Reli Final

Later Jewish tradition glorifies the Maccabees/Hasmoneans as good rulers and leaders. Were they in fact good or bad? Discuss your position, citing in support at least two examples of specific members of the family and events.

Mostly bad, because they were so violent and there was a huge division of the people of Judea after their reign. Maccabees started with anti-Greek rule, but ended very hellenized rulers. Good, because they helped free Jerusalem from oppressive Seleucid rule to complete independence from any outside rulers. John Hyracanus I (134-104 BC) - forced conversion: said that peoples who he invaded could either convert to Judaism or leave, which is discouraged in modern Judaism because they want people who become Jewish to be committed (supposed to unify people). Expands territory. King Aristobulus I (104-103 BC) - Had mother and brothers imprisoned and killed one brother so he could become King. He was arrogant (first ruler to use title "King"). Hellenizer and first to adopt Greek name. Alexander Jannaeus (103-76 BC): Levirate marriage (brother of deceased supposed to marry brother's widow) v high priests are supposed to only marry virgins. Disrespects Jewish law. Pours wine on floor instead of alter at Sukkot. The Jews throw citrons at him, so he kills 6,000 of them. There was a Jewish rebellion against him, so he crucified them, making them watch him kill their wives and children. Then he had dinner with his concubines.

Sicarii

(sica means dagger) - terrorist group created during time when Roman procurators ruled Judea (44-66 AD) after Herod Agrippa I's death - Means 'dagger men' - They would go into a crowd with dagger under cloak, stab a person, then hid dagger back under cloak and wouldn't get caught because they would blend into crowd - Mainly did this at festivals - TAke Temple of Israel and upper city during First Jewish Revolt

Describe Josephus' works, the Jewish War and Jewish Antiquities. How were Josephus' writings influenced by his background and experience, political considerations, personal biases and agendas, and apologetic motives? Give at least two specific examples.

- 37 AD: born Joseph son of Mattathias from priestly, aristocratic family; educated Jewish War - 80 AD. Book about First Jewish Revolt. Portrayed Jews who revolted as extremists, most Jews were uninvolved. Send message that people under Roman rule should never revolt, because it won't work. Antiquities - Written 92 AD. Beginning of time until Jewish Revolt. Apologetic on behalf of Rome to Jewish people. Portrays Jewish people as strong and confident; powerful. Apologetic on behalf of Romans because he tried to make them seem good in the eyes of Jews - said Titus had nothing to do with Destruction of Temple3/94 - Josephus was in charge of district of Galilee in 66 AD. He was supposed to do a suicide pact at Jotapata, but instead was taken captive by Romans. He told Vespasian he thought he would be Emperor eventually, and when Vespasian became Emperor (66 AD), Josephus was freed. In 68 AD, Josephus became part of Flavian family (renamed Flavius Josephus), client family of Rome. Vespasian's family paid for him to write books, so they were supposed to be subjective in favor of Romans. - After 70 AD, Rabbis were not concerned with histories, only with sacred scriptures and religious works. His writings were preserved through Christians because they included information about Jesus, John the Baptist, James "the Just"

Pontius Pilate (26-36 AD)

- 5th prefect of Idumea, Judea, and Samaria - cruel and self-describes as "naturally inflexible" - Undecorated stndards were brought into Jerusalem (banner/flag brought into battle so troops could find their side) - All symbols on Roman standards were offensive to Jews so there were undecorated standards in Judea - Pilate sent troops into Jerusalem carrying decorated standards with images of Roman Emperor --> confronted by protestors --> Pilate took banners away (he was ignorant) - Jesus died at hands of Pilate - Romans felt threatened by Messianic movements because of their bands of followers - Luke says that Jesus' followers worried Pilate but Pilate couldn't find anything evil about Jesus - Pilate finds out that Jesus is from Galilee, so he hands him over to Herod Antipas who ruled that area - Herod and guards ridiculed Jesus than gave him back to Pilate - 33 AD: reportedly when Jesus was executed - 36 AD: Pilate dismissed from office because when a group goes looking for sacred tabernacle treasures on Mount Gerezim, and he has them executed because he thought this was a Messianic movement - Samaritans appealed to the Legate and Pilate was ordered to Rome for trial and replaces as Prefect - inscription at Caesarea Maritama of a Temple to Roman Emperor Tiberia built by Pontius

