6.2 Ptolemaic and Seleucid rule

After Alexander the Great's death, his empire split into Hellenistic kingdoms. The Ptolemies ruled Egypt, while the Seleucids controlled the Near East. These empires blended Greek culture with local traditions, creating a new Hellenistic civilization.

Judea, caught between these powers, struggled to maintain its identity. Tensions rose when Seleucid king Antiochus IV banned Jewish practices, sparking the Maccabean Revolt. This uprising reshaped Jewish culture and led to the independent Hasmonean Dynasty.

Hellenistic Empires

Alexander the Great's conquests and the division of his empire

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• Alexander the Great, king of Macedon, conquered vast territories in the Near East and beyond (334-323 BCE)
• After his death, his empire was divided among his generals, leading to the formation of Hellenistic kingdoms
• The major Hellenistic kingdoms were the Ptolemaic Dynasty in Egypt, the Seleucid Empire in the Near East, and the Antigonid Dynasty in Macedon
• These kingdoms blended Greek culture with local traditions, creating a new Hellenistic civilization

Ptolemaic rule in Egypt and its impact on the region

• The Ptolemaic Dynasty, founded by Ptolemy I Soter, ruled Egypt from 305 to 30 BCE
• The Ptolemies made Alexandria their capital, which became a major center of Hellenistic culture and learning (Library of Alexandria)
• They maintained many aspects of traditional Egyptian culture while introducing Greek elements
• The Ptolemies controlled the lucrative trade routes in the eastern Mediterranean and Red Sea, amassing great wealth

Seleucid control of the Near East and the reign of Antiochus IV Epiphanes

• The Seleucid Empire, founded by Seleucus I Nicator, controlled much of the Near East from 312 to 63 BCE
• The Seleucids faced challenges in governing their diverse territories, which included various ethnic and religious groups
• Antiochus IV Epiphanes, who ruled from 175 to 164 BCE, attempted to strengthen Seleucid control over Judea
• His policies, such as the prohibition of Jewish religious practices and the dedication of the Jerusalem Temple to Zeus, led to the Maccabean Revolt

The status of Judea under Hellenistic rule

• Judea, the homeland of the Jews, came under the control of the Ptolemies and later the Seleucids
• The Jewish population in Judea faced the challenge of maintaining their religious and cultural identity under Hellenistic rule
• Some Jews embraced aspects of Hellenistic culture, while others resisted the influence of Hellenization
• The tensions between Hellenistic rulers and the Jewish population in Judea culminated in the Maccabean Revolt

Cultural Influences

The spread of Greek culture through Hellenization

• Hellenization refers to the spread and adoption of Greek culture, language, and customs in the territories conquered by Alexander the Great and ruled by his successors
• Greek became the lingua franca of the Hellenistic world, facilitating communication and cultural exchange (Koine Greek)
• Hellenistic cities featured Greek-style architecture, such as the gymnasium, which served as a center for education and athletics
• Hellenistic art and literature blended Greek and local traditions, creating new forms of expression (Hellenistic sculpture)

Syncretism and the blending of Greek and local traditions

• Syncretism, the merging of different religious and cultural traditions, was a key feature of the Hellenistic period
• Hellenistic rulers often adopted local customs and deities to legitimize their rule and gain the support of their subjects
• Local populations incorporated Greek gods and heroes into their own religious pantheons (Serapis in Egypt)
• Syncretism led to the emergence of new religious and philosophical movements, such as Gnosticism and Neoplatonism

The impact of Hellenistic architecture and urban planning

• Hellenistic cities were designed according to the Hippodamian grid plan, with regular streets and public spaces
• Monumental architecture, such as the Lighthouse of Alexandria and the Colossus of Rhodes, showcased Hellenistic engineering and artistic achievements
• Hellenistic rulers commissioned grand palaces, temples, and public buildings to display their wealth and power (Pergamon Altar)
• The spread of Hellenistic architecture influenced the development of urban centers throughout the Mediterranean world and beyond

Jewish Responses

The significance of the Jerusalem Temple in Jewish life and culture

• The Jerusalem Temple was the central religious institution for the Jewish people, serving as the site of ritual sacrifice and worship
• The Temple was seen as the dwelling place of the divine presence (Shekinah) and the focal point of Jewish religious life
• The high priest, who presided over the Temple ceremonies, was the most important religious and political figure in Jewish society
• The Temple also played a crucial role in the economy of Judea, as it received tithes and offerings from the Jewish population

The Maccabean Revolt and the establishment of the Hasmonean Dynasty

• The Maccabean Revolt (167-160 BCE) was a Jewish uprising against Seleucid rule, sparked by Antiochus IV Epiphanes' religious persecutions
• The revolt was led by Judah Maccabee and his brothers, who succeeded in recapturing Jerusalem and rededicating the Temple (Hanukkah)
• The Maccabees established the Hasmonean Dynasty, which ruled Judea as an independent kingdom from 140 to 37 BCE
• The Hasmoneans expanded Judea's territory and sought to maintain Jewish independence in the face of Hellenistic and later Roman influence

The impact of the Maccabean Revolt on Jewish identity and religious practice

• The Maccabean Revolt strengthened Jewish resistance to Hellenization and reaffirmed the importance of traditional Jewish religious practices
• The revolt led to the development of new Jewish religious and political movements, such as the Pharisees and the Sadducees
• The Hasmonean rulers, particularly John Hyrcanus I and Alexander Jannaeus, faced internal conflicts and challenges to their legitimacy
• The legacy of the Maccabean Revolt and the Hasmonean Dynasty shaped Jewish identity and inspired future Jewish resistance movements against foreign rule (Bar Kokhba Revolt)