Matityahu, also known as Mattathias, was a Jewish priest and a key figure in the Maccabean Revolt against the Seleucid Empire in the 2nd century BCE. He is best known for refusing to worship Greek idols and for leading a rebellion to restore Jewish religious practices. His actions inspired his five sons, including Judah Maccabee, to continue the fight for Jewish independence. Matityahu's legacy is celebrated during the festival of Hanukkah, which commemorates the rededication of the Second Temple in Jerusalem after the successful revolt. His commitment to faith and resistance against oppression has made him a symbol of Jewish courage and identity throughout history.