September 3 175(BCE): Antiochus IV Epiphanes, the Greek King of the Channukah story began his reign today. 141 BCE (18th of Elul, 3619): The fight begun by Matthias and Judah came to a successful conclusion when Simon was elected High Priest an... »
September 2 44 BCE: Cicero delivers the first of his fourteen Philippics (oratorical attacks) on Mark Antony. He will make 14 of them over the next several months. From a Jewish perspective it might be proper to say “a pox on both of your houses.”&nbs... »
August 19 43 BCE: Octavian. later known as Augustus compels the senate to elect him Consul. As the first Emperor of Rome (in fact, if not in name) Augustus would follow the policies of “moderation and accommodation” towards Judea begun by his uncle, J... »
August 17 986: During the days of the First Bulgarian Empire, the army of Emperor Samuil of Bulgaria and his brother defeat the Byzantines led by Basil II. The Bulgarian Empire had provided a haven for Jews escaping from the Byzantine Army so th... »