The lands of the Middle East have rarely been quiet. There have been many wars and struggles there for more than 2000 years.
Before the Romans built their empire, the Greeks built theirs. Their greatest empire builder was Alexander the Great.
Long after he was gone, his generals tried to hold the empire together. Alexander did not worry much about changing the people. He let them worship their own gods and obey their laws as long as they did not interfere with his laws. After his death, the empire was divided among them.
Israel fell under the rule of a Syrian king, Antiochus III. He liked the Jewish people and didn't interfere with their lives.