Greek Period and Roman Period

Question 1

who was Alexander the Great

Answer 1

He was from macedonia which is north of reece. His father conquered Greece and became the king of Greece Alexander his son united all the polisis and took them for war to conquer more land.

Question 2

How do we know from the description of the synagogue that the Jews of Alexandria were rich?

Answer 2

• The Jews built a big synagogue
• They decorated their synagogue with gold

Question 3

How do we know from this Talmudic source that the Jews of Alexandria were also Hellenized?

Answer 3

• They decorated their synagogue with greek poles (collonades)
• The sexton waved a scarf in order to tell the jews when to say “amen” because they were hellenized and did not know the Hebrew language.

Question 4

Septuagint

Answer 4

The Septuagint was the translation of the Torah from Hebrew into the Greek language.

Question 5

What was the “Septuagint”? Explain its name.

Answer 5

It was called the septuagint because legend has it that the text was created by 72 jewish elders (septuagint = 70)

Question 6

Who asked to translate the Torah? From whom did he ask to help him with the Translation?

Answer 6

King Ptolemy asked the Septuagint (created by 72 Jewish elders)

Question 7

The reasons for the outbreak of the Maccabean Revolt

Answer 7

1) Antiochus demanded the Jews become Hellenized.
2) Antiochus appointed priests and this caused damage to the Jewish autonomy
3) Menalaus entered the temple to steal gold
4) Antiochus built an altar to Zeus in the Temple and sacrificed pigs.

Question 8

The immediate cause to the Maccabean revolt:

Answer 8

The Greeks arrived to Modein and ordered the jews to sacrifice to the statue. After Matitiahu killed the greek soldiers, he called the jews to rebel against the greeks.

Question 9

The miracle of Hanukkah in the Talmud

Answer 9

That they found a flask of untouched oil and that it lasted 8 days

Question 10

Kiddush HaShem – Chana and her Seven Sons + the Hassidim that refused to fight on
Shabbath.

Answer 10

Story of Hannah and her Seven sons = All her 7 sons committed Kiddush Hashem in front of her & then she committed suicide

Question 11

Hasmonean dynstasty Jonathan

Answer 11

Years: 160 - 142 BCE

Brother of judah Ha- Mccabee

Developed good relationship with the royal family of syria

The Greek royal family in Syria appointed him as high priest in Judah

Assassinated by the king of Syria

Question 12

Simon hasmoneaum dynasty

Answer 12

Years: 142 - 134 BCE

Brother of judah Ha Macabee

Started as a high priest

Gained independence from the Greeks

Elected as the president by the assembly of the 120 jews

Question 13

John Hyrcan Hasmoneum

Answer 13

Years: 134 - 104 BCE

Son of simon (second generation of hasmoneoms)

Conquered many lands

Forced conversion of Idumeans

Opposed by the Pharisees for forced conversion and policy of conquest

Question 14

Aristobulus

Answer 14

Son of john hyrcanus (third generation of the hasmoneans)

Was hellenized and changed his name from Judah to Aristobulus

Appointed himself as the first king of the hasmoneans

Opposed by the pharisees for being hellenized and for making himself king despite not belonging to the house of david

Question 15

Alexander Yanai

Answer 15

Years: 103 - 76 BCE

Brother of aristobulus

Priest and a king

Conquered many lands

Opposed by the Pharisees for siding with the Sadducees

Supported by the sadducees

On sukkot the Pharisees stoned him with etrogim while he led the sukkot ceremony in the temple (pg 143)

Question 16

Salome Alexandra

Answer 16

Years: 76 - 67 BCE

Wife of alexander Yanai
On his deathbed he advised her to make peace with the Pharisees
During her reign as queen she stopped the conquests and wars therefore, the pharisees changed her name to Shlomizion (peace on zion)
Salome alexander had two sons:

Hyrcanus 2nd - she appointed him as the high priest
Aritsubulus 2nd - Appointed him head of the army

Question 17

Hyrcanus 2nd - she appointed him as the high priest
Aritsubulus 2nd - Appointed him head of the army

Answer 17

Salmone alexanders sons

Question 18

Sadducees

Answer 18

The high class, rich Jews

Were High Priests (Belonged to the family of Zadok)

Believed only the written torah

Hellenized (good relationship with the rulers)

Opposed the revolt

Question 19

Pharisees

Answer 19

Lower/Middle class

Farmers, teachers, and rabbis

Believed in the written AND oral torah

Against Hellenism

Successors of the hasidim

Opposed the revolt against the Romans because they thought that Rome was a strong empire and that the jews can’t win against them, they thought that as long as the jews had autonomy and could study Torah they should not rebel.

