging them to contribute to society and make it succeed. Babylonian empire lasts 65 years. Babylonians come as destroyers, not conquers.

Question 34

Yirmiyahu's perspective

Answer 34

Once disaster strikes, after Yirmiyahu predicted this situation, and told them not to rebel, he becomes the comforter. Yirmiyahu makes it clear, “We can serve G-d from an alien land.” You can be a Jew without living in Yehudah and without a Temple. This was not heard of before. Yimriyahu says to go plant and settle. Also, “no one will miss the Aron. It's gone. One day the exiles will return.”

Question 35

Lachish letters

Answer 35

Writings on pottery in Lachish that date to this time. Lachish was the 2nd to last city to fall to the Babylonians (Jerusalem was last). These letters had pictures of fire, portraying the destruction. One had a warning that something was coming, and another mentions a prophet (Yirmiyahu), who was discouraging people. From this Time Period, they found a piece of pottery called an ostracon (poetry pieces that were broken, and they save the flatter pieces as paper). The ostracon was found in Lachish (second most important city after Jerusalem). Sancherib destroyed it in 701. Lots of destruction. Babylonians attack in again. This ostracon has 21 letters. On letter number four it says, ‘we no longer see Azika.’ Saying the man saw that Azika is destroyed. Also says that a prophet was discouraging them. Yirmiyahu. ‘He is discouraging the soldiers.’ Lachish falls.

Question 36

Yehoyakim

Answer 36

Yehoyakim: Yoshiyahu killed, his brother Yehoyakim became king of Judah by Pharoah Neco. But when Babylon besieged Jerusalem, Yehoyakim dies. He was a fan of Yirmiyahu.

Question 37

Yehoyachin:

Answer 37

Yehoyakim’s son who took over kingship of Judah, but when the Babylonians invade Jerusalem, he was captured and deported with everyone else. Ruled for short. Documents were found in Bavel that King Yeoyachin of Judah and his 5 sons, 5 years after he was deported to Bavel - this shows us that he did not suffer, he was allowed to keep his title, wives, children, and was supported in Bavel.

Question 38

Zedekiah:

Answer 38

King of Judah after Yehoyachin by Babylonians. Yehoyachin’s uncle. He rebelled Nebuchadnezzer although Yirmiyahu warned that Bavel would destroy Jerusalem, and they shouldn’t have war. Yirmiyahu was captured by Zidkiyah, because he was discouraging troops from fighting. He stayed there until Babylonia destroyed Jerusalem, and freed him. Zidkiyahu tried to flee but was captured by the Babylonians and they killed his sons in front of him, blinded and exiled him.

Question 39

Mitzpeh

Answer 39

Jerusalem is uninhabitable. Settlements north of Jerusalem. Mitzpeh grows--The city in which Gedalya lived. It became the center of refuge for the Jews. The walls were strengthened there. They just wanted to survive.

Question 40

Gedalya

Answer 40

Babylonians put Gedalyah as governor. Gedalyah tries to establish autonomy. Yirmiyahu is for him. The people or not, He is not from the Davidic line. Yishmael from the Davidic line kills him. The people flee to the north and south.

Question 41

City of Babylon

Answer 41

Once the Jews get to Bavel, they are no longer persecuted. Many settle to the south of Bavel and resume their lives. Part of the multicultural empire. Yehoyachin is in the court. Documents find around 579. Found a document that talked about supplying oil for Yehoyachin! Found a vaulted chamber, maybe the hanging gardens? What is Bavel like when they get there? Bavel is magnificent. An incredible city. Built by Nebuchadnetzar. 50-60 miles south of Baghdad. Cover at least 200 acres. Two sets of walls. Moat. Canals. Bridges. Gateway. Palaces. Ziggurats. Temples. Cheaper to ship than go through land, because it was cheaper and more stuff could be sent at a time by sea. Ishtar Gate. City has around 55 temples. Polytheistic society. Each leader needs their home. They speak Aramaic (easy language for Judaites to understand). Jew began to settle.

Question 42

Al lahudu

Answer 42

Tell al-lahudu Tablets. Cuneiform. From the times of Nebuchadnetzar and 100 years later. About 100 of these. Currently in Israel. Tells us Jews are participating in the legal world of Bavel (voluntarily). Pocket sized. More of a rural area. Since each tablet is dated (and we can tell its date), we learn that none of the tablets were written on Shabbat or yontif! Some things the tablets say. Name of a Jeiwsh town. Identified by their defeated kingdom. Do not consider themselves immigrants, but as deportees. They don’t plan to stay. Jewish names listed (names with G-d’s Name in it ex: Daniel). Many of these names are identified. Not halachic texts. How do we know what life was like in Bavel for Jews? Yechezkel lived there. The tablets tell us. Some gave children Babylonian names. Some gave children Jewish names (first time as a tradition).

