Introduction

The many political, economic, and cultural changes in Palestine during the Second Temple period can largely be attributed to the rule of the Greek Ptolemaic monarchs. The Ptolemies ruled from Egypt, beginning with Ptolemy I (323 bc) and ending with Cleopatra VII (30 bc). For over a century, their territory included Palestine and Syria. Although many Jews were zealous to preserve the way of life handed down to them from their ancestors—particular adherence to Law of God—others were attracted to Greek culture they encountered under the Ptolemies.