Question 20

The criticism of the Pharisees toward the Hasmonean rulers

Answer 20

Opposed the revolt against the Romans because they thought that Rome was a strong empire and that the jews can’t win against them, they thought that as long as the jews had autonomy and could study Torah they should not rebel

Question 21

Alexander the Great,

Answer 21

4th Century BCE - Alexander the Great conquered the Persian Empire. His legacy: The greatest conqueror ever

Question 22

Hellenism

Answer 22

the national character or culture of Greece, especially ancient Greece.

Question 23

Polis

Answer 23

Greek city

Question 24

Maccabean Revolt year

Answer 24

165

Question 25

Maccabean revolt enemy

Answer 25

greeks

Question 26

Reasons for maccabean revolt

Answer 26

Tried to make jews hellenized and worship idols. Appointed high priests. Brought pigs to the temple forcing jews to idol worship

Question 27

Immediate cause for Maccabean revolt

Answer 27

Modiin - antiochus brought the greek statue to modiin

Question 28

Ptolemy

Answer 28

Ptolemy gained control of Egypt, economically the most productive of all alexander’s conquests. His descendants called themselves by his names, the Ptolemies. Both the first Seleucus claimed Palestine as part of their kingdoms. Ptolomy translated the septuagint

Question 29

Seleucus

Answer 29

Selecuus won for himself almost all the lands which Alexander had conquered in Asia. His descendants were called the Seleucids. Both the first Seleucus claimed Palestine as part of their kingdoms.

Question 30

Alexandria

Answer 30

One of the famous Polises that Alexander built was the city of Alexandria in Egypt

Question 31

Septuagint

Answer 31

Translation of the torah into greek by king ptolomy

Question 32

Antiochus

Answer 32

In 168 BCE antiochus became the new king of syria (the seleucid dynasty) He wanted to conquer Egypt, and to take it over from the ptolemy kings. First he had to conquer Judah, which was bordering Egypt. The Greek rules always wanted to spread the Hellenistic culture among the nations which they conquered Antichous was a brutal king, and unlike the ptolemy kings, he tried to force the jews to become hellenized. (no autonomy)

Question 33

Jason

Answer 33

Jason changed the name of Jerusalem to Antiochia and built a large gymnasium where people engaged in sports and other forms of hellenism (ex. Greek clothes, names, speaking in Greek…) Onias was the high priest in judah. Antichous didn't like him because he was against hellenism.

Question 34

Menelaus

Answer 34

Antiochus saw the progress to hellinization was moving fast enough. Menelaus was a radical Hellenistic. Antiochus appointed him because he thought that Jason was not energetic enough.

Question 35

Antiochia

Answer 35

Jason changed the name of Jerusalem to Antiochia and built a large gymnasium where people engaged in sports and other forms of hellenism (ex. Greek clothes, names, speaking in Greek…)

Question 36

Antiochus Decrees,

Answer 36

Antiochus heard about the riots in Jerusalem, and he sent his army to help Menelaus. Not to study torah Not to keep shabbat No circumcision

Question 37

The Books of Maccabees

Answer 37

Matitahu killed the greek soldiers in Modern The maccabees and hassidim fled to the mountains and fought against the greeks The maccabees and the hassidim performed circumcision (against antiochus decrees)

Question 38

Modein

Answer 38

Mattiahu decided to leave jerusalem because he did not want his sons to live in a hellenized city They moved to live into the village of Modein The Greeks arrived to Modein and ordered the jews to sacrifice to the statue. After Matitiahu killed the greek soldiers, he called the jews to rebel against the greeks.

