Class 2: The Metamorphosis of Jerusalem, Judaea, and Herod the Great In the midst of his rebellion against the Seleucids, Judah Maccabee sent several embassies to cities around the Mediterranean world requesting aid, including Rome. What began as a distant alliance became unequal domination by Rome. And yet, Rome and its empire were partly responsible for creating the framework and supporting the development of perhaps the most vibrant period in ancient Jewish history. How did Judaea transform from a regional backwater into a modern and dynamic pilgrimage site? How did the Roman system enable the creation of a global Jewish network centered on Jerusalem and its high priesthood?