ABSTRACT
. The Maccabean period of the history of the Jews is named from Judas Maccabeus, the first and most illustrious chieftain of that family of Jewish patriots who led the religious revolt in Judea against Antiochus Epiphanes, and who secured for their people religious and political freedom. The beginning of the period, therefore, was coincident with the opening of the struggle in 168 B. c.; its close was in 63 B. c., when the Romans took control in Palestine. The tide of Greek influences which Alexander and his successors brought upon the land of Israel met with earnest opposition on the part of many in the Jewish nation. For a long time before the actual issue came, that opposition could have been quickly crystallized into open and unyielding resistance. The decisive moment, however, was in 168 B. c., when Mattathias, with the war-cry of “Zeal for the Law,” summoned the faithful to stand with him against the Syrians. Brilliant successes carried the movement forward within three years to the completion of its first stage of progress in the rededication of the temple in 165 B. c. Then with political, as well as religious aims, the struggle continued until 142 B. c., when Judea achieved political independence. The whole period, therefore, can be conveniently divided into three parts, — that of gathering power and brilliant aggression, 168–165 B. c.; that of religious freedom, 162–142 B. c.; that of religious freedom and political independence, 142–63 B. c.