Question 39

Zeus

Answer 39

Antiochus built an altar to Zeus in the Temple and sacrificed pigs.

Question 40

Mattityahu

Answer 40

Matitiahu belonged to a priestly family in Jerusalem He had 5 sons: John, SImon, Judah, Elezar and Jonathan Mattiahu decided to leave jerusalem because he did not want his sons to live in a hellenized city They moved to live into the village of Modein Matitahu killed the greek soldiers in Modern

Question 41

Hassidim

Answer 41

The Hassidim opposed the idea of a new war. They concluded that autonomy and freedom of religion is good enough for them. Judah went out to war without the Hassidim and fell in the battlefield.

Question 42

Guerilla war,

Answer 42

The Maccabees fought a Guerilla warfare. The Greeks had a strong army, well equipped with horses and elephants. However, the Jews had some advantages over them: The Jews were familiar with the geography of their country. The Greeks used heavy amrous and elephants and couldnt make it up on the mountains. The maccabees enjoyed the support of the local population who helped them with supply and information The jews won beacyase they fought for their existence and the continuation of theif nation and their religion. This was the victory of the spirit over the might.

Question 43

Judah the Maccabee,

Answer 43

Leader of the maccabees

Question 44

Apocrypha

Answer 44

Apocrypha (eg. The book of maccabees) in biblical literature, works outside an accepted canon of scripture

Question 45

Chana and her Seven Sons

Answer 45

Chana and her seven sons: There is a famous Midrash about Chana and her 7 sons. The wicked antiochus came to her town and ordered the jews to bow down to the statue. Chanas sons refused To do so, and Anichous killed them one after the other in front of their mother. Antiochus tried to tempt the youngest to bow down by throwing his ring next to the statue and asking the boy to pick it for him. Chana warned him from afar not to do so, and Antiochus killed him as well. Chana jumped from a roof and died. Chana and her 7 sons died on Kiddush Hashem.

Question 46

Kiddush HaShem

Answer 46

Kiddush Hashem = Dying in the name of God

Question 47

Autonomy

Answer 47

Freedom of religion

Question 48

Hyrcanus II,

Answer 48

(son of salome alexandria) Hyrcanus 2nd - she appointed him as the high priest

Question 49

Aristobulus II,

Answer 49

(son of salome alexandria) Aritsubulus 2nd - Appointed him head of the army

Question 50

Idumeans

Answer 50

Jhon Hycran forced the conversion

Question 51

Etrogim (hint : alex)

Answer 51

On sukkot the Pharisees stoned alexander yanai with etrogim while he led the sukkot ceremony in the temple (pg 143)

Question 52

The Roman Conquest of Judah (Pompey)

Answer 52

Pompey was a Roman general who conquered Judea in 63 BCE.

Question 53

Herod the Great (movie)

Answer 53

Herod the Great was a Roman-appointed king of Judea, known for his large-scale construction projects, including expanding the Second Temple in Jerusalem. He is also famous for his cruel rule and the biblical account of ordering the Massacre of the Innocents.

Question 54

Herod’s Temple – Pg. 172

Answer 54

Herod’s Temple refers to the Second Temple in Jerusalem, which Herod the Great expanded and renovated. The temple was an architectural marvel of its time, with its large courtyards and ornate decorations. It was destroyed by the Romans in 70 CE during the Great Revolt, but the Western Wall (Wailing Wall) remains as a significant remnant.

Question 55

The Procurators – Pontius Pilate, Florus

Answer 55

Pontius Pilate: Roman procurator (governor) of Judea from 26–36 CE, most famous for presiding over the trial and crucifixion of Jesus Christ. Florus: Roman procurator of Judea from 64–66 CE, known for his oppressive rule and the role he played in igniting the Great Revolt through his harsh actions against the Jewish people.

Question 56

Essenes

Answer 56

A separatist group who withdrew from society, possibly living in communities like Qumran. They practiced strict religious observance and expected a messianic figure.

Question 57

Zealots

Answer 57

A revolutionary group that sought to expel the Romans from Judea through force, advocating armed rebellion.

