Alexander the Great and Hellenisation

Historical Overview of the Hellenistic Conquest
The Hellenistic period begins with the conquests of Alexander the Great, who in 332 BCE swiftly incorporates the region of Judea into his expanding Macedonian-Greek empire. After defeating the Persian Empire, Alexander brings vast territories—including Egypt, Mesopotamia, and the Levant—under his control, ushering in a new era defined by the fusion of Greek and local cultures, known as Hellenisation.

Although Alexander’s reign is brief (he dies in 323 BCE), his legacy profoundly shapes the eastern Mediterranean world for centuries. Upon his death, his empire is divided among his generals (the Diadochi), and Judea eventually falls under the control of the Ptolemaic dynasty of Egypt and later the Seleucid dynasty of Syria.

The Spread of Greek Language and Culture
Hellenisation introduces significant cultural, linguistic, philosophical, and social changes to Jewish life. Greek becomes the lingua franca of the Eastern Mediterranean, used in commerce, administration, and intellectual discourse. Jewish communities, particularly those in the diaspora, begin to adopt Greek names, customs, and forms of education. Cities such as Alexandria become vibrant centres of Jewish-Greek culture, where Jews engage with Hellenistic philosophy, literature, and science.

In Judea, the influence of Hellenistic culture varies. While some Jews resist foreign encroachment, others, especially the urban elite, embrace Greek customs, dress, and public institutions such as gymnasia. This cultural adaptation creates internal tensions within Jewish society between traditionalists and Hellenisers—a division that becomes increasingly pronounced in the subsequent Seleucid period.

The Septuagint and Jewish-Greek Literature
One of the most enduring legacies of the Hellenistic period is the translation of the Hebrew Scriptures into Greek, known as the Septuagint (LXX). This translation is traditionally believed to have been commissioned in Alexandria during the reign of Ptolemy II Philadelphus (c. 285–246 BCE), and the name “Septuagint” (Latin for seventy) refers to the legendary seventy or seventy-two translators involved in the work.

The Septuagint serves a vital purpose: it makes the Hebrew Scriptures accessible to Greek-speaking Jews who no longer read Hebrew fluently, as well as to non-Jews interested in Jewish religious texts. It becomes the authoritative version of the Bible for many diaspora Jews and later for the early Christian Church.

Theologically, the Septuagint reflects interpretive choices and contextual adaptations that reveal how Jews in the Hellenistic world understood their sacred texts. In some cases, it offers expanded or clarified readings, and in others, it subtly reshapes Hebrew idioms for a Greek audience. Its influence extends beyond mere translation, shaping Jewish theology, liturgical practices, and biblical interpretation.

Religious and Cultural Tensions
While Hellenistic culture brings opportunities for intellectual engagement and regional integration, it also generates significant religious challenges. The philosophical materialism and polytheism of Greek thought conflict with the monotheistic and covenantal worldview of Judaism. The construction of pagan temples, the promotion of Greek athletic rituals (often performed in the nude), and the elevation of human reason over divine revelation create growing discomfort among the Jewish faithful.

These tensions intensify under the Seleucid rulers, particularly Antiochus IV Epiphanes, who later attempts to enforce Hellenistic practices through coercion, leading to the desecration of the Jerusalem Temple. This escalation lays the groundwork for the Maccabean Revolt, which will be addressed in the subsequent section.

Conclusion
The conquests of Alexander the Great and the ensuing Hellenistic period usher in a new cultural and intellectual context for Jewish life. While the spread of Greek language and ideas enriches Jewish scholarship and facilitates broader engagement, it also produces deep cultural and religious tensions. The translation of the Hebrew Bible into Greek through the Septuagint becomes a cornerstone of Jewish diaspora life and provides a crucial bridge between Jewish tradition and the Greco-Roman world. The Hellenistic era, therefore, is a time of both assimilation and resistance, laying the foundations for the significant political and theological developments that follow in the Hasmonean period.