|
1.
Brief Account of Events Said to Have Occurred
Ptolemy, the man who murdered
the father of (John) Hyrcanus and two brothers, also attempted to murder
(John) Hyrcanus and take power; Hyrcanus prevailed over him after a
protracted conflict, but lost his mother to Ptolemy, who had held her
hostage. Antiochus VII Sidetes demanded that (John) Hyrcanus surrender
territory taken by Simon, and successfully waged war against the Jewish
state, besieging Jerusalem. (John) Hyrcanus was forced to pay
indemnity for the territory seized by his father. After this less
than promising start to his reign, however, (John) Hyrcanus maintained
the borders of the state inherited from his father and even expanded
them.
After (John) Hyrcanus' peaceful
death in 104 BCE, Aristobolus the son of (John) Hyrcanus usurped control
of both the High Priesthood and the kingship. (John) Hyrcanus stipulated
in his will that his wife should assume political power, but Aristobolus
imprisoned his mother and three of his four brothers, and assumed power
instead. Aristobolus’ reign lasted only one year; he died of a
disease in 103 BCE. During this short period of time, however, he managed
to expand his territory to the north. When he died, Aristobolus’
widow, (Salome) Alexandra, released his three brothers from prison and
gave the High Priesthood and kingship to the eldest, Alexander (Jannaeus).
During his reign, Alexander expanded the borders of the Jewish state. After
his death in 76 BCE, in accordance with his will, his widow (Salome)
Alexandra assumed political power, and her son Hyrcanus II became the
High Priest. During her reign, the Pharisees were given unprecedented
access to power, unlike the reign of Alexander (Jannaeus). (Salome)
Alexandra’s reign was mostly peaceful and prosperous; she died in 67
BCE.
| 
|
Sandal
from Qumran
length 22 cm (8 5/8 in.)
width 6.8 cm (2 5/8 in.)
The sole
of this type of sandal ("soleae" style) is made of three layers
of leather secured with leather bindings. Two slits were cut
near the heel of the the sandal, through which leather tabs
were threaded. Through slits in these tabs on the upper side
of the sandal were threaded the main strap. The two ends of
the main strap were threaded through a single hole near the
toe and fixed to the bottom of the sole. |
2. Primary Sources
2.1. 1
Maccabees 16:18-22
2.2. Josephus, Antiquities
13.7.4-16.6; 228-432
2.3. Josephus, War
1.2.5-5.4; 61-119
| The
"Tomb of Zachariah"
Located
on the
the eastern side of the Kidron Valley, the so-called Tomb of
Zahcariah was probably built in the second century BCE. The
tomb, a square structure of 5 x 5 m., combines decorated Ionic
columns with a pyramid roof. |
|
3. More Detailed
Account of Events Said to Have Occurred with Citation of Sources
(*=significant
apparent disagreement in sources)
|
Date
BCE |
Events
|
Sources
|
| 135-134 |
Ptolemy, son-in-law
of Simon, sends troops to kill (John) Hyrcanus, his brother-in-law,
who is residing in Gazara, where he serves as governor (stratêgos).
(John) Hyrcanus is informed about this plan and avoids being killed
because he has the support of the people of Gazara. (John) Hyrcanus,
now High Priest, takes control of Jerusalem before Ptolemy can,
and then besieges Ptolemy at Dagon (Dok), near Jericho. (John) Hyrcanus
is prevented from capturing the fortress, however, because Ptolemy
has his mother as a hostage. Because it is a sabbatical year, the
siege is lifted and Ptolemy escapes Philadelphia which is under
the rule of Zenon Cotylas, but only after killing (John) Hyrcanus'
mother. |
1 Macc 16:18-22;
Ant. 13.7.4-8.1; 229-35 |
| 135-34 |
In the first
year of (John) Hyrcanus' reign, Antiochus VII Euergetes (Sidetes)
invades Judea, and lays siege to Jerusalem. In order to conserve
provisions, (John) Hyrcanus sends out the non-combatants out of
the city, but Antiochus does not let them pass; only for the festival
of Tabernacles are they allowed back into the city. After
a long siege, (John) Hyrcanus comes to terms with the Seleucids,
who had already proven himself conciliatory to the Jews by sending
offerings for the festival of Tabernacle. He pays tribute for Joppa
and other cities conquered. But he does not allow the Akra
to be occupied by Seleucid (Syrian) troops again, as Antiochus VII
originally demands. Instead, they send hostages and five hundred
talents of silver; Antiochus VII also demolishes the city walls.
