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Return to Zion and the Second Temple Period
  • A map showing Jerusalem devided between Israel and Jordan (1948-1967). Photo: Survey of Israel
    A map showing Jerusalem devided between Israel and Jordan (1948-1967). Photo: Survey of Israel
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Return to Zion and the Second Temple Period

The Return to Zion and the Second Temple Period

The period between the destruction of the First Temple (586 BCE) and the beginning of the period of the Second Temple, which was dedicated in 516 BCE, was one of transition. At first the country’s rulers were the Babylonians, followed by the Persian Empire. The Second Temple period is divided into three sub-periods: the Return to Zion and the Persian period; the Hellenistic period and the rule of the Hasmonean dynasty; and the Early Roman period, including the time of King Herod.