Dear Light Igniters:

The year was 175 BC, and Antiochus IV had succeeded his father (Antiochus III) as king of the Seleucid Empire, which at the time spanned most of the modern Middle East and Eastern Europe. Antiochus III had ruled with a civil hand, allowing the people of conquered territories to maintain their local customs and religious practices provided they pay sufficient tribute. His son, Antiochus IV, was not so indulgent. Even the slightest provoking expression of disloyalty brought a swift and dominating response of his oppressive military might, which included a massive force of war elephants.

Perceiving a rebellious uprising in Judah, Antiochus IV sacked the city of