The Hasmoneam Dynasty

Just as a point of reference, all the activities that define the Jewish faith does take place in this region of the world. Until the modern day when Israel was created, the land was dominated by empire after empire.

...Following further (click here) Hasmonean victories (147 BCE), the Seleucids restored autonomy to Judea, as the Land of Israel was now called, and, with the collapse of the Seleucid kingdom (129 BCE), Jewish independence was again achieved. Under the Hasmonean dynasty, which lasted about 80 years, the kingdom regained boundaries not far short of Solomon's realm, political consolidation under Jewish rule was attained and Jewish life flourished....