163 BCE Beginning of civil wars between claimants to the Seleucid throne leading to decline of Seleucid state. BCE Roman control is imposed upon Greece and Macedonia. 200 BCE Antiochus the Great, of Syria, conquers Palestine for the Seleucids. 175 BCE Beginning of dominance of Hellenizing elements in Jerusalem. 167 BCE Antiochus IV converts Temple into a pagan shrine.
Maccabean revolt begins.
164 BCE Temple retaken by the Maccabees who purify and rededicate it. 163-140 BCE Continued Maccabean struggle against Seleucids, despite the end of religious persecution. 65 BCE Pompey's victories leaves Asia Minor and Syria in Roman hands. 48 BCE Julius Caesar defeats Pompey and becomes most powerful political figure in Rome. 44 BCE Julius Caesar assassinated.