Grandson of Mattathias
of Modein & chief architect of Judean
dominance of Palestine. The youngest & only
surviving son of Simon
Thassi succeeded his father
as high priest in 134
BCE. He was the fourth Hasmonean
to rule Jerusalem. But his tenure began with a year-long Syrian siege
that forced him agree to tear down the city's fortifications &
renew tribute to the Greek king (133
BCE). Within a few years,
however, he took advantage of political turmoil in
Syria following the death of Antiochus VII
(129
BCE) to rebuild his
forces, reclaim independence and extend Judean control over
Palestine & Jordan. On the southern front he forced Judah's
neighbors in Idumea
[descendents of the Edomites] to accept Judaism & on the
northern front he destroyed the rival temple at Shechem
in Samaria.
Such triumphs made him the probable subject of messianic tributes by
his fellow Judeans.
But his own preference for Greek culture made him controversial in
Jerusalem. When Pharisees challenged his right to be high priest, he
switched his allegiance to the aristocratic Sadducee [Zadokite]
party. Still, the Dead Sea Scrolls suggest that other
Zadokites probably rejected his leadership & left Jerusalem,
labeling him the "wicked priest," who persecuted the
priest whom they regarded as the "Teacher of
Righteousness."
References:
Josephus,
Antiquities
13.228-302;
16.179-181.
_____, War
1.54-71.
Other online
resources: