The Sadducees were a Jewish sect that existed during the Second Temple period, primarily from the 2nd century BCE to the 1st century CE. They were known for their strict adherence to the written laws of the Torah and rejected oral traditions. The Sadducees were often associated with the Temple priesthood and the wealthy elite, playing a significant role in the religious and political life of ancient Jerusalem. Unlike the Pharisees, another prominent Jewish group, the Sadducees did not believe in the resurrection of the dead or the existence of angels and spirits. Their beliefs and practices were largely centered around the Temple rituals and sacrifices, which they viewed as essential to maintaining their relationship with God. The decline of the Sadducees began after the destruction of the Second Temple in 70 CE, leading to their eventual disappearance from history.