Category:Mattathias ben Theophilus (subject)

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Mattathias ben Theophilus (Matthias ben Theophilus) was the Jewish High Priest in 64-68? CE, under Roman Governor Florus and Emperor Nero, and then in the first two years of the Jewish War.

This page is edited by Gabriele Boccaccini, University of Michigan.

Overview

Mattathias ben Theophilus was appointed High Priest by Herod Agrippa II, succeeding Joshua ben Gamaliel, when Roman Governor Florus took office under Emperor Nero.

Mattathias might be the son of Theophilus ben Ananus and then the grandson of Annas. The connection is quite likely, but ancient sources are silent about his ties with the powerful family of High Priests.

Mattathias is quite an obscure character. Apparently, he remained, at least formally, in office even during the first years of the Jewish revolt, when however former High Priest Ananus ben Ananus took a much more active role as the senior leader of the House of Annas. Mattathias was eventually replaced by Phannias ben Samuel when the Zealots in 68 CE annihilated the entire moderate leadership of the revolt.