Periods of Jewish Occupation in The Ancient World

The Persian Period (ca. 537–332 BCE)

CE is an abbreviation meaning “common era”; in academic studies, CE is typically used in place of AD. BCE means, "before common era".

Throughout this time, all of the Jewish people were ruled by high priests. This takes place with little resistance from the Persian kings. The Persian kings of antiquity never set out to eradicate the cultures and towns they gained control of, they simply wanted to make sure they had allies and extra money (in the form of taxes). It was during this time that synagogues were built, and they were seen as significant sites for teaching, and worshiping Adonai.

The Jews increasingly focused on Torah, and it quickly became the cornerstone to their faith. In 586, Nebuchadnezzar captured many of the Jewish people and held them captive in Babylon. This is where we get the phrase Babylonian Captivity from, as they were exiled there until Cyrus the Great allowed them to return and rebuild the Temple many years later.

The Hellenistic Period (ca. 332–167 BCE)

The cities the Jewish people called home transitioned during this period, shifting and integrating into a mix of the Middle Eastern with the Greek cultures.

With the conquests of Alexander the Great, Palestine fell under Greek control. After Alexander’s death in 323 BCE, Palestine was one of the first locations that fell to the Ptolemies. Their power was centered in Egypt (320–198 BCE), and Cleopatra was the final Queen from the Ptolemaic dynasty...as well as being the last pharaoh of Egypt.

Oldest surviving map reflected the Ptolemaic Dynasty, they ruled Egypt and the surrounding areas after the death of Alexander the Great in 323 BCE. He died without naming an heir.

The Seleucids, whose power was centered in Syria (198–167 BCE), were the epitome of a true reign of terror. The Jews were severely persecuted under Antiochus IV Epiphanes, who sought to exterminate their religion by inflicting horrible atrocities upon anyone who professed or practiced Judaism.

The Hasmonean Period (167–63 BCE)

Jewish rebels nicknamed the “Maccabees” (“the hammer”) led a revolt against Antiochus and won independence. Antiochus defiled the Temple by sacrificing a pig on the Altar...among other horrible atrocities. After this transpired, the issues officially started. This led to the Jewish people

The temple was rededicated in an event that would come to be commemorated through the Festival of Hanukkah. There wasn't enough oil to keep the Menorah lit for the amount of time required, and none left to use after the city and Temple were being demolished. The Jews had enough oil for one night, however, it burned for 8 days. (The proper time it would have needed to be lit anyways).

The Maccabees established a Jewish state ruled by the Hasmonean dynasty. Jewish sects, including “Pharisees” and “Sadducees,” emerged at this time. These groups are all distinct factions within the Jewish faith.

The Roman Period (63 BCE–70 CE)

Civil war among the Hasmoneans left the Jewish state ripe for conquest by the growing Roman Empire.

The Roman general Pompey annexed the territory in 63 BCE, and Palestine would remain under Roman rule to the end of the Second Temple period—and beyond.