After Alexander died, Judea was ruled by a series of successors, culminating in Antiochus Epiphanes. Antiochus did far more than refuse religious freedom to the Jews. Around 167 B.C., he overthrew the rightful line of the priesthood and desecrated the temple, defiling it with unclean animals and a pagan altar (see Mark 13:14).
Baada ya Alexander alikufa, Yudea ilitawaliwa na mfululizo wa warithi, kilele katika Antioko Epifania. Antiochus alifanya mbali zaidi kuliko kukataa uhuru wa dini ya Wayahudi. Takribani 167 BC, yeye alipindua mfumo halali wa ukuhani na kuhiharibu hekalu, kuchafua ni pamoja na wanyama mchafu na madhabahu ya kipagani (tazama Marko 13:14).