Introduction

The most crucial event in the history of Judaea, given its wide-reaching repercussions, was the voluntary approach to Rome for help during the Maccabaean revolt. Judas Maccabaeus could not have foreseen the ultimate tragic consequences of his decision, that Judaea would lose its independence and its temple in Jerusalem. Whether Judaea would have inevitably come under Roman rule without the step of petitioning to become Roman allies is a question in itself. Judas took the risk thinking Rome was a long way from his country, but, in the end, after he had made the request for aid, none came. Judas and his army were left to face the Seleucid army alone and Judas fell in battle.