Hasmonean Dynasty

The Hasmoneans — named after Hashmon, a remote ancestor of the Maccabees — were the priestly family that took both political and religious leadership of Judea after the Maccabean revolt. Simon, the last surviving Maccabean brother, was confirmed by the people in 140 BC as "leader and high priest forever, until a faithful prophet should arise" (1 Macc 14:41), and the office became hereditary. Under his son John Hyrcanus (134–104 BC) the borders expanded dramatically: Idumea was conquered and forcibly converted to Judaism, Samaria was subdued, and the Samaritan temple on Mount Gerizim was destroyed. Aristobulus I (104–103) took the title king. Alexander Jannaeus (103–76) waged near-constant war and presided over a bitter civil conflict with the Pharisees that left hundreds crucified outside Jerusalem. After his widow Salome Alexandra's reign (76–67), her two sons fell into civil war; both appealed to Rome. Pompey settled the dispute in 63 BC by storming Jerusalem and reducing Judea to a Roman client. Hasmonean princes continued to hold the high priesthood under Roman and then Herodian control for a few more decades. By the time of Jesus, the dynasty had been replaced by the Herodians.