Antiochus IV Epiphanes

Antiochus IV Epiphanes becomes Seleucid king - begins aggressive Hellenization of Judea, calls himself 'God Manifest'

Antiochus plunders Temple - returning from Egypt, kills thousands of Jews, takes Temple treasures including golden altar

Jason attacks Jerusalem - hearing false rumor of Antiochus's death, Jason tries to retake priesthood, civil war erupts

Antiochus massacres Jerusalem - 40,000 killed in three days, 40,000 sold as slaves, attacks on Sabbath when Jews won't fight

Abomination of Desolation - Antiochus sacrifices pig on Temple altar, dedicates Temple to Zeus Olympios, bans circumcision and Sabbath

Death of Antiochus IV - dies of disease in Persia, reportedly mad, seen as divine punishment for Temple desecration