The Books of Maccabees report a revolt of the Jewish people against their Greek overlords in 160 B.C. The Greeks sought to create unity in their empire by promoting a common religion. This was, of course, anathema to the Jews who held onto their ancient faith. Even though these books did not make it into the Jewish Bible (we only have copies written in Greek) the events they report are still commemorated by the Jewish people in the Feast of Hannakkah which is a memorial of the re-dedication of the temple after the Greeks were expelled. It is in these books that we have the first clear evidence of Jewish belief in the possibility of a life in glory after earthly life has ended.