Jewish War

- 80 AD completed by Josephus - 7 volumes - About first Jewish Revolt (66 - 70 AD) - Romans wanted subjectivity - Message: tells Roman subjects they shouldn't even think about revolting against Rome - Tells Romans that the Jewish revolt was act of fanatics and extremists and had nothing to do with most Jews

Temple to Peace

- Built by Vespasian and dedicated to Peace (personified as Goddess) - Treasures Romans took from Temple of Israel were put into Temple to Peace - All adult Jewish men had to pay a "half-sheckel" tax (which normally goes to Temple of Jerusalem) to Temple of Capitoline Jupiter as punishment

Why have Josephus' writings survived?

- Christians copied and preserved them because they tell testimony of events that happened during the time of Jesus - References to John the Baptist - Story about execution of James "The Just" - Not preserved by Jews because Rabbis only had interest in Jewish Law and sacred scripture - Rabbis viewed rebels as crazed fanatics

Characteristics of Palestine 4 BC - 66 AD

- Diversity of movements - Unrest because Romans did not govern Judea well - Ineffective native leadership - Jewish struggle to gain independence - Messianic aspirations and apocalyptic visions

Herod Agrippa II

- Herod Agrippa I's son - 17 at time of his dad's death (44 AD) - Romans decided to have low ranking Roman governors (procurators) under control of Legate of Syria (only 1 at a time) - given right to appoint HP in Temple - attempted to intervene in uprisings and tell crowd to obey the Roman procurator until Caesar sent someone to sucede him - He is unsuccessful and chased out of the city

James "the Just"

- Jesus' brother - Led Jesus' followers in Jerusalem after Jesus' death --> Jewish sect - known for his opposition to wealth and wealthy lifestyle - Ananus (high priest in Judea) brought James to Jewish Law Court - James is found guilty and executed by stoning - After his death, the Pharisees brought charges to Herod Agrippa II against Ananus for executing James - Herod Agrippa II is in charge of appointing the high priest, and deposes Ananus - Significant because Pharisees stood up for Jesus' followers, but opposed Jesus

Cestius Galius

- Legate of Syria - In Sept. of 66 AD, he gathers 4 legions of 5,000 men each (20,000 men total) of heavy Roman infantry - Also gets additional troops from Roman Client Kings - They reach Jerusalem in Mid-October during the Feast of Tabernacles (Sukkot), which is a pilgrimage holiday to Jerusalem Temple - He sets up camp on Mount Scopus, which overlooks Jerusalem - Romans have to retreat toward the cost; disgraced; Jews chased them down Sealed fate of revolt --> all out war

Caesarea Maritama

- Military headquarters and administrative capital of Roman procurator who replaced Herod Archelaus when he was banished - Roman administrators moved capital from Jerusalem because it was a Roman city in Palestine and port on the coast (could communicate with Rome by sea). - There were no Roman troops in area because they were all in Antioch (weakness) - Only 1 cohort in Jerusalem Romans appointed high priest of Temple of Israel - Where Herod Agrippa I died

Which factors made the outbreak of the First Jewish Revolt against Rome in 66 A.D. inevitable? Describe general causes and illustrate your answer with at least two specific events.

- No Roman leader on the ground in Jerusalem, nearest leader was Legate of Syria, who was far away. - Herod the Great killed many Hasmoneans, so there wasn't any strong Jewish leadership. - Messianic actions and apocalyptic vision (believed end of days was coming so welcomed unrest because it meant good times were coming soon) First event - 37 AD: Gaius Caligula becomes emporer. He wanted all temples rededicated to him. Led to a Pogrom. Riots against the Jews in Alexandria. Legate would not protect Jews, so Jews sent delegation (led by Philo of Alexandria) to Rome to talk to Gaius Caligulus. Gaius dodged them and kept walking away when they wanted to talk to him. Emperor Gaius Caligula made an edict that statues of him needed to be put in the Temple of Israel. The Legate of Syria knew this would create conflict, so he stalled (Petronius). Herod Agrippa I talked to Gaius, they knew each other from childhood, and convinced him to retract the edict. Second event - 41 AD: Caligula is assassinated and Claudius becomes new emporer. Herod Agrippa I had supported Claudius in Roman Senate so Claudius gave him all Herod the Great's land. Almost revival of Hasmonean Kingdom, but not because he was only client King for Rome. 44 AD: Herod Agrippa dies and the Romans put procurator in charge of territory - not strong leadership (Pontius PIlate sends decorated banners - ignorant). Procurators are cruel and ineffective leaders. Sicarii and over terrorist groups came about.

