After Antiochus IV Epiphanes became king of Syria and ruler of Palestine (175 - 164 B.C.E.), Judaism was nearly wiped out by government - sponsored persecution.
Pärast seda, kui Antiochos IV Epiphanes sai Süüria kuningaks ja Palestiina valitsejaks (175 — 164 e.m.a.), sai judaism peaaegu hävitatud tagakiusamistes, mida soosis valitsus.