What is Hasmonean dynasty?
The '''Hasmonean dynasty''' was a family that led the Hasmoneans led the [[Maccabean Revolt]] and transformed [[Judah]] from a [[Seleucid Empire|Seleucid]] possession that was becoming more [[Greece|Greek]]-like into an independent, [[Jewish]] nation-state. The Hasmoneans expanded Judah through conquest. == History == After the [[Salome Alexandra]]'s death in 67 B.C., Salome's sons [[Hyrcanus II]], who was backed by Antipater (the father of [[Herod the Great]]), and [[Aristobulus II]] fought for control of the Judah. The [[Roman Republic|Roman]] [[Pompey]] entered the conflict on Hyrcanus' side. Aristobulus surrendered to the Romans and was sent to [[Rome]], where he was later executed. In 40 B.C., the Parthian Empire and Aristobulus' son Antigonus II invaded Judah and captured Hyrcanus. The Romans then proclaimed Antipater's son Herod king of Judea. The Romans defeated the Parthians and captured and killed Antigonus, the last ruler of the Hasmonean dynasty. The Hasmonean leaders often fought among themselves for power. They also combined religious and political power, with some rulers serving as kings and high priests. {{history-stub}} [[Category:Royal dynasties]] [[Category:Ancient Israel and Judah]] [[Category:Kings of ancient Judah]] [[Category:1st-century BC disestablishments]]