Antiochus Epiphanes

Antiochus Epiphanes was a ruler of the Seleucid Empire in the 2nd century BCE, known for his attempts to Hellenize (spread Greek culture) the Jewish people. He reigned from 175 to 164 BCE and is infamous for his oppressive policies, including prohibiting Jewish religious practices, desecrating the Jerusalem Temple by installing a statue of Zeus, and promoting pagan rituals. His actions led to the Maccabean Revolt, a Jewish uprising that successfully fought for religious independence. Antiochus’s rule is remembered as a period of religious persecution, highlighting themes of resistance and cultural identity.