The Jewish festival of Hanukkah is based on real historical events — the Maccabean Revolt of 167-160 BCE. In today's episode, Helen and Dave travel back to a time when Judaea was ruled by the Hellenized (Greek) Seleucid Empire. When a Jewish priest named Mattathias refused to make a sacrifice to the pagan gods, it sparked a violent revolution led by Judah "The Hammer" Maccabee.  Learn More About Hanukkah at Bible Odyssey HanukkahMaccabeesThe Commemoration of War in Early Jewish FestivalsLife Under EmpireJoin the Time Travelers Club! Support the podcast and get special perks like bonus content and the ability ask your questions on air. Learn more about the Time Travelers Club. Theme music written and performed by Dave Roos