Rise of Rabbinic Judaism

- No temple (can't worship) - synagogue becomes important to Jewish life and religion - synogogues were congregations of Jews NOT substitute for temple - Rabbi means my teacher/my master

Augustus reported said, "I would rather be Herod's pig than his son." Why would Augustus have said such a thing about Herod? What does this tell us about Herod's reputation?

- Pun because Hebrew for 'pig' and 'son' very similar - Herod wouldn't eat pigs because he kept kosher - Herod the Great ruled Judea as Mark Antony's client King between 34-4 BC. - 40 BC: Named client King because he helped Romans get Jerusalem back from the Parthians and Antigonis II - Jews did not like him because he was only half Jewish (from forced conversion) and he was not Hasmonean, and supposedly cruel (Slaughter of Innocents) - 37 BC: He married Mariamne, who was a Hasmonean Princess (granddaughter of Aristobulus II and Hyracanus II) - He made Mariamne's brother high priest, because Mariamne's mother Alexandra complained to Cleopatra that a Hasmoneon was not HP, who told the concerns to M.A., who told the concerns to Herod. - Aristobulus III (Mariamne's brother) was very popular with Jewish people - 35 BC: Herod got jealous and had him drowned in the Sea of Jericho - 31 BC: killed Hyracanus II - 31 BC: Herod met with Octavian at the Island of Rhodes to pledge his allegiance after Octavian beat M.A. at Battle of Actium, leaving Mariamne and Alexandra under guard in Jerusalem - When he returned, he heard rumors that Mariamne and guard had an affair, so he killed them both. - After that, he went crazy because he loved Mariamne so much and starting having hallucinations of her. - Alexandra tried to take control of Judea, saying that Herod was going crazy, so Herod had her killed - Mariamne and Herod had 2 sons: Aristobulus and Alexander - 17 BC: princes came back from school in Rome - Salome and Antipas spread false rumors that princes were looking to steal the throne from Herod - 12 BC: Herod had sons imprisoned - 7 BC: Herod had sons put to death - Herod had another son, Antipas, who he killed in 4 BC, just 5 days before Herod's death.

Nero

- Roman Emperor during First Jewish Revolt - Makes appointments of Legates - After Casius Galius' defeat, he removed him as Legate of Syria and sent General Vespasian to put down revolt - Goes to Antioch accompanied by older son Titus - Vespatian sends Titus to Alexandria to send legions from there - 64 AD: there is a fire in Rome, and Nero takes the empty land and builds himself a palace --> not very popular - June of 68 AD: commits suicide

Jewish Antiquities

- completed ~93/94 AD - entire scope of Jewish history - Purpose is to elevate Jews in eyes of Greco-Roman world so they look important - both books subjective because of political considerations, self-justification (I am not traiter), and apologetic tendencies - state that Jewish aritocracy had nothing to do with revolt - Apologize for Romans and tries to forgive them - Portrays Vespasian and Titus as perfect gentlemen who did not destroy Temple

What are the Dead Sea Scrolls, and what kinds of works do they include? (be specific). Why are they important, and what do they tell us about the Jewish sect that deposited them in the caves around Qumran?

