The second of four volumes covering the history of Judaism from 540 BCE to 250 CE, this book deals with the encounter of Judaism with the Hellenistic culture spread throughout the Mediterranean world and beyond by Alexander the Great and his successors. Drawing upon recent scholarship in archaeology, history and scriptures, the contributors describe the religious, social and cultural rejection and adoption of Hellenism by Judaism. Illustrated with plates and diagrams, the text will prove an invaluable resource to scholars and general readers interested in Jewish or Mediterranean history.