In ancient Israel, things began to change. Greek statues appeared in Jerusalem, and Jews played Greek games in the streets. Alexander the Great, one of the greatest warriors who ever lived, conquered Israel around 329 BCE.
After that, life was different. Over the centuries, first Greeks and then Romans would rule over Israel. Some foreign emperors let the ancient Hebrews practice their religion in peace. However, the people were often mistreated because of their beliefs. Brave men like Judah Maccabee and Simon bar Kokhba led Jewish rebellions. But Roman soldiers had numbers and time on their side.