Final answer:
During the Maccabean period in Palestine, sects such as the Sadducees, Pharisees, Essenes, and Zealots were prominent, each with distinct religious and political views.
Step-by-step explanation:
In the time of the Maccabees, several sects were evident in Palestine. The Sadducees were influential priests who believed that only they were required to follow the 613 laws and injunctions laid down by Moses, while all Jews should obey the 10 Commandments. In contrast, the Pharisees argued that all Jews must adhere to all laws of Moses and they anticipated the arrival of a messiah for divine judgement. Meanwhile, the Essenes practiced a life of asceticism and mysticism in the deserts. Lastly, the Zealots promoted armed revolt against the Roman authorities in Palestine.