Biblical Profile: Hellenistic Kingdoms

Hellenistic Kingdoms

During the 300 years following the death of Alexander in 323 BC, Greek kings continued to rule in the lands he conquered, and Hellenistic religion, culture, and values expanded across civilization. Hellenism provided a context for both Jewish and Greek learning to flourish. But Hellenism also came into conflict with Jewish faith, causing a time of great tribulation for the Jews, especially in the 160s BC. Greek culture eventually combined with Roman rule to set the stage for the coming of the Messiah, as Daniel foresaw. The history of this era is accurately portrayed in several of Daniel’s prophecies (see 7:6; 8:8-14, 21-26; 11:4-45).

Successors (Diadochoi), 323–301 BC

After Alexander died suddenly in 323 BC, a struggle for power and dominance ensued among several of his top generals (Greek diadochoi, “successors”).