- discovered in 2946/1947 by Bedouin Tribe member - Traded until scholars finally got them in late 1940s - Expedition from 1951-57 to excavate the scrolls from the caves and excavate Qumran site. - Overall, 1,000 dead sea scrolls written between 100 BC and 100 AD found in 11 different caves at Qumran; all consisted of Jewish religious works, no histories or personal documents. - Some written by sects at Qumran and some just circulating through Jewish population. - Scrolls preserved because they were written on animal skin - Hebrew Bible (similar to 1000 AD bible, 1/4 of documents, every book except Esther), Septuagint (Greek translation), Targums (Aramaic translation), Pesharim (commentary on books of Torah), Pseudigraphia (author changed name ex. Enoch), Apocrypha (found in Catholic Bible, but not protestant or Hebrew Bible ex. Tobit and Wisdom of Ben Sira), Sectarian Works (rules of community ex. Temple Scroll, community role, damascus document). The Qumran sect are believed to be members of the Essenes, because there are mentions of strict purity laws and miqvehs in DSS. - They were preparing for the End of Days. They left Jerusalem because they did not like the way the Temple of Israel was being run. They bathed in miqvehs so they could constantly be ritually pure, because they believed God was all around them. - Canonization: Process of choosing which texts are most important in Bible. There was no set cannon at the time of the DSS.

Contributing factors to Jewish revolt

- history of Jewish infighting - goegraphical divisions (Idumea, Judea, Galilee, Samaria, Parea) - Tensions between socioeconomic classes - Absence of effective Jewish leadership (Herod the Great killed so many Hasmoneans) - Inept Roman administration (failure to have high-ranking official on the ground) - Messianic/eschatological beliefs (welcomed turmoil because they thought End of Days was immanent)

Babylonia

- many Jews remained in babylonia - Gemara (completion): commentary in Mishnah - Mishnah plus Gemara = Talmud - two editions of Talmud: 1. Palestinian Talmud (350 AD) 2. Babylonian Talmud (500) Talmud = basis for Jewish life today 634-40 AD: Muslim Conquest

Josephus

- originally Joseph son of Mattathias (Jewish) - 37 AD: born in Judea - well educated; from priestly family - wrote autobiography (was member of Essenes, but eventually becomes Pharisee - 67 AD: put in charge of district of Galilee during first Jewish revolt (1 of 7 districts) - population in Galilee is divided into extremists (one band led by John son of Levi, who was nemesis of Josephus and stayed until end of revolt and one band led by Simon bar Giora, who also stayed into end of revolt) - Vespasian and troops reached Galilee first - Jews were outnumbered and outskilled and not everyone wanted to fight Romans - Fell to Romans, until there was one last fortified village under Josephus' command (Jotapata) - Fell after 47-day long siege and Josephus was taken into custody - Josephus made suicide pact with other rebels, but drew last lot, and decided to surrender instead of killing himself (traitor) - Josephus is taken into captivity with Vespasian but expected he would be emperor someday, so is really nice to him - 67 AD: Nero dies - 69 BC:Vespasian becomes Emperor and sets Josephus free - 70 BC: Josephus goes to Rome and becomes client of Vespasian's family - Commissioned by them to write history books about Jewish people - Changed name to Latin, Flavius Josephus - delivers terms of surrender to people in Jerusalem, which are rejected - Believes that moment animal sacrifices stopped being made at Temple of Israel (because they ran out of animals), God left city ~100 AD: dies in Rome

Judea: Independent Roman Province

- problem with revolt was that closest Roman forces were in Antioch and Syria - After 70 AD, Romans reorganize provinces, making Judea independent with it's own Legate and tenth legion in Jerusalem (who was under rule of Legate) - Still 3 fortresses holding out with Jewish revels 71-73 AD: Herodium, Machaerus, and Masada fall to Vespasian's troops

Diaspora Revolt

115-117 AD - Jews need Roman permission to build another temple, but get anxious waiting - fighting broke out among Jewish diaspora communities - Trajan - Roman emperor - Communities (Egypt, Cyrene, Cyprus, and Mesopotamia) brutally put down by Trajan