Question 43

Cyrus

Answer 43

Cyrus: ambitious Persian king who conquered the Babylonian Empire. The Persian empire was a very diverse, strong and prosperous empire. Multi-ethnic empire. Cyrus on the maternal side is the grandson of the king of Madai (Media). He rebels against his grandfather (for power). Then becomes king of Persia and Madai (unites them). Then attacks Bavel. Integrates the Persian tribes. Persians rode on horses. Before that were chariots.

Question 44

Cyrus Cylinder (AKA Edict of Cyrus) :

Answer 44

A tablet written by Cyrus in cuneiform telling all the exiles/blanket invitation that they're allowed to go back to where they came from and rebuild their temples. (marking restoration of Judah) He earned the gratitude of his subjects and believed he would earn divine favor from all the gods as well, because of this. He gives back the loot from the Temple to the Jews so they can rebuild. He encouraged difference among people. He did not impose Persian language. The language of this text parallels what is written in Ezra.

Question 45

1st wave

Answer 45

Cyrus's first returnees. Sheshbazzar is shocked when he gets to Jerusalem, because it was completely desolate. A small amount of people join him - around 2500-3000 people. They also had a difficult time because life was better in Bavel and the remnants were not happy to see them. The experience of exile affected the community, so there was a clear separation. The remnants and samaritans were down to help rebuild the Temple, but for the incomers, there was now a lot more to Judaism than just rebuilding the Temple. They did not approve of intermarriage, or building on holidays which the remnants did. Therefore, tried to obstruct the building. Many Jews left Jerusalem and settled in other settlements around the area where they would be more comfortable. Cyrus falls in battle in 530.

Question 46

Darius I

Answer 46

Annexes Hodu, organized the empire by dividing it up into provinces and appointed a governor for each one. Jews were given religious autonomy under Cyrus and Darius, but not political freedom,. He connected roads, made sure they were safe, set up system of taxation, and introduced monetary unit - Daric coins. Coins really take off during Persian period. He makes about 20 satraps (small provinces) Jerusalem was given the opportunity to mint coins

Question 47

Zerubbabel

Answer 47

He was the grandson of the last king of Judah. He led the 2nd wave to Jerusalem. He bought Phoenician wood and hired people to build the Temple (515) and rededicated the altar on Mt. Moriah. We don't know what happened to him at the end of his life, he just disappeared.

Question 48

Haggai + Malachi-

Answer 48

-How is it that ur sitting comfy in ur houses after i exiled u while bhmk is desolate. He takes these 2 guys and they go back to jerusalem and build.515 bce--bhmk rededicated

Question 49

Samaritans

Answer 49

Local samaritans wanted to now join in on this sacred mission, and offered to help, but the returned Jews now practiced a different Judaism and did not accept them. The Persian governor stopped the building in Jerusalem and it is said that this is because the locals bribed him to. King Darius made a decree to allow the Jews to rebuild the Temple. After the Temple was rededicated, the Jews celebrate Pesach for the 1st time since the exile, the elders were overcome with tears, it was a fabulous moment. Nechemiah closes the fish gate on Shabbat (Stores. so they can’t violate Shabbat). Some follow, and some will not follow this new plan (Samaritans and some am Haaretz (people who never left)). The Samaritans move up north. They move to Har Gerizim and they build their own temple. Later on a Roman temple was built above it. Temple is destroyed during the Hasmonean Period and forgotten. Samaritans didn’t know there was a temple there until archeologists and records told them.

Question 50

Xerxes

Answer 50

Son of Darius. He is said to be the king who is Achashverosh, because he had a personality that really enjoyed partying and having a good time. Jews tried rebuilding walls but he stopped it and called it an act of rebellion. Xerxes I rule starts when Socrates is born. Xerxes I was fighting a lot. In Judah Jews were doing well. People saw it as a rebellion that the Jews were rebuilding. So the work was stopped. The Persians find in their archives the Edict of Cyrus, saying they can rebuild their walls. Then they continued working. Xerxes I had a big personality. His son Aratxeres I takes over. Did not formulate a single law code for the empire. Wanted the people to be happy. Wanted support. Didn't want rebellion.

