1.) Hence, in 168 BC, Antiochus (of Seleucid Empire) again invaded, and overran all Egypt, except for Alexandria, while his fleet captured Cyprus. Near Alexandria he was met by Gaius Popillius Laenas (of Rome), who told him that he must immediately withdraw from Egypt and Cyprus. Antiochus said he would discuss it with his council, whereupon the Roman envoy drew round him a line in the sand, and said, "Before you cross this circle I want you to give me a reply for the Roman senate"
exciting!
This is Antiochus IV, whom the Jews remember. He desecrated the temple which then led to the Maccabees which then led to Hannukah.
...after the occupiers had been driven from the Temple, the Maccabees discovered that almost all of the ritual olive oil had been profaned. They found only a single container that was still sealed by the High Priest, with enough oil to keep the menorah in the Temple lit for a single day. They used this, and miraculously, that oil burned for eight days (the time it took to have new oil pressed and made ready).
Hannukah started yesterday at sundown. Happy Hannukah!
from http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Antiochus_IV#Second_invasion
and http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hannukah
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