Second Jewish Revolt Against Romans

132-135 AD - aka "the Bar-Kokhba revolt" because that was the leader - 129-130 AD: Hadrian (Roman emporer) toured Eastern provinces - Hadrian very Greek and loved all things Greek - He decided to rebuild Jerusalem, which is bad because he rebuilds it as Greek city - New Temple built for Capitoline Jupiter - Renames Jerusalem after himself, Aelia Capitolina (his middle name is Aelini) - Bar Kokhba means son of a star - Nme changed to Bar Koziba (son of a liar) after revolt failed and Jews found out he wasn't real messiah - real name: Simon Ben Kosiba - Romans sent 1/3 of army to fight Jews Last fortress was Bethar, which fell on 9th day of Av, 135 AD - Bar Kokhba died Consequences: 1. Jewish settlements in Judea destroyed 2. Jerusalem rebuilt as Aelia Capitolina (Pagen-Roman city) 3. Jews cannot live in Jerusalem 4. Jewish practice restricted by edict (ex. circumcision) 5. Syria-Palestina is new Province name (not Judea)

Rabbi Judah Ha-Nasi

200 AD - the prince = academy leader - important rabbi who issued interpretations - six parts: 1. agricultural law 2. sabbath/festivals 3. marriage and divorce 4. civil/criminal law; damages 5. holy things/temple sacrifices 6. ritual purity

Herod Philip

4 BC - 33/34 AD - son of Cleopatra of Jerusalem - Northern territories - ruled gentile territory until his natural death - Married Herodias, daughter of Herod's sister Salome (incest) - After his death, territory put under direct administration of Legate of Syria

Herod Antipas

4 BC - 39 AD - Herod's youngest son also from Malthace the Samaritan - got Galilee and Peraea - built cities: Sepphoris in Galilee and Tiberias on Sea of Galilee - married to a Nabataean Princess (political alliance) - Fell in love with Herodias, wife of half-brother Herod Philip - Herodias and Herod Antipas divorced their spouses and married each other, which violated Jewish Law - He executed John the Baptist: Gospel presents this execution wit hHerod's marriage to Herodias, saying that John the Baptist condemned Antipas' illegal marriage, so Herod Antipas had him beheaded. Josephus says Herod Antipas killed John because he was scared John was stirring things up and would create an uprising. - Herodius had a brother, Herod Agrippa I - When Herod Agrippa I was given title of King from King Caligula, Herodius pressured Herod Antipas to seek same title - 39 AD: Caligula removed Antipas from power and exiled him to Lyon in Gaul. - Agrippa I got Antipas' territory. - Antipas died in exile.

Herod Archelaus

4 BC - 6 AD. Oldest son of Malthace the Samaritan. Got Kingdoms of Judea, Samaria, and Idumaea in Herod the Great's will - 6 AD: Banished to Gaul - Romans removed him from position because Jews complained so much about his, because he was a terrible ruler - Replaced by low ranking Roman governor with title prefect/procurator would rule Idumaea, Judea, and Samaria - governor reported to Legate in Syria - low ranking Romans did not do a good job governing Jews

First Jewish Revolt Against Rome

66-70 AD - Starts in Caesarea (gentile city) than spreads to Jerusalem - Herod Agrippa II tries to stop them but it doesn't work - Jewish rebels take over Masada and Herodium (2 of Agrippa II's houses) - Burn down office of public archives, where taxes are stored - Target upper class places (HP's house, Herod Agrippa II's palace, and Office of Public Archives) - Only Roman forces in Judea is a small cohort (600 men) - Cohort takes refuge in Herod's Palace - Rebels take the palace, Romans surrender to Jews, Jews slaughter them all except the general, who they make convert to Judaism and circumcise - Those in Judea had to choose sides between Romans and Jewish Rebels - Three types of Jews: Pro-Roman all left, moderates just stayed to see how things would go, and extremists - Jewish rebels put moderates in charge of gov't - Judea divided into 7 districts - Each person in charge of district does civil and military leadership - Spring of 67 AD: 60,000 troops were assembled in Antioch under Vespasian (no war faught in winter) - November of 67 AD: Romans set up winter camp - Vespasian has subdued the North and now wants to move South, with Jerusalem as ultimate goal - Spring of 68 AD: Vespasian takes all of Parea except Mchaerus (Jewish rebels holding out) - take Jericho and Qumran - Qumran destroyed by Romans in June of 68 AD - June of 68 AD: Nero committed suicide, halting Vespasian's progress - 69 AD: Tacitus writes that there are 3 generals and rebel factions in Jerusalem (also fighting between them): Simon holding largest circuit of law, John holding middle of city, Eleazar holding Temple) - Spring of 69 AD: Titus takes Jerusalem - Harvest season, but Jews can't grow food because of siege - Titus leads 4 legions and sets up camp atop Mount Scopus - After terms of surrender are rejected, Romans attack from North - Horrible famine and atrocities in Jerusalem (especially to any escaping Jews) - Titus attacks Temple of Israel, burning it down on 9th day in August (day where everything bad happened, it actually burned down on 10th) in 69 AD (Jesus predicted destruction of Temple) - Herod's palace is last part of Jerusalem to fall - Romans take palace and capture John and Simon

