Maccabean Revolt

The Maccabean Revolt (167-160 BCE) was a significant uprising by Jewish rebels, known as the Maccabees, against the Seleucid Empire, which ruled over Judea. The revolt was triggered by religious oppression and the imposition of Hellenistic culture, including the banning of Jewish practices. Led by Mattathias and his son Judah Maccabee, the rebels emphasized religious freedom and national identity. The successful uprising restored Jewish autonomy and led to the rededication of the Second Temple, an event celebrated in the festival of Hanukkah. This revolt marked a pivotal moment in Jewish history, reinforcing the importance of religious and cultural sovereignty.