of the temptations of Hellenism in the late 170s BC: Greek forms of dress, with idolatrous associations attached to them; male athletic competition in the Greek gymnasia, often in the nude, contrary to Jewish scruples; and an interest in sports, with worship and sacrifice neglected! Other pressures on Jews to compromise their ways that began early under Hellenistic influence included attendance at or participation in the religiously explicit Greek theater and the availability and attractiveness of