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Roman Conquest of Judea

Illustration of Roman Conquest of Judea
Era
Intertestamental
Date
63 BC โœ“ Historically confirmed
Historical Source
Josephus; Roman records
Reference
Luke 2:1

Pompey the Great conquers Jerusalem, ending Jewish independence. Judea becomes a Roman client state, setting the stage for the world Jesus was born into.

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Meanwhile in the World

Alexander the Great conquers from Greece to India (330s BC). Greek culture spreads everywhere (Hellenization). Rome rises to dominate the Mediterranean. The Maccabean revolt occurs. Julius Caesar is assassinated (44 BC). The Septuagint (Greek Old Testament) is translated in Alexandria.

When: c. 400 BC โ€“ 5 BC

Key Civilizations: Hellenistic Kingdoms, Roman Republic

Maccabean Revolt (167 BC), rise of Pharisees, Sadducees, and Essenes; Dead Sea Scrolls community