Judith: Hanukkah Heroine - HISTORY

While Jewish people today observe Hanukkah by retelling the story of Judah and the Maccabees, there is another story that used to be told: the tale of Judith and a severed head.

FACT CHECK: We strive for accuracy and fairness. But if you see something that doesn't look right, click here to contact us! HISTORY reviews and updates its content regularly to ensure it is complete and accurate.

RELATED CONTENT

Hanukkah celebrates the triumph of Jewish people over religious persecution.

What is Hanukkah? History.com's Ask a Rabbi explains Hanukkah and this Jewish holiday's customs. Learn about the menorah, dreidel and other items that have become part of the Jewish holiday Hanukkah.

History Shorts: Hanukkah's Celebration of Religious Freedom

Saint Peter's Basilica is built upon what some historians believe to be Saint Peter's ancient remains.

Catholic cardinals gather at the Vatican in a centuries-old ceremony to elect a new pope.

In the 16th century, the pope ruled over a vast area of Italy called the Papal States.