Overview
This lecture traces the turbulent history of Judea from the fall of the Maccabees through the reigns of John Hyrcanus and his successors, highlighting political intrigue, wars, religious shifts, and the rise of the Hasmonean dynasty.
The Fall of Simon Thassi and the Rise of John Hyrcanus
- Simon Thassi, last Maccabee, is murdered with his sons, ending the founding Maccabean lineage.
- John, Simon’s youngest son, survives assassination and becomes ruler unexpectedly.
- John’s mother is killed during a siege at Doq; John retaliates by besieging the fortress for eight months.
Seleucid Intervention and Judean Independence
- King Antiochus of Side besieges Jerusalem; John Hyrcanus pays him off and becomes his lieutenant.
- John is renamed Hyrcanus and serves in campaigns against Parthia, maintaining Jewish traditions in exile.
- After Antiochus dies, Hyrcanus returns to Judea, declares independence with Roman support, and restores the economy.
Expansion and Religious Conflict
- Hyrcanus conquers Samaria, subduing the Samaritans and doubling Judea's territory.
- The Edomites (Idumeans) are conquered and forcibly converted to Judaism, causing tension with the Pharisees.
- Pharisees advocate for minority rights and separation of powers; Hyrcanus sides with Sadducees but later compromises.
Dynastic Struggles and Succession
- Hyrcanus splits leadership between his son Aristobulus (High Priest) and wife (Prince), but Aristobulus seizes full power, becoming Aristobulus I, King of the Jews.
- Aristobulus dies of appendicitis, sparking a succession crisis.
- Alexandra, Aristobulus's wife, maneuvers to marry Jonathan (Alexander Yanai) and make him king.
Key Terms & Definitions
- High Priest — Chief religious leader of Judea, overseeing Temple rituals.
- Seleucid Empire — Hellenistic dynasty ruling over Syria and Judea.
- Pharisees — Jewish sect favoring minority rights and separation of powers.
- Sadducees — Conservative priestly group, less religious, more autocratic.
- Samaritans — Group descended from the Northern Kingdom of Israel, with their own temple and priesthood.
- Edomites/Idumeans — Ancient people south of Judea, forcibly converted under Hyrcanus.
- Sanhedrin — Jewish religious and legal council.
- Hasmonean dynasty — Ruling family established by the Maccabees and their descendants.
Action Items / Next Steps
- Review the causes and consequences of forced conversions under Hyrcanus.
- Prepare a comparison table of Pharisees and Sadducees for next class.
- Read about the Hasmonean civil wars for deeper context on Alexander Yanai.