The document provides a historical overview of Judaism during the Second Temple period from 559 BC to AD 70. It describes the major political powers that ruled over Israel including the Persians, Greeks, Romans, and Herodian dynasty. Key events included the rebuilding of the temple, Hellenization of the region, Maccabean revolt against the Seleucids, and the eventual destruction of the temple by the Romans in AD 70. The document also discusses the major Jewish sects and sources that inform our understanding of Second Temple Judaism such as the Dead Sea Scrolls, Mishnah, and Midrash.