Nadene Goldfoot
The Parthenon is an ancient Greek temple built between 447 and 432 CE/B.C. atop the Acropolis in Athens to honor the goddess Athena. Considered the pinnacle of the Doric architectural order, it served as a symbol of Athenian power and democracy. It was later converted into a church and a mosque.
Destruction of the temple
The destruction of the temple fundamentally changed the nature of Judaism. Taxes that were once paid to the temple were now paid to Rome, and the Jewish tradition of worshipping in the temple was over. With only the Western Wall remaining of the temple in Jerusalem, the local synagogues now became the new centers of the Jewish religion.
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Hellenization (332–63 CE/B.C.) profoundly impacted Jewish society by introducing Greek language, culture, and governance, triggering intense conflict between reformers and traditionalists. While urban elites adopted Hellenism, causing social stratification, the rural peasantry largely resisted it. This period led to the Maccabean Revolt, the rise of Hasmonean leadership, and a blend of Jewish and Greek culture, particularly in the diaspora.
- Cultural and Social Divide: A deep divide formed between the "Hellenizers" (often urban elites and priests) who adopted Greek customs, and traditionalists who sought to maintain Jewish law.
- In Greek mythology, demigods are beings born from one divine parent (god/goddess/nymph) and one mortal parent, acting as bridges between the human and divine worlds. Renowned for extraordinary strength, courage, and beauty, they often become legendary heroes, such as Hercules, Achilles, Perseus, and Theseus.
- This could have led to the followers of Christianity of such people later as Matthew, the first Jewish writer of the "New Testament." Jews do not have any literature about him, since the later followers gave him "god-like qualities including worshipping him such as the Greeks believed instead of the Almighty unseen G-d spoken of by the Jews.
- "Most scholars agree that the Gospel of Matthew was written approximately 50 to 60 years after the death of Jesus, typically dated between 80 and 90 C.E.. Assuming Jesus died around 30 C.E., this places the composition of Matthew about five to six decades following the crucifixion."
- Language and Daily Life: Greek replaced Aramaic in many areas, changing public life, education, and social structure.
- Resistance and Conflict: The Hellenizing policies of Antiochus IV, which included banning traditional practices, led directly to the Maccabean Revolt (167–160 B.C.). Sparked by Antiochus IV’s desecration of the Temple, the successful guerrilla uprising restored religious freedom and led to the rededication of the Temple, commemorated by Hanukkah.
- Influence on Thought: Hellenism influenced Jewish intellectual life, with some scholars attempting to merge Greek philosophies with Jewish tradition, such as presenting Moses as a philosopher.
- Material Culture: Greek-style cities were built, and even in rural areas, Greek pottery and tools were introduced.
- Theological Structure: The Trinitarian doctrine and other complex theological frameworks were shaped by Greek philosophical speculation and debate, used in Christianity.
- Sacred Sites & Symbols: Ancient Greek pagan temples were repurposed into Christian basilicas, often reoriented to face east.
- Iconography and Rituals: Some studies suggest that elements of Hellenistic mystery religions, such as Dionysian rituals involving consuming symbolic flesh and blood, may have informed early Christian sacramental practices, though this is heavily debated.
Despite these pressures, the Jewish population often maintained their core identity, particularly in rural areas, leading to a unique synthesis of culture known as Hellenistic Judaism. .jpg%20Arch%20of%20Titus%20menorah%20Relief.jpg)
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In 66 CE/AD, this discontent exploded into open rebellion of Jews. Four years later, the Roman army had crushed the revolt, but had also destroyed the temple. The sacred treasures were seized and shown off in a procession through the streets of Rome.This is the Arch of Emperor Titus, showing the Jews being forced to carry the Roman loot out of their own Temple.
Destruction of the temple
The destruction of the temple fundamentally changed the nature of Judaism. Taxes that were once paid to the temple were now paid to Rome, and the Jewish tradition of worshipping in the temple was over. With only the Western Wall remaining of the temple in Jerusalem, the local synagogues now became the new centers of the Jewish religion.
.jpg%202nd%20Temple%20in%20Flames%20by%20romans%2070%20CE.jpg)
By 70 CE/AD, Jerusalem was the site of a catastrophic siege and the destruction of the Second Temple by Roman forces, marking a pivotal turning point in Jewish and Roman history. This event was the climax of the First Jewish-Roman War (66–73 CE), resulting in the end of the Jewish state until May 14, 1948 when Israel was born once again and the transition of Judaism into a religion centered on study rather than temple sacrifice.
Jewish Temple sacrifices primarily ended in 70 C.E. when the Roman army, led by Titus, destroyed the Second Temple in Jerusalem. The practice was halted because biblical law requires sacrifices to be offered exclusively at the Temple, which no longer exists. Prayers and good deeds replaced these rituals.
people advanced in their minds and understandings to a point wherethey do not need such but hunger for understanding of our prophets.
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