Question 58

Pompey

Answer 58

Roman general, conquered Judah in 63 BCE. The conquest marked the beginning of Roman control over Judea. Jerusalem was taken without significant resistance after a siege, and the Hasmonean dynasty was replaced by Roman authority. Pompey entered the Holy of Holies in the Temple of Jerusalem, an act seen as sacrilegious by the Jews. This event led to Judea becoming a Roman province under the governance of a Roman procurator.

Question 59

Herod the Great

Answer 59

He is known for his massive construction projects, including Herod’s Temple (the expansion of the Second Temple in Jerusalem). Despite his power, Herod's reign was marked by cruelty, including the execution of family members, most notably his wife Miriam and sons. The Movie on Herod's life showcases his complex character, his relationship with Rome, and his attempts to solidify his rule through manipulation and construction.

Question 60

Herod’s Temple

Answer 60

Herod’s Temple, also known as the Second Temple, was expanded and renovated by Herod the Great. It was the center of Jewish worship and played a significant role in Jewish culture. The Temple stood until its destruction in 70 CE during the Great Revolt.

Question 61

The Procurators – Pontius Pilate, Florus

Answer 61

procurator = in charge of finances Pontius Pilate (26-36 CE) was a Roman procurator of Judea, most famously known for overseeing the trial of Jesus Christ and ordering his crucifixion. Florus (circa 64-66 CE) was a particularly harsh procurator who instigated uprisings due to his oppressive rule and heavy taxation. The procurators were responsible for Roman governance in Judea and played a key role in the events leading up to the Great Revolt.

Question 62

Pharisees

Answer 62

Pharisees: (poor) A religious group focused on the strict observance of the Law and oral traditions. They were influential among the common people.

Question 63

Sadducees

Answer 63

Wealthy and powerful elite who controlled the Temple and focused on the written Torah. They rejected oral traditions.

Question 64

Essenes

Answer 64

A monastic and apocalyptic group who withdrew from society, living in communal settlements, most famously at Qumran.

Question 65

Zealots

Answer 65

A militant group who sought to expel the Romans through force. They played a significant role in the Great Revolt.

Question 66

The Rebellion Against the Romans – Reason

Answer 66

Roman oppression: Heavy taxation, disrespect for Jewish customs, and Roman interference in religious practices. Economic hardship: High taxes and Roman exploitation. Religious tensions: Disrespect of Jewish religion by Romans and the internal conflict between Jewish sects. Desire for independence: Zealots and other groups wanted to rid Judea of Roman rule and restore Jewish sovereignty.

Question 67

The Great Revolt

Answer 67

Conquest of Galilee: The Romans, under Vespasian, took control of Galilee, defeating Jewish rebels and villages in 67 CE. Conquest of Qumran: The Roman forces also defeated the Jewish rebels at Qumran, where the Dead Sea Scrolls were later discovered. The Siege on Jerusalem: In 70 CE, Titus, son of Vespasian, laid siege to Jerusalem, eventually breaching its walls. Destruction of the Second Temple: The Romans destroyed the Second Temple on the 9th of Av (70 CE), an event commemorated in Jewish tradition as a day of mourning. Masada Falls: The last Jewish stronghold, Masada, fell to the Romans in 73 CE after a prolonged siege.

Question 68

Josephus Flavius

Answer 68

Josephus Flavius, a Jewish historian, documented the events of the Great Revolt in his works, especially in The Jewish War. He initially fought against the Romans but later became a Roman ally and chronicler, providing a detailed account of the siege of Jerusalem and the fall of Masada.

Question 69

Reasons for the Destruction

Answer 69

According to the Talmud: The destruction of the Temple was due to unjustified hatred between Jews (the story of Kamtza and Bar Kamtza), reflecting social strife and internal divisions. According to Josephus Flavius: The destruction was due to the Jewish revolt against Roman oppression, which led to war and the eventual sacking of Jerusalem.

Question 70

Herod the Great

Answer 70

King of Judea under Roman authority, known for his architectural achievements, including the expansion of the Second Temple.

Question 71

Masada

Answer 71

A mountaintop fortress where the final Jewish resistance against Rome occurred.

Question 72

Caesarea

Answer 72

A major port city and Roman administrative center in Judea.