Second Temple period

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The Second Temple period is a significant era in Jewish history that spans from the construction of the Second Temple in Jerusalem in 516 BCE to its destruction by the Roman Empire in 70 CE. This period is marked by various political, social, and religious developments that shaped the course of Jewish history.

Historical Background

The Second Temple period began after the Babylonian exile, when the Persian King Cyrus the Great allowed the Jews to return to Judea and rebuild the Temple. The construction of the Second Temple was completed in 516 BCE, during the reign of Darius the Great.

Political Landscape

During this period, Judea was under the control of several empires, including the Persian Empire, the Hellenistic empires following the conquests of Alexander the Great, and finally the Roman Empire. Each of these empires influenced the political and social structures of Judea.

Persian Period

Under Persian rule, the Jews enjoyed a degree of autonomy and were allowed to practice their religion freely. The High Priest played a significant role in the administration of Judea.

Hellenistic Period

The conquest of the Persian Empire by Alexander the Great in 332 BCE introduced Hellenistic culture to Judea. This period saw the rise of the Seleucid Empire and the Ptolemaic Kingdom, both of which vied for control over Judea. The imposition of Hellenistic practices led to tensions and eventually the Maccabean Revolt.

Hasmonean Dynasty

The successful Maccabean Revolt led to the establishment of the Hasmonean dynasty, which ruled Judea as an independent kingdom from 140 BCE to 37 BCE. This period was marked by internal strife and conflicts with neighboring states.

Roman Period

In 63 BCE, Judea became a client state of the Roman Republic. The Herodian dynasty was established under Roman influence, and Herod the Great undertook significant building projects, including the expansion of the Second Temple. The period ended with the First Jewish–Roman War and the destruction of the Second Temple in 70 CE.

Religious Developments

The Second Temple period was a time of significant religious development. The Sanhedrin, a Jewish judicial and legislative body, was established. Various Jewish sects, including the Pharisees, Sadducees, Essenes, and Zealots, emerged during this time, each with its own interpretations of Jewish law and practice.

Cultural and Social Life

The period saw the compilation of important Jewish texts, including parts of the Hebrew Bible and the Dead Sea Scrolls. Jewish society was diverse, with a range of social classes and occupations. The Diaspora communities also grew, particularly in Alexandria and Babylon.

End of the Second Temple Period

The Second Temple period came to a dramatic end with the First Jewish–Roman War (66-73 CE), culminating in the destruction of the Second Temple by the Romans in 70 CE. This event had profound implications for Jewish religious life and led to the development of Rabbinic Judaism.

Related Pages

• First Temple period
• Babylonian exile
• Herod the Great
• Maccabean Revolt
• First Jewish–Roman War
• Rabbinic Judaism