In this essay I aim to examine the roots of Hasmonean rule and observe the relationship between the regime and `Hellenism' (mainly in the political context), and ascertain to what extent Hellenism became an integrated part of the Hasmonean dynasty's mode of governing its state. It is noteworthy to point out that many scholars explain the process of Hellenization as a long and drawn out one, as Lester Grabbe concisely states; "Hellenization was a centuries-long process of synthesis and diversification
Parthians destroyed the Idumaean city of Marisa. Consequently, Herod must have developed a deep-seated animosity toward the Parthians. It is uncertain whether Antipater came from Jewish lineage or if he was “forced to convert to Judaism” after the Hasmoneans invaded his homeland of Edom. Nevertheless, it appears the Idumaeans accepted the Jewish religion “with varying degrees of understanding.” The only reference to Idumea in the New Testament is in Mark where he said some of Jesus followers were
The moon has two sides, the side that is ever illuminated by the sun, and the side we see, and then there is the dark side; forever cast into the shadows, never to see earth, nor be seen by earth. Similar to the moon, humans never merely have one side but are multifaceted. The character Salome has many different sides, and even more that the characters of the play see, though all the characters do see Salome in the moon. Herod originally only sees Salome as a beautiful erotic creature, however when
Section II The City as an independent creature The City today is viewed as a creature of the state. Under this view, the city is created by the state. The national sovereign state either grants the city, its police powers or it delegates their own police power to the city. The problem with this theory is that it ignores history. The cities of Jerusalem, Warsaw, and Berlin are all older than their national sovereign state. All three of these cities cannot be creatures of their respective national
Herod the Great ruled in Israel after he was appointed by Romans in 37-4 BC to rule over the area. While Herod ruled he accomplished many things such as building many fortresses, aqueducts, theatres, and other public buildings. Also during his rule he raised the prosperity of his land and he created a better life for most Israelite during most of his rule. However in his later years Herod became a more strict and harsh leader to the Israelites. In the New Testament, he is shown as a tyrant and a
separate and distinct regions, the city was stripped of all claims to political preeminence, as its territory was drastically reduced. Soon after, however, the city began to regain its prominent position. After a period of transition, during which the Hasmonean dynasty was effectively eliminated and the family of Antipater and his son Herod assumed full control of the city, Jerusalem entered an era of relative stability and calm. Jerusalem's prestige peaked under Herod and in the generations following his
till 63 B.C. During this time period the Pharisees and Sadducees began to grow in power and authority. (5) Salome Alexandra became the first queen of the Hasmonean Empire and ruled after her husband died. She ruled from 76B.C. till 67 B.C. (5). The Jewish people had religious freedom under her rule, as the Pharisees had a great relationship with her as Queen. She believed in separation of religion from state
Sepphoris using archaeological evidence. Artifacts with Persian and Babylonian symbols indicate Sepphoris was likely a garrison town on the Jewish route from Babylonian exile. Excavations date a fort to the Seleucid dynasty and later to the Jewish Hasmoneans around 100 B.C.E. Herod the Great built up Sepphoris after the Romans gave him control of the region. Following Herod’s death, there was a small Jewish revolt in 4 B.C.E. which led to burning the city. Herod Antipas controlled Galilee following
Macedonian generals. The Jews were peaceful and tried to fit in more with the Greeks to avoid confrontation through this time. Ultimately when the Greeks pushed it too far and destroyed the temple the Hasmonean family led a revolt that bought independence back to the Jews. This period is referred to as the Hasmonean Dynasty. In response to this change of priesthood, the Jewish people reorganized themselves into three major philosophies; the Sadducees, the Pharisees, and the Essenes. When the shift went to
consideration. It goes through the major events leading up to CE (Common Era-Christian Era) which consist of four periods. Powell notes the empires that take control over the Jewish people and their land: the Persian period, the Hellenistic period, the Hasmonean period, and the Roman period (18). Then it slides into the CE addressing the people of Palestine. One cannot fully comprehend the New Testament without looking at the historical elements of that time. The Christian, the Jewish, and the Roman world
Tragedy in Jewish History The Jews are a people with a multitude of dilemmas. From the Israelite tribes to the prosperous modern day Israel , bigotry towards the Jews has been greatly evident. The Jewish race has acted as Escape Goat for many crisis throughout history including the black plague which swept across Europe in the 14th century. The establishment of Israel was a great incident was something the Jewish people were striving to obtain for generations. This, however, led to
Judean (or an Ioudaios in Greek), but rather identified himself as an Israelite from the tribe of Benjamin and as a former Pharisee (Philippians 3:5). The Pharisees were one of the four major political parties that came into to being after the Hasmoneans claimed the position of High Priest, around 150 BCE. They were the largest party and had great influence over the Ioudaioi on issues of religion; they accepted the Tanakh and oral Torah as necessities to be followed (H 301). In addition to being
The Gospels of Jesus are a huge part of the religion of Christianity. The Gospels are summaries of who Jesus is and what he accomplished. There are four Gospels; The Gospel of Mark, The Gospel of Matthew, The Gospel of Luke, and The Gospel of John. The Gospels recount the stories of Jesus and they give us a unique perspective of his life. The Gospels are trying to convey a message about Jesus and to have everyone think of them as a kind of preaching. The Gospels of Mark, Matthew and Luke are called
Although the Hellenistic Era started with the death of Alexander the Great in 323BCE it is important to explore its beginnings. Both Greek and Oriental philosophies greatly influenced the formation of the Hellenistic Age. The spread of Hellenistic culture and its substantial scientific contributions produced an impact on civilization that is still evident today. One of the most important aspects of the thought, culture, and religion during the Hellenistic Era was its impact on the Jewish culture