Stress on the separateness of the Jews and their desire not to have
contact with other peoples is cited as the motive for not surrendering
the Akra. (The account of the Jews in Diod. 34/35.1 is slanderous,
claiming that the ancestors of the Jews were lepers expelled from
Egypt. Because of their resentment, the Jews became xenophobic and
"haters of humanity" [misanthropoi].) |
Ant.
13.8.2-3; 236-48; War 1.2.5; 61; Diod. 34/35.1; Eusebius,
Chron.; Justin 36.1
*In War 1.2.5; 61, Josephus says that John opened the tomb
of David and took 3,000 talents, 300 of which he used to bribe Antiochus
to lift the siege (see Ant. 7.15.3; 393), whereas in Ant.
13.8.4; 249. Antiochus lifts the siege after successfully negotiating
with Antiochus, and John opens the tomb only after Antiochus departs. |
| 130-129 |
Antiochus
VII Euergetes (Sidetes) compels John to send troops in support of
his campaign against the Parthians (Phraates II). After some initial
success against the general Arsaces, Antiochus VII is defeated and
killed in battle. Josephus quotes Nicolas of Damascus to the effect
that the Jews under his command request that Antiochus VII not march
out for two days after a victory over the Parthians because this
was the beginning of Pentecost; the Jews are not allowed to march
on the Sabbath or on the first day of a festival. Demetrius II once
again takes control of the Seleucid Kingdom; he was held prisoner
by the Parthians. |
Ant.
13.8.4; 249-53; War 1.2.5; 61; see Diod. 34.15-17; Justin
38.10; Livy, Epit. 59; Appian, Syr. 68; Eusebius,
Chron. 1.255 on Antiochus' Parthian campaign. |
| 130-29 |
In order to
strengthen his position, (John) Hyrcanus sends envoys to the Roman
senate, requesting that the Romans condemn Antiochus VII Euergetes
(Sidetes) for taking from the Jews control of Joppa, Gazara and
Pegae and other cities. The senate reaffirms their support of the
Jews, but postpones making a decision about their request. |
Ant.
13.9.2; 260-66 |
| 129? |
Taking
advantage of the death of Antiochus VII Euergetes (Sidetes), (John)
Hyrcanus attacks the trans-Jordan cities of Medaba and Samoga;
he also takes the Samaritan cities of Shechem, Garizein and conquers
the Cuthaean nation, also known as Samaritans. The temple on Mt.
Gerazim is also destroyed, some two hundred years after its construction.
(John) Hyrcanus also turns south and takes the Idumean cities
of Adora and Marissa, and forces the Idumeans to live as Jews,
which requires first circumcising them.
|
Ant.
13.9.1; 254-58; War 1.2.6; 62-63
*According to War, (John) Hyrcanus began his campaign when
Antiochus VII leaves to wage war against the Parthians, whereas
Ant. places it after his death in 129 BCE. |
| c. 128-126-123/22 |
Demetrius
II goes to war against Ptolemy VII Physcon, king of Egypt, and creates
ill-will between himself and those in his kingdom. As a result,
Ptolemy VII, at the urging of the Syrian troops, puts forth a rival
to the Seleucid throne, Alexander surnamed Zebinas. The Egyptian
king sends Alexander with an army against Demetrius II, who is defeated.
He flees to his wife, Cleopatra, in Ptolemais, who does not receive
him, and then on to to Tyre, where he is killed (126-25 BCE).
Alexander Zebinas is friendly to (John) Hyrcanus, but is defeated
by Antiochus VIII Gryphus, the son of Demetrius II, and executed
(123-22 BCE). |
Ant.
13.9.3; 267-69; see Justin 39.1; Eusebius, Chron. 1; Appian,
Syr. 68; Livy, Epit. 60
*According to Justinus, Alexander was the adopted son of Antiochus
VII Sidetes (39.1.4), whereas Porphyry says that he was the son
of Alexander Balas (Eusebius, Chron. 1.257). |
| 122-111 |
Antiochus
VIII Gryphus rules the Seleucid kingdom until 113 BCE, when he is
deposed by Antiochus IX Cyzicenus, son of Antiochus VII Sidetes
and step-brother and cousin of Antiochus VIII Gryphus, who rules
for two years. (The two had the same mother, Cleopatra, who had
been married to Demetrius II and Antiochus VII Sidetes, and their
fathers had been brothers.) In 111 BCE, Antiochus VIII Gryphus
re-takes part of the kingdom from Antiochus IX Cyzicenus, who now
rules only Coele-Syria. During this period, both kings leave (John)
Hyrcanus in peace. (John) Hyrcanus is not subject to either
Antiochus. |
Ant. 13.10.1; 270-74; see Diod. 34/5.34; see 35.1; Justin
39.2-3; Appian, Syr. 69
*According to Josephus, Antiochus VIII Gryphus had to fight constantly
against his brother (Ant. 13.10.1; 270-72), whereas Justinus
says that he had eight years of eight years of peaceful rule before
he is challenged by Antiochus IX Cyzicenus (39.8.9).
