The Hellenistic Period in Jerusalem began in 333 BCE with the Conquest of Alexander the Great, and lasted until about 167 BCE. There are very few sources (only the Apocrypha and accounts from Josephus, a Roman Historian) that document this era. During Hellenistic Jerusalem, we have archaeological evidence of Alexander's influence and power as his image is engraved on many coins. His conquest lasted from 336 to 323 BCE, capturing Palestine in 332 BCE. In 333 BCE, Alexander defeats the Persian King Darius at the Battle of Issus. Following this landmark battle, he continues to conquer the entire known world at the time, thus, explaining his prominence and reputation. It is during the Hellenistic period, that the High Priest comes to handle both economic and religious duties.
However, with the death of Alexander the Great, comes a division of his kingdom between the Ptolemies from Egypt and the Seleucids from Syria. The Ptolemies capture Jerusalem in 320 BC and rule until they are taken out by the Seleucids in 201 BCE. Under their leadership, Jerusalem is allowed autonomy, and they are given the chance to choose their own High Priest. However, when Antiochus III defeats Ptolemy V in 198 BCE at the Battle of Paneas, autonomy is lost, as the Seleucids begin to aggressively advocate Hellenism in Jerusalem, often against the will of the people. Under their reign, Jews are forced to speak Greek, for linguistic unity is supposed to provide imperial unity (this concept is somewhat reminiscent of how Sargon caused the shift from Arcadian to Aramaic). The Seleucids were keen on turning Jerusalem into a Greek polis (city), or center of Greek life.
The Greeks regard a polis as the highest and most natural civil institution, that--according to Aristotle--includes food supplies, crafts, skills, military, commerce, religion, and a system of justice.The Hellenization of Jerusalem causes social and economic experimentation in the form of adopting Greek architecture (gyms and theaters), art, coinage, education, entertainment, language, literature, philosophy, recreation, and even religion (this causes the most dispute among conservative Jews).
Archaeological evidence for the Hellenization of Jerusalem can be found in the Kidron Valley Tombs. For instance, the tombs of Benei Hezir, Zechariah, and Absalom are all Greek in style. Also, in this time, Jewish burial inscriptions were written in Greek. Further archaeological evidence can be found in Jewish homes such as the house in Sepphoris, where the centerpiece mosaic depicts the Greek myth of the drinking contest between Herakles and Dionysis (Greek God of Wine). Mosaics in Bet She'an depict the Greek City Goddess, Tyche, while the Beth Alpha Mosaic houses the zodiac in a synagogue.
Hellenism is so deeply rooted in Jerusalem at this point that even the Bible is influenced by Greek culture. Because Greek became the most spoken language of many Jews, the Hebrew Bible is translated into Greek. This translation is called the "Septuagint," where the New Testament derives many of its references. However, it is not a perfect translation of the Hebrew Bible, as it most likely includes the interpretations of the translators.
In any case, during the Seleucid reign, we see a pattern where rulers, such as Antiochus IV, deposing the High Priest at any sign of rebellion (Onias III is replaced by Jason who is in turn, replaced by Menelaus). Forms of aggressive Hellenization take the forms of looting the Temple, and Edicts that outlaw Jewish Religious practices. It it even goes so far as to convert the Temple into a Temple of Zeus.
The reaction to Hellenization varied: some welcomed it, while conservative Jews resisted it. This breeds infighting between Jews, eventually leading to a revolt, as will be discussed in the next lecture.
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