Hasmonean dynasty

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Hasmonean Dynasty

The Hasmonean Dynasty was a ruling dynasty of Judea and surrounding regions during classical antiquity, from 140 BCE to 37 BCE. The dynasty was established under the leadership of the Maccabees, a group of Jewish rebel warriors who took control of Judea, which had been a client state of the Seleucid Empire. The Hasmonean Dynasty is significant for its role in the history of the Jewish people and its impact on the region's political and religious landscape.

Historical Background

The Hasmonean Dynasty emerged in the context of the Maccabean Revolt, a Jewish rebellion against the Seleucid Empire and the Hellenistic influence it imposed on Jewish life. The revolt began in 167 BCE, led by Mattathias and his five sons, including Judah Maccabee, who became a central figure in the struggle for Jewish independence.

The revolt was sparked by the decrees of Antiochus IV Epiphanes, the Seleucid king, who sought to enforce Hellenistic practices and suppress Jewish religious traditions. The Maccabees successfully recaptured Jerusalem and rededicated the Second Temple, an event commemorated by the Jewish festival of Hanukkah.

Establishment of the Dynasty

In 140 BCE, Simon Thassi, one of the sons of Mattathias, was proclaimed leader and high priest by a popular assembly, marking the formal establishment of the Hasmonean Dynasty. Simon's leadership was recognized by the Seleucid king, who granted him the title of "ethnarch" and confirmed his authority over Judea.

The Hasmoneans expanded their territory through military conquests and strategic alliances, eventually controlling a region that included Judea, Samaria, Galilee, and parts of Idumea and Perea. The dynasty maintained its independence by navigating the complex political landscape of the Hellenistic world, balancing relations with the Seleucid Empire and the emerging power of Rome.

Key Rulers

The Hasmonean Dynasty saw several notable rulers, including:

• John Hyrcanus (134–104 BCE): Expanded the territory and consolidated power, establishing a period of relative stability and prosperity.
• Aristobulus I (104–103 BCE): The first Hasmonean to take the title of "king," though his reign was short-lived.
• Alexander Jannaeus (103–76 BCE): Known for his military campaigns and expansionist policies, as well as internal strife and conflict with the Pharisees.
• Salome Alexandra (76–67 BCE): A period of peace and prosperity, marked by her support for the Pharisees and religious scholarship.
• Hyrcanus II and Aristobulus II: Their rivalry and civil war led to Roman intervention and the eventual end of Hasmonean independence.

Decline and Fall

The decline of the Hasmonean Dynasty began with internal conflicts and external pressures. The rivalry between Hyrcanus II and Aristobulus II weakened the state, leading to Roman intervention. In 63 BCE, Pompey the Great captured Jerusalem, and Judea became a client kingdom of Rome.

The final blow to the Hasmonean Dynasty came in 37 BCE when Herod the Great, with Roman support, defeated the last Hasmonean ruler, Antigonus II Mattathias, and established the Herodian Dynasty.

Legacy

The Hasmonean Dynasty left a lasting legacy in Jewish history. It was a period of Jewish sovereignty and cultural flourishing, with significant developments in religious and political life. The Hasmoneans are remembered for their role in the Maccabean Revolt and the rededication of the Second Temple, events that continue to be celebrated in Jewish tradition.

Also see

• Maccabean Revolt
• Second Temple
• Herodian Dynasty
• Hanukkah
• Seleucid Empire