1. 1.4 The Greek Empire ( B.C.)

2. End of the Persian Wars
Separate Greek city states (Athens, Sparta) form an alliance in order to defeat their common enemy: the Persians
Persia was the constant enemy of Greece
Throughout Persia’s days as the dominant empire, the Greeks (especially the Spartans - a fierce warrior Greek city-state) constantly challenged their rule
While Persia repeatedly tried to control Greek city-states, they were prevented from doing so

3. Civil War
Following the defeat of the Persians the Greek city-states fell into conflict which resulted in a massive civil war (Greeks fought Greeks)
Out of the conflict, Philip of Macedonia, emerges with the goal of unifying all of the Greek city states
Philip succeeds in his goal of Greek unity, until he dies rather suddenly (murdered?)
His empire thus falls to his son, Alexander

4. Alexander
Alexander had the task of managing the large empire left behind by his father, Philip
Alexander would go on to influence the western world for the next millennium, and he would spread his ideas, and his Greek culture, everywhere
Wherever he went, he built cities and roads, and insisted the people learn Greek as their 2nd language.
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5. Greek Tradition Spreads
Greek traditions and religion were adopted throughout the areas that Alexander controlled
While this was great for those who wanted to adopt the Greek way of life, the Jewish people, of course, had a different reaction
They asked the following questions:

6. Would they be able to maintain their Torah?
What about their firm belief in one God?
What about their religious and dietary observations?
Would everything they cared about, all of their distinct beliefs and practices be snuffed out?
Would they be able to fulfill God’s mission if the Greeks dominate them?