ABSTRACT
This chapter surveys the history of the Jews under Persian and Greek rule and in the Jewish Hasmonaean kingdom. It includes the centuries from the time of Cyrus to the conquest of the Roman general Pompey the Great. Where there are biblical writings (especially for the Persian period) these are considered, but much depends on extra-biblical sources. The important developments in Jewish religion are noted: some of the main characteristics of Judaism already originated in the Persian period, though the Greek period was also important.
