Category:Ananus ben Ananus (subject)

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Ananus ben Ananus, of the House of Annas, was the Jewish High Priest in 63 CE, and the leader of the anti-Zealot faction in Jerusalem during the Jewish revolt in 66-68 CE.


Overview

Ananus was the son of Annas (Ananus ben Seth), therefore a member of the powerful family who controlled the High Priesthood in the first century. He was the only High Priest of whom it is explicitly said (by Josephus) that he was not simply associated with the Sadducees but actually a member of that party. In spite of his strong connections, Ananus remained in power only three months, as he took advantage of the interregnum between Festus and Albinus to execute James, the brother of Jesus of Nazareth, and others, as "breakers of the Law." Ananus' action seems to confirm a consistent pattern of opposition by members of the House of Annas towards the Jesus movement. Ananus however was denounced by "the most equitable of the citizens" and accused by Albinus of abuse of power for "assembling a sanhedrin without his consent." As a result Ananus was deposed by Herod Agrippa II and replaced with Joshua ben Damnaeus.

According to Josephus, the former high priest played a major role at Jerusalem during the Jewish War, where he led the moderate and anti-Zealot faction of the rebellion, until his assassination. After the defeat of Cestius in 66 CE, members of the Jewish aristocracy "partly by force, partly by persuasion" joined the rebellion. Ananus was appointed with Joseph ben Gorion "to the supreme control of the city (of Jerusalem) with a special charge to raise the height of the walls"(Bel II 562-63). Teaming with other former High Priest Joshua ben Gamaliel of the House of Boethus, Ananus tried hard to fight against the rising power of the Zealots but they were both ultimately defeated and murdered. Josephus praised Ananus as a brave leader who was "unique in his love of liberty and an enthusiast for democracy," and whose "supreme object was to maintain peace." In his opinion, "the capture of the city began with the death of Ananaus," as the leadership of the rebellion fell into the hands of the most radical elements and the moderate leaders (among whom Josephus reckoned himself) were marginalized.

Ananus ben Ananus in ancient sources

Ananus ben Ananus in scholarship

Scholarly debate has focused on three major issues: (a) the relationship between the Sadducees and Ananus (and the House of Annas in general); (b) the episode of the killing of James; and (c) the pro-Roman or anti-Roman attitude of Ananus during the Jewish War.

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