In the first half of the second century B.C.E., Judea was ruled by the Syrian Seleucids, one of the four dynasties that formed after the breakup of the empire of Alexander the Great.
Teise sajandi esimesel poolel e.m.a valitsesid Judead Süüria Seleukiidid, üks neljast dünastiast, mis tekkis Aleksander Suure impeeriumi lagunemisel.