What was Antiochus IV Epiphanes goal when he made changes to the Jewish peoples' religious practices?

Question

destroy Jewish culture
liberate the Jewish people from the priests’ oppressive rule
purify Judaism
show he was a benevolent ruler
restore Judah’s independence from foreign governments

Answer 1

Antiochus IV Epiphanes aimed primarily to destroy Jewish culture and impose Hellenistic practices on the Jewish people. His goal was to unify his empire under a single culture and religion, and he viewed the traditions and practices of the Jewish people as a barrier to that. This led to the suppression of Judaism, including the banning of its fundamental practices and the desecration of the Temple in Jerusalem. This action ultimately contributed to the Maccabean Revolt, as many Jews resisted his attempts to eradicate their religious identity.