Question 51

3rd wave (445)

Answer 51

Artaxerxes I --Darius 1 grandson (Xerxes 1 son). He appoints Nechemia for a high status position. He allowed and supported Nehemiah's return to Jerusalem

Question 52

Nehemiah

Answer 52

Re-building of City Walls Was upset that the walls of Jerusalem have not been rebuilt yet, as that implies that it isn’t a functional city. He develops a plan for the architecture and gets people to help rebuild the wall by the Persian king, Artaxerxes I. (and it was gonna be HUGE). He forces people to verbally accept the keeping of the Torah, no intermarriage, and Shabbat, and he closed the fish gates on Shabbat. This acceptance of observance was forced, but it needed to be, or no one was going to keep anything. Jerusalem at this time was tiny (only a little larger than David’s Jerusalem), and people lived there against their desires. He pretty much turned the city into a real, functioning city.

Question 53

4th Wave (398)

Answer 53

Ezra? During time of Artaxerxes II? Ezra’s return is around 458. To create one standard for the Jews as a whole. Artaxerxes II sends him to Jerusalem to survey where the situation religious-wise. Why would he send him? If you want a stable yehud, you need a stable B’H. And had to make sure it was comparable. We give full credit to Ezra for developing the relationship between the persian legal system and the Jews. The jewish community from the perspective of Artaxerxes II is that they are good citizens, it is stable, did not care about their religion. Sees that this system is working in Bavel, so he sends him to judah to create this as well. There is religious autonomy for the jew- jews are bound by jewish law. The community has jewish autonomy, but the individual does not. Cannot be a secular jew at this time- it’s a modern concept. Religious center is in Jerusalem. A jew= someone who follows jewish law. It is all about instructing jews about the law/ and following it. Ezra bring an over-arching unity= judah and persia have the same laws. First temple judaism is dead.

Question 54

Jerusalem as temple-city (Ezra's spiritual mission and the results)

Answer 54

He (EZRA) also had a close relationship to the Persian elite king, Artaxerxes II. He was on a spiritual mission, He wanted to have more of a Jewish judge system enforced. Enforces intermarriages to break up, gets people to observe Sukkot. Second Temple Judaism looks very different than 1st Temple Judaism. It was Rabbinical, following Jewish law, not just if you lived in Israel or not. The community had religious autonomy, but individuals did not. And for over 2,000 years it remained.

Question 55

State of yehud

Answer 55

As the Persians would lose control over provinces, the Jews developed their own sort of independent state: Yehud. The state revolved around the Temple, was ruled by Torah law and governed by cohanim who were descendants of Zadok.

Question 56

yehud coins

Answer 56

Yehuda coins that expressed nationalism. Meaningful things were put on the coins such as eagles and lily’s. These ideas were borrowed from Athenian and Phoenician coins. They were small denominations and dealt with daily transactions

Question 57

Elephantine

Answer 57

There was a Jewish army in the Elephantine island in Egypt (possibly since Assyrian times). Letters and documents found (marriage, manumiation (slave becoming free)...). Aramaic and written on papyrus (rare). Shilahs and Shuvas (Q and As). Elephantine is the Greek translation of Yeb, elephants. Also elephant ivory was distributed from here. Found wood. Rare, since the area is dry. Scribes pallet (with reeds). Papyrus letters sent to Jerusalem. According to these, women could inherit property and could not get divorce without their permission. Ktav ashuri. Letters are dated (end of 5th century). The Passover Letter.

Question 58

Alexander the Great

Answer 58

beginning of hellenistic pd. Battle of issus river--Alex the great wearing medusa on his chest Greeks come in after persians, let the jews follow jewish law Jerusalem conquered 6x during time pd jews perspective some was Hellenism v threatening and some want to keep it at bay Hellenism was generally times of prosperity death leads to ptolemy vs seleucid

Question 59

Ptolemies

Answer 59

first sect after AtG, builds polis

Question 60

Greek life in Jerusalem--

Answer 60

all greek cities shared common public buildings in which civic life was structured (sep of church/state but also charter of 200) More important included acropolis (high pt) agora (market) bouleuterion (council of citizens) gymnasium temple and theater Agora, Stoa Jews would give their kids rudimentary greek edu and greek names

Question 61

Tobiads-

Answer 61

Joseph Tobiad was a tax collector (first Jewish banker). Tobiad family back greek faction ptolemies. (not oniads, who back seleucids.)

