Category:Simon Maccabeus (subject)

From 4 Enoch: : The Online Encyclopedia of Second Temple Judaism, and Christian and Islamic Origins
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Simon Maccabeus (2nd century BCE) was a member of the Hasmonean dynasty, who ruled as High Priest and prince of Judea, from 142 BCE to his assassination in 134 BCE.

Overview

Simon was the second son of Mattathias, and the brother of Judas Maccabeus and Jonathan Maccabeus.

He took part in the revolt led by his brothers since its earlier stages. When Judas and then Jonathan died, fighting against the Seleucids, Simon became the recognized leader of the Hasmonean dynasty. According to 1 Maccabees, political authority was granted to him (and his successors), along with the High Priesthood, in 141 BCE by a large an assembly "of the priests and the people and of the elders of the land... forever, until there should arise a faithful prophet" (1 Macc 14:41).

The Roman Senate were quick to recognize the new semi-independent kingdom in 139 BCE, when a delegation of Simon visited Rome.

In 135 BCE Simon (together with two of his sons) felt victim of an assassination plot by his son-in-law. His third son, John Hyrcanus, however, survived and was able to succeed his father.

Simon Maccabeus in ancient sources

Simon Maccabeus in Scholarship

Simon Maccabeus in Fiction

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