the circle in the sand. Antiocus subsequently indeed withdraws his forces from Egypt.

169 BCE: ANTIOCHUS IV OVERSTEPS

Having been stymied in Egypt and compelled to withdraw, Antiochus turns his attention to Judea.

Antiochus asserts strict control over Judea, plunders Jerusalem and its Temple, suppresses Jewish religious cultural and religious observances, and imposes Hellenistic practices.

On December 25th 169 BCE he profanes the Temple. Among other acts, he orders a statue of Zeus erected inside, provoking the Maccabees (the Hasmoneans) into rebellion.

c. 167–162 BCE: THE MACCABEAN (HASMONEAN) REVOLT COMMENCES

The revolt is sparked and led by the Maccabean family of Jewish priest Matisyahu and his five sons: Jochanan, Simon, Ezra, Jonathan and Judah.

Matisyahu refuses to allow anyone to sacrifice to the Greek gods—and slays a Hellenistic Jew who attempts to do so.The revolt is on.

“Mi l’Adoshem, ai–lye”
“He who is for God, follow me!”
–Battle cry of Matisyahu the Maccabee

The Jews will follow him into battle—and will ultimately prevail—after two–and–a–half decades of battle.