Question 62

Oniads

Answer 62

Oniads (from onias the kohen gadol) aligned with greek faction seleucids

Question 63

seleucid leader

Answer 63

(different) antiochus

Question 64

Charter of 200-

Answer 64

stated that the Torah remains the law of the land under seleucids

Question 65

Gymnasium-

Answer 65

a school and physical training

Question 66

stoa

Answer 66

formed edge of agora, long building with columns that had shops w expensive

Question 67

agora

Answer 67

Marketplace and meeting place Large rectangular space surrounded by buildings Platforms altars and statues of gods, sportsmen, political figures

Question 68

Akra

Answer 68

The Akra was a military citadel built by Antioch to supervise the city of Jerusalem. Housed soldiers and the very hellenized Jews. A tipping point for non-hellenized Jews as they felt the Temple was now under literal supervision. But still, charter of 200--Women and tamay men stayed outside bhmk...

Question 69

Where was the akra?

Answer 69

Running theories: 1. It was in the Givati parking lot- disputed because thats geographically lower than the Temple Mount and the purpose was to supervise. 2. Across from the Temple Mount as a building full of weaponry dated to this time period was found 3. The fave: supported by Leen Rittenmeyer: along the southern wall of the Beit Hamikdash. Proof: along the eastern wall there is a sharp seamline of stone. on one side is Hellenistic stone and on the other is Herodian stone. The temple mount was expanded in the Hasmonean period to the south, Potentially to bury the Akra. Think of it this way, the temple mount was expanded and it ate the Akra.

Question 70

rising tensions around BHMK (antiochus)

Answer 70

Antiochus (not chanukah) around 200 BCE suffers defeat owes Rome money and leans on Jerusalem for it Tries to take it from BHMK The idea that he would come in… Anti’s messenger has stroke as hes tryna come in End up paying money but temple isn’t violated Now if someone takes money from BHMK it’ll cause riot

Question 71

Chanukah

Answer 71

Hanukkah commemorates a historical event that took place in Jerusalem in the 2nd century BCE, when the Seleucid Greek empire was the ruling power. In 168 BCE, the king Antiochus IV Epiphanes outlawed Jewish practice and defiled the Jewish Temple in the city by installing an altar to Zeus Olympios and sacrificing pigs. the imposition of hellenization and the akra, menelaus's installation as high priest A small army of Jews, known as the Maccabees, rebelled against this religious persecution. They regained control over the Temple, removed the symbols of Zeus and built a new altar so they could once again offer sacrifices in keeping with Jewish law. These Hellenising Jews were the targets of the Maccabees’ vengeful attacks as much as the Seleucid Greek regime itself.

Question 72

Jason

Answer 72

Jason (onias’s brother) bribes seleucus to become kohen gadol Wants to make jerusalem a polis

Question 73

Menelaus

Answer 73

Jason's time as High Priest was brought to an abrupt end in 171 BCE when he sent Menelaus, the brother of Simon the Benjamite, to deliver money to Antiochus. Menelaus took this opportunity to "outbid" Jason for the priesthood, resulting in Antiochus confirming Menelaus as the High Priest. not descendant of zadok or even a kohen; major hellenizer Bc of menelaus antiochus issues edict, plus imposition of hellenization and the akra-->Biggest religious persecution in history (hanukah)

Question 74

Rome comes to Judah

Answer 74

judah allies with rome seleucid makes jonathan governor of the ethnos and another makes him kohen gadol Pharisees ask pompey to take over and get rid of jewish in chargeness Only want religious autonomy Jerusalem background for warring sects

Question 75

Judah the maccabee

Answer 75

Yehudah and his men fight guerilla warfares. In 164 BCE Antiochis is forced to resign his edict, and Yehudah regains control of Jerusalem. Yehudah refurbishes the Temple. Chanukah is a war of monotheism vs polytheism. The Temple is rededicated on the 25th of Kislev (three years earlier it was in ruins). They come in with etrogim and lulavs. Yehudah makes an alliance with Rome in 161, and lasts for a century.

Question 76

Hyrcanus

Answer 76

Shimon was murdered by his own sons. So his son John Hyrcanus takes over. Jews mint their own coins. He has his own coins. Ktav Ivri. Trumpets. Expresses Jewish identity.