|
| c. 122
-107 |
(John) Hyrcanus
lays siege to the city of Samaria, and entrusts the outcome to his
two sons, (Judas) Aristobolus and Antigonus. The Samaritans appeal
to the Seleucid king, Antiochus IX Cyzicenus, for help, whom (Judas)
Aristobolus defeats and pursues as far as Scythopolis. The
siege of Samaria is then resumed. The Seleucid king appeals to Ptolemy
VIII Lathyrus for military support, contrary to the will of his
mother and co-regent, Cleopatra III. He ravages Jewish territory
in an attempt to force John to lift the siege. Ptolemy VIII leaves
Callimandrus and Epicrates to direct the war against the Jews. They
are ultimately unsuccessful, however, due to ineptitude and corruption.
After besieging the city for a year, (John) Hyrcanus' troops destroy
it completely. They also destroy Scythopolis, in part due to Epicrates'
betrayal of the city. On the day on which Samaria fell, (John) Hyrcanus
while serving as High Priest in the Temple is said to have heard
God tell him that his two sons had just defeated Antiochus IX. |
Ant.
13.10.2-3; 275-83; War 1.2.7; 64-66 (see 1.2.8; 68-9)
*In Ant. 13.10.2; 276-77 and 13.10.3; 282, Josephus says
that the Samaritans called on Antiochus IX Cyzicenus for help against
the Jewish assault on the city of Samaria, which would date the
siege to before 113 BCE. In War 1.2.7; 65, he said
that it was Antiochus surnamed Aspendius (a.k.a. Antiochus VIII
Gryphus) who came to the aid of the Samaritans. |
| 107-102 |
Cleopatra
III engages in a struggle for power with her son Ptolemy VIII Lathyrus. She
relies upon two Jewish generals, Chelkias and Ananias, sons of Onias
III. |
Ant.
13.10.4; 284-87 |
| Sometime
during John's reign (135-104 ) |
The Pharisees
and those who support them oppose (John) Hyrcanus's rule and unsuccessfully
try to remove him from power in a popular rebellion. At this time,
(John) Hyrcanus breaks his allegiance with the Pharisees; the breaking
point comes when the Pharisee Eleazar tells (John) Hyrcanus that
he should resign as High Priest because his mother was taken captive
during the time of Antiochus IV. (The implication is that he was
raped, which would disqualify her as the wife of a priest [see Lev
21:14].) He is furious with the insinuation about his mother, which
he denies, but even more angry when the Pharisees will not agree
with his recommendation that Eleazar be executed for his impertinent
remark. From this point, (John) Hyrcanus allies himself with
the Sadducees. |
Ant.
13.10.5-7; 288-99; War 1.2.6; 67 |
| 104 |
(John) Hyrcanus
dies, leaving five sons. He is said to have received the three highest
privileges: government of the nation, High Priesthood, and
the gift of prophecy. He is said to have foretold that his two eldest
sons would not masters of affairs in the state: (Judas) Aristobolus
and Antigonus. |
Ant.
13.10.7; 299-300; War 1.2.8; 67-69 |
| 104 |
(John) Hyrcanus
stipulates in his will that his wife should assume political power
and his son (Judas) Aristobolus the High Priesthood. (Judas) Aristobolus,
however, usurps power from his mother, and puts her in prison, where
she dies of starvation. He also imprisons all his brothers
with the exception of Antigonus. (Judas) Aristobolus transforms
the government into a monarchy, assuming the title of king. |
Ant.
13.11.1; 301-302; War 1.3.1; 70-71; see Strabo, 16.2.40
(762)
*Strabo says that it was Alexander Jannaeus who first assumed the
kingship, but possibly Aristobolus's reign was so short as to be
overlooked. |
| 104-103 |
During his
one year reign, (Judas) Aristobolus wages war against the Itureans,
and annexes part of their territory (probably Galilee). He
requires that they be circumcised and live according to the Jewish
laws if they want to remain in their territory. (Judas) Aristobolus
is supposed to have called himself "Philellene," presumably indicating
his preference for Hellenism. |
Ant.
13.11.3; 318-19; see Strabo 16.2.40 (753-56) who quotes the work
of the historian Timagenes.
*According to Timagenes, as quoted by Strabo (whose work is then
quoted by Josephus), Aristobolus was a kind or moderate (eipeikes)
man who benefited the Jews greatly, since he expanded his kingdom;
this is at odds with the depiction of him as matricide and fratricide. |
| 104-103 