In 166 B.C.E. the harsh policies of the Seleucid king Antiochus IV sparked a widespread Jewish revolt. Known as the Revolt of the Maccabees, it was led by opponents of Antiochus's policy of forced Hellenization (for more on the Revolt of the Maccabees, see the section titled “Hellenism and the Jews” in Chapter 4 of your textbook). Together, Maccabees 1 and Maccabees 2—two books included in Catholic versions of the Bible, but not in most Protestant versions and not in the Hebrew Bible—offer an account of the revolt and its aftermath from a supporter's perspective. Interestingly, the author of Maccabees 1 chose to begin his history with a brief description of Alexander's conquests, identifying them as the starting point of a chain of events that would culminate in revolt. As you read the passage from Maccabees 1 included here, ask yourself why the author made this choice. What connections might he have seen between the struggles of his own day and events that had occurred more than 150 years earlier?

1 Maccabees 1–9

After Alexander the Macedonian, Philip's son, who came from the land of Kittim, had defeated Darius, king of the Persians and Medes, he became king in his place, having first ruled in Greece.

He fought many battles, captured fortresses, and put the kings of the earth to death.

He advanced to the ends of the earth, gathering plunder from many nations; the earth fell silent before him, and his heart became proud and arrogant.

He collected a very strong army and won dominion over provinces, nations, and rulers, and they paid him tribute.

But after all this he took to his bed, realizing that he was going to die.

So he summoned his noblest officers, who had been brought up with him from his youth, and divided his kingdom among them while he was still alive.

Alexander had reigned twelve years when he died.

So his officers took over his kingdom, each in his own territory,

and after his death they all put on diadems [crowns], and so did their sons after them for many years, multiplying evils on the earth.

Source: Maccabees 1–9.

QUESTIONS TO CONSIDER