Sense of Alligence
In
the Macedonian empire there was not a great sense of alligence. This is because
there are cases of uprisings against government. Most were not well documented
however there case of an uprising that was, The story of Hanuka.
In 200
BCE Antiochus III defeated Ptolemy which changed the power under which Jews
were ruled. At first they were happy as Antiochus III lowered taxes but soon
the Romans attacked and he needed money. He began to dramatically increase
the taxes. As the time passed and so did the rulers the relationship got
worse. Many people were excuted and the Jews were convinced they had to break
free. In 170 BCE Antiochus IV attacked a Rome preoccupied with another enemy.
There were rumors that Antiochus had died. The Jews rebelled and Menelaus,
the overseeer of Jerusalem, fleed. However Antiochus was still alive. He
came back, stopped the uprising, and Menelaus was restored to power. After
another failed attack on Rome, Antiochus decided to unify religion and customs
of his empire. Antiochus sent people in and outlawed Jewish Temple services,
study of Torah, circumcison as well as other customs. Many people studied
the Torah and praticed religious customs in secrect. Officials began to organize
meals of Pork people who refused were killed. This started an organized revolt
the people became known as the Maccabees. After the original leader died
he was succeeded by his son Judah. Antiochus did not think of the uprising
as serious and sent small armies who the Maccabees easily destroyed. Finally
Antiochus sent his whole army. Judah and the Maccabees forced them to retreat.
They were able to worship again. When Antiochus died his son tried to recaptued
Jerusalem but he was defeated also.