Jews have independence during Hasmonean Period

164-63 BC (About 2100 years ago): During the time of Antiochus Epiphanes, a Jewish rebel army fought against Greek rule and regained a degree of autonomy for a portion of the land of Israel. The revolt is called the Maccabean Revolt and was led by Mattathias the Hasmonean and his five sons, Jonathan, Simon, John, Eleazar and Judas. Judas also was known as Maccabeus, which is said to have meant "hammer" or "hammerer."