How Do You Spell MACCABEAN REVOLT?

Pronunciation: [mˌake͡ɪbˈi͡ən ɹɪvˈə͡ʊlt] (IPA)

The Maccabean Revolt was a significant period in Jewish history. The word "Maccabean" (məˈkʌbiən) comes from the Hebrew "Makabi," meaning "hammer." The spelling follows standard English phonetic rules, with the "a" pronounced as in "cat," the "c" as in "cell," and the "b" as in "book." The stress falls on the second syllable. This uprising took place between 167-160 BCE and led to the establishment of the Hasmonean dynasty in Judea. Today, it stands as a symbol of Jewish resistance and perseverance against oppression.

MACCABEAN REVOLT Meaning and Definition

1. The Maccabean Revolt refers to a significant historical event that took place in ancient Judea during the 2nd century BCE, primarily between 167 and 160 BCE. The revolt was a momentous uprising led by a Jewish priestly family known as the Maccabees against the oppressive rule of the Seleucid Empire, which governed the region at the time.

   The Maccabean Revolt was triggered by the imposition of Hellenistic customs and religious practices upon the Jewish population by the Seleucid king Antiochus IV Epiphanes. This included the desecration of the Jewish Temple in Jerusalem and banning certain traditional Jewish religious practices. These actions incited a passionate response from the Maccabees, who fought valiantly to preserve Jewish culture and freedom of worship.

   The Maccabean Revolt was marked by a series of fierce battles, guerrilla warfare, and acts of insurgency by the Jewish rebels against the Seleucid forces. The Maccabees, led by figures such as Judah Maccabee, achieved several significant victories, including the cleansing and rededication of the Temple in Jerusalem, an event commemorated by the Jewish holiday of Hanukkah.

   Ultimately, the Maccabean Revolt resulted in the re-establishment of Jewish sovereignty in Judea and a period of self-rule known as the Hasmonean Dynasty. This revolt played a pivotal role in preserving Jewish religious and cultural identity, and its historical significance extends beyond the confines of ancient Judea, making it a crucial event in Jewish history.

Etymology of MACCABEAN REVOLT

The term "Maccabean Revolt" is derived from the Hebrew word "Makabi", which means "hammer". The Maccabees were a Jewish family, led by Judah Maccabee, who rebelled against the Seleucid Empire in the 2nd century BCE. The name "Maccabee" was given to Judah, and his brothers, by their father, Mattathias, in reference to their strength and valor in battle, likening them to a hammer against their enemies. The revolt they led is thus known as the Maccabean Revolt, based on the family name.