510-460 A period whose history is unknown. Zerubbabel may have been crowned king, but this is doubtful. Judea now an insignificant province of the empire, controlled by Persian satraps whose rulers are corrupt and oppressive. Religious faith again begins to decay. The Law is evaded and disobeyed, and in this condition of things a small reactionary and zealous party increase in numbers and influence. 483 Ezra, a Zadokite priest, is encouraged to visit Jerusalem on a mission of reform, by Artaxerxes I, who wishes to conciliate the Jews in Babylon, who are uneasy at the condition of religion in Judea. His mission fails. 445 Nehemiah, a Babylonian Jew, arrives in Jerusalem with Artaxerxes’ permission to repair the city’s walls. Ezra reappears. The Law Book is published and the covenant between Israel and Yahveh is renewed. The foundation stone of Judaism is laid. The Law is now the possession of each Israelite. Nehemiah improves the social condition of the poor and returns to Persia (433). 432 Second visit of Nehemiah. He finds some of the old abuses again in practice. The founding of the Samaritan colony gets rid of those opposed to Nehemiah, and unifies the loyal Jews. 415 Death of Nehemiah. The internal administration of Judea passes to the line of hereditary high priests. THE HIGH PRIESTS TO THE MACCABÆAN RISING (415-167 B.C.) 415 =Eliashib=, high priest. He and his successors direct the affairs of Judea assisted by a council of elders and priests. 413 =Joiada= becomes high priest. 373 =Johanan= murders his brother Joshua, who attempts to seize the high-priesthood. The Persian satrap interferes and fines the Jews. 350 Judea ravished by Artaxerxes III, while suppressing a Syrian revolt. The temple destroyed. Many Jews deported. 341 =Jaddua= becomes high priest. The age of “Wisdom” literature (Khokmah). 333 Overthrow of the Persian Empire by Alexander at the battle of Issus. Israel has a new master. 323 At death of Alexander, Judea becomes a part of the satrapy of Syria. 321 =Onias I= becomes high priest. 320 Conquest of Jerusalem by Ptolemy Lagus. He deports some of the inhabitants to Egypt. 314-302 Judea a Syrian province. 302 Ptolemy Lagus retakes Judea. 300 =Simon the Just= becomes high priest. He repairs the temple and strengthens the fortifications of the city. 294-280 Judea nominally a Seleucid province. 285 Ptolemy Philadelphus succeeds his father, who abdicates. The Septuagint version of the Bible begun under his patronage. 250 =Onias II= becomes high priest. Tries to withhold tribute from Ptolemy. 247 Ptolemy Euergetes succeeds his father. 222 Ptolemy Philopator succeeds his father.