Antiochus Epiphanes was a Hellenistic king of the Seleucid Empire who ruled from 175 to 164 BCE. He is best known for his aggressive policies aimed at spreading Greek culture and religion throughout his empire, particularly in Judea. His reign was marked by significant conflict with the Jewish population, leading to the Maccabean Revolt. Antiochus implemented harsh measures against the Jewish faith, including the prohibition of religious practices and the desecration of the Second Temple in Jerusalem. His actions sparked widespread resistance, culminating in a revolt led by the Maccabees, which ultimately resulted in the establishment of an independent Jewish state.