Yeah of Four Emperors

69 AD - Civil War over succession of Rome - As Romans moved South, Jews left places Romans had been and went to Jerusalem --> Jerusalem packed with refugees - Jews desperate because of lack of resources and crowdedness - Different factions of Jerusalem fighting for control - Provisional gov't set up by Jews at beginning of revolt has since been dissolved - Vespasian eventually proclaimed Emperor of Roman Empire - Leaves eldest son Titus in charge of taking Jerusalem

Period between first and second revolts

70-132 AD - less documented because Josephus' accounts end in 73/74 AD - rely on scattered sources of info - historical sources include classical authors, rabbinic literature, and the church fathers - apocalyptic works include 4 Ezra and 2 Baruch (pseudepigrapha) and revelation (apocalypse of John) - purpose of apocalyptic works is to assure readers that its all part of God's plan - Within a generation of 7- AD, Jews stopped writing apocalypses - 70 AD: Jerusalem is in ruins - Sects disappeared gradually - New academy at Yavneh (legislative body) replaced the Janhedrin - Rabbi Yohanan Ben Zakkai (1-80 AD) and his successor Gamaliel II (80-120 AD) - Ben Zakkai is first nati (prince) of academy - this period marks transformation of Judaism as religion

What are the similarities and differences between Israelite religion/early Judaism and other ancient religions in the Mediterranean world and Near East?

Ancient Judaism is different from Judaism today, but similar to other ancient religions in the Near East. Similarities - monolotry (recognized many Gods); no distinction between religion and politics (had to get permission from King to build temple to a deity) Differences - While Jews believed other gods existed, they still only worshipped God of Israel; only 1 Temple on Temple Mount (cult of centralization); no cult statues; priestly caste system (families, not bought and sold); written laws (Torah); "Praxis" (correct observance of religious laws) Foundations of Judaism still present in contemporary Judaism, Judaism has been around for so long because of strict laws; Jews were able to know which laws to follow even through Babylonian Exile (539-586 BC)

Paul

Arrested during time of procurator rule over Palestine - Almost lynched by Jewish mob but Romans intervene and take him into protective custody (different than what happened to Jesus) - Paul was not crucified because he was a Roman citizen and Romans reserved crucifixion for lower class - Paul escorted to Caesarea Maritima and imprisoned there while local procurator contacted Rome as to what to do with Paul - Paul was imprisoned for 2 years - Procurator Porcius Festus (60-62 AD) had Paul sent to Rome for trial - 62 AD: Paul is executed and Festus died in office

2) What are the biases of the writers/editors of the Hebrew Bible and how are they expressed in the biblical text?

Biblical writers are Zadokites, which means they are descendants of Zadok, the first priest of Solomon's Temple. They are the priestly family of the Temple of Israel. In 930 BC, King Solomon died and the North and South of the Kingdom separated. Israel in North (Samaria is capital). Judah in South (Jerusalem is capital). Writers/editors were pro-Judah because that is where Temple of Israel was and where they worked and lived. They supported exclusive Yahwists (only worshipped God of Israel). They believed in centralization of cult (should only worship at Temple of Israel). Ex. 1 - Ahab, King of Israel, is portrayed negatively in Bible because he is an inclusive Yahwist (worshipped other gods, but God of Israel was chief god). He built the House of Baal to worship Baal (did not abide by centralization of cult) Ex. 2 - Jeroboam is the King of Israel who is portrayed negatively in Bible because he built temples in Bethel and Dan for people to worship God of Israel (not at Temple of Israel). Ex. 3 - Josiah is King of Judah and portrayed positively because he is Exclusive Yahwist and began the Deuteronomic Reform, where he killed priests who served other gods and burned statues to other deities (Ashera, Baal) which were in Temple of Israel. Writers omitted information about Kings doing things writers iddn't agree with.

Two Jewish revolts against Rome erupted after 70 A.D. in the aftermath of the destruction of Jerusalem and the Second Temple. Describe both revolts. What were the immediate and long-term consequences of these revolts?

Diaspora Revolt (115-117 AD): Took place in diaspora Jewish communities (Egypt, Cyprus, Cyrene, Mesopotamia). Jews wanted to rebuild temple of Israel, but waited around for permission from Emperor Trajan, then got impatient. Trajan brutally put revolt down. - Second Jewish Revolt against Romans (Bar Kokhba): 132-135 AD. - 129-130 AD: Roman Emperor toured Eastern provinces, and decided he wanted to rebuild Jerusalem, but as a Greco-Roman city, not how Jews wanted it rebuilt. - He wanted to name city Aelia Capitolina (his middle name and chief Roman God Capitoline Jupiter) - Simon Ben Kosiba was a messianic figure who led them into battle - They called him Bar Kokhba (son of star) - Jews wiped out legion of soldiers, and 1/3 of Roman soldiers had to be sent to put down revolt - Revolt put down and Bar Kokhba's name changes to Bar Koziba (son of a liar) - 135 AD: he committed suicide at last fortress Jews still held Short term consequences: - Jewish settlements in Judea destroyed - Jerusalem renamed Aelia Capitoline - practice of Judea restricted (ex. circumcision) Long term: - Judea renamed Syria-Palestine - Made it clear Jewish Temple would not be built for very long time

Gaius Caligula

Emporer of Rome 37-44 AD - Becomes friends with Herod Agrippa I when they are children living in Rome - Gaius is real name, Caligula is nickname which means "little boots" in Latin, because he hung around with the Romans who wore boots a lot when he was little - Became delusional that he was a god and should be treated as a god while alive, which was not normal in Roman world and led to problems with Jews - He insisted that all temples should be rededicated for him and statues built for him and everyone in Empire should treat him like a god - Demanded Temple of Jerusalem be changed to worship him - Jews refused --> Porgrom (riots against Jews) in which non-Jewish population of Alexandrai burned down Jewish houses and synagogues - Roman governor did not do his job to protect Jews - Jews had to go over head of Legate to Emperor for protection - Jews sent a delegation to Gaius Caligula to complain (headed by Philo) - Non-Jews sent their own delegation - Caligula blew off the Jews and kept walking away from them - Patronius (Legate of Syria) told to carry out edict from Caligula to put statues of him in Temple of Israel - He stalled to avoid Jewish riot - In meantime, Herod Agrippa I intervened (Caligula's childhood friend) - Herod Agrippa convinced Caligula to resend the edict - 37 AD: Caligula gives Agrippa I title of King and Harod Philip's kingdom after Philip's death (Northern gentile territories) 39 AD: Gaius disposes Herod Antipas because he asks for too much power; he gives Antipas' territories to Herod Agrippa I (Galilee and Pareae) 41 AD: Caligula assassinated

Who was Ezra and who was Nehemiah, and what did they accomplish in Jerusalem? Why did Ezra oppose intermarriage?

Ezra and Nehemiah both lived during the Persian Period/Restoration in 5th century BC. They wanted to rebuild Jerusalem and help Jews who returned from Babylonian Exile. Ezra - Came to Jerusalem in 458 BC as a "scribe skilled in Law of Moses" to read laws to Jews and implement those laws. Once he got there, distracted by intermarriage he saw. He believed Jewish bloodlines should be poor, and they were not pure because of the Assyrian invasion (722 BC) and Babylonian Exile (539-586 BC). He sent foreign wives and children away, and said those who were intermarried could not worship the God of Israel. He then eventually read Laws of Moses to people in Yahud. Nehemiah - In 445 BC, Nehemiah was Cup Bearer for Persian King Artaxerxes. He heard Wall of Jersusalem had come down and asked King permission to help rebuild wall - granted. He became governor of Yahud. His foe was Sanballat I, governor of Samaria, who did not want wall to be built because it would be harder for Jews living in North to worship at Temple of Israel and it would give Jerusalem more power. Both - Helped Yahud be rebuilt to be like former Jerusalem. Gave exiled Jews hope.

Herod Agrippa I

Ruled 37 - 44 AD - brother of Herodias (wife of Herod Philip and then Herod Antipas) - 37 AD:King Caligula gave him title of King - When Herod Antipas was exiled by Caligula, Herod Agrippa I got his territory - Grandson of Herod the Great and Mariamne (Jewish royalty) - Raised and educated in Rome - There, he became friends with Gaius Caligula - Helped Patronius (Legate of Syria), who was stalling because he did not want to carry out Caligula's plans of putting statues of Caligula in Jewish Temple (wanted to avoid a riot) - convinces Caligula to retract his edict --> becomes hero amongst Jews - 37 AD: Gaius gives Herod Agrippa Kingdom to rule (ruled Herod Philip's territory after his death - Northern gentile territories) - given title of King by Gaius - 39 AD: Gaius disposed Antipas and gave Agrippa I his territories (Galilee and Paraea) - 41 AD: Caligula assassinated and Claudius becomes next Roman Emporer - Herod Agrippa I supported Claudius in Roman Senates --> Claudius gave Agrippa Judea, Sumea, and Idumea (belonged to procurator after Herod Archelaus - Now, all of Kingdom of Herod the Great is under rule of King Herod Agrippa I - Almost a revival of Hasmonean Kingdom, but it's not because they are not independent of Roman rule - Jews loved Herod Agrippa I even though he was not an observant Jew because he assimilated to Roman culture - Christians looked at Herod Agrippa I unfavorably because he was a persecutor of developing Christian church and he had James, John the Baptist's brother, beheaded and Peter arrested - 44 AD: died at age 54 in Caesarea Maritama - Death --> conflict

Judea under Roman Percurators

Under control of Roman Legate of Syria, ruled Herod Agrippa I's Kingdom after his death. - Violent, not good rulers, did not respect Jewish faith - unjustly murdered Jews - Class warfare among levels of pristhood - Phabi (high priestly family) beats up opponents - terrorist groups - anarchic Palestine - 62 AD: interval of no procurator after Festus died in office - Legate of Syria supposed to be in charge, but he lives far away - Only leader in Palestine is high priest, named Ananus - ruthless and greedy

Arch of Titus in Rome

Victory parade through streets of Rome because Titus won - parade goes through Rome --> Capitoline Hill (tradition) - Captives and values from Jerusalem paraded around - first time Romans celebrate victory over people under Roman rule - Victory arch built to Titus in parade square - At end of parade, there is Temple to Capitoline Jupiter (chief deity of Rome) - Simon is taken in front of people and executed here, while John is imprisoned for life

Jason (the brother of Onias III) secured the high priesthood for himself by paying off Antiochus IV Epiphanes. He also made several requests which Antiochus granted. Exactly what requests did Jason make, and what were the immediate consequences and long-term significance of his actions?

While Onais III was in Antioch, Jason was interim high priest. Jason secured the position of high priest by offering more money to Antiochus IV than his brother, Onais III did. Jason was high priest 175-172 BC. 1st request to Antiochus IV - to make Jerusalem into Greek polis. He enrolled people of Jerusalem as citizens of Antioch and renamed Jerusalem to be called Antioch (against biblical law). Greek schoools and gymnasiums built. Hellenization (Torah no longer law of land). Jews found some Greek customs favorable to Jewish customs. Jewish traditions and rituals could still be practiced under Greek law. Jews did not oppose the change. Greek culture became norm and Zadokites did not regain power of Jewish temple for many years. Leads to a Maccabean revolt.