Conquest by Alexander the Great, whose armies occupy Judeah and Palestine. Rise of Rome as center of power in Italy. Alexandria, Egypt, center of Hellenistic culture. Beginning of dominance of Hellenizing elements in Jerusalem. Antiochus IV converts Temple into a pagan shrine.
Maccabean revolt begins.
Temple retaken by the Maccabees who purify and rededicate it. Continued Maccabean struggle against Seleucids, despite the end of religious persecution. Roman control is imposed upon Greece and Macedonia. Extension of Judean control over most of Palestine and Trans-Jordan. Pompey supports Hyrcanus and captures Jerusalem for him.