This is an illustration of the Maccabean graves from 1720. The illustration is based on the artist’s interpretation of the traditional description of the tomb; the tomb itself has never actually been found. The drawing depicts a large monument with a rounded dome topped by a pyramid. Four steps lead up to the entrance of the building with six columns. The monument is situated at the bottom of a U-shaped building. On both sides of the U are three structures, each topped with a pyramid. Two massive pillars stand in front of the structure. The pillars are decorated with carvings of warriors and swords. In the background are additional pillars topped with ships. The drawing also shows people walking around in the courtyard. The overall impression is one of grandeur and majesty, befitting the burial place of kings.
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Chanuka - Chanuka celebrates the rededication of the Temple by Judah the Maccabee and his army after their victory over the Greeks in 165 BCE. One of the well-known miracles of the Chanukah story is the small portion of oil that was able to light the Menorah in the Temple and burn for eight nights. Chanukah begins on 25 Kislev and is celebrated by lighting a Chanukiya for eight nights. It is also traditional to eat fried foods (to symbolise the oil) and play with spinning tops known as dreidles.
Maccabees - The Maccabees were led by Matityahu and his five sons in a revolt against Antiochus IV Epiphanes and the Syrian Hellenists who ruled Israel from 200 BCE. The Maccabees lived in the city of Modi’in and launched their rebellion when a Greek official commanded Matityahu to make a sacrifice to a pagan god. His son Judah, who was known as Judah Maccabee (deriving from the Aramaic word for hammer), became the leader of the Judean army. After several years of fighting, Jerusalem was recaptured and the Temple was rededicated. The festival of Chanukah commemorates the victory against Antiochus and the dedication of the Temple. Jewish autonomy returned to Judea and the Maccabees, also called the Hasmoneans, claimed the kingship. The Hasmonean dynasty ruled Israel for 77 years from 140–63 BCE. Their self-appointment as the high priests led to fighting among the different Jewish factions which brought an end to the Hasmonean dynasty and the beginning of Roman rule in the country. This ended Jewish independent rule until the establishment of the State of Israel in 1948.