Question 77

Sadducees

Answer 77

Sadducees, Cohanim that are chief supporters of the Chashmonaim and wealthy. They are hellenized and want good relations with pagan neighbors. Very punctilious about working in the Temple. Don’t accept Torah She Be’al Peh. When the Temple is destroyed, their whole reason to exist is gone (meant to work in the Temple) and disappear (led to Karites).

Question 78

Pharisees

Answer 78

Are for the masses. Committed to following the Torah. Also wanted to make things easier for others. Believed in divine plan and free will. Believed in Torah She Be’al Peh (it's where Rabbnic Jews come from) They are anti-Chashmonaim because they should not have been kings or high priests. Believed Jews were better off without political control (religious was enough, political was corrupt). Supported Herod over Chashmonaim.

Question 79

Essenes

Answer 79

Associated with the Dead Sea Scrolls. Saw the Temple as corrupt with its Cohanim. Many manuscripts that come from them. Pious in a particular way.

Question 80

Alexander Yannai, Salome

Answer 80

Alexander is aloof. Not so welcoming. Jerusalem is a tinderbox. Doesn’t get along with the people. People pelted him with etrogs. Aware that his rule is not popular. On his deathbed, he makes his wife ShlomTzion the next heir. He has sons, but no. He knew that she had the good in her to lead. Coins of Alexander Janneus (Yannai). Anchor on some. Involved with ports. Jews now have ports (Jaffa, Ashdod, Gaza…) Has Hebrew (Ktav Ashuri) and Greek on the other side.

Question 81

Hyrcanus II and Aristobulus II's battle

Answer 81

Shlomtzion has two sons Hyrcanus II and Aristobulus II fight it out for who will be the next king (and priesthood). They turn to outside powers to help them. Will lead to the end. One ally was Antipater (Idumian, a group that converted to Judaism), father of Herod. Served as governor. Supports Hyrcanus II. Both brothers reach out to Rome, specifically Pompey (Julius Caesar will succeed him).

Question 82

Ishtar

Answer 82

goddess of love and war

Question 83

Ishtar gate

Answer 83

Named after Ishtar. Currently in Berlin (rebuilt using the original bricks, reduced in size). Took probably around 40 years to build. Blue with animals (lions, mushushu).This was the major ceremonial entrance. So when the judites came to Bavel, it's most likely they passed through this gate. Gate made out of mud brick. Overtime, mud brick crumbles. A German team to Bavel to excavate at the end of the 19th century. They gathered all the bricks they could find, put them in crates, and shipped them to Berlin. Mound of bricks was around 20 meters high. Filled nearly 800 crates of bricks. Did they leave anything in Bavel? The gate. Foundation level gates (below ground) that are somewhat decorated. Foundations have animals on it, but not glazed. It helped the people of Berlin rebuild the gates. Blue is the color of divinity. Color of night sky, sea, and the abyss, where divine rest. The blue colors change throughout the day based on the lighting (sun). Precessional had lions on them. 60 of them. The lions stride out (faced as if they are leaving). So people are walking to snarling lions. They set it up (unfired), take it down, fired it, then reassembled it.

Question 84

Pompey's involvement and the consequences

Answer 84

Pompey was a general that arrived in Antioch (capital) in 64 BCE. Greeks are gone. Romans conquered them. Pharisees sent a delegation to Pompey, asking him to get rid of Jewish sovereignty (only religious autonomy). Aristobulus II and his men are holding up in the Temple Mount and they burn the bridge that led to it. Hyrcanus II and Antipapter take over the westside of the hill. They invite Rome and his allies. Roman garrison installed in the Chashmonaim palace. Aristobulus II held out for three months. Temple sacrifices continued through this. Roman troops breached Temple Mount in 63 BCE and after Hyrcanus II men came in. 12,000 Jews died.Pompey enters the Temple. Walks through the heichal. The Second Temple has a veil, he peaks inside, closes it, and walks out. Huge violation. He leaves and things go back to normal. Civil war ends in 63 BCE. Pompey stays in Israel. When one offers outside help to come in battle, the outside help stays. That's how the Romans come. Israel is no longer independent, it becomes a vassal to Rome. Hyrcanus II gets rid of political autonomy to stay in power.

Question 85

Hyrcanus II and Aristobulus II's fates

Answer 85

Hyrcanus II is rewarded by becoming the high priest (Cohen Gadol). Aristobulus II is sent to Rome in chains. Aristobulus II escapes Rome and comes back to Jerusalem. He attempts to rebuild the wall. This is seen as a rebellion. He is caught again and is sent back to Rome with his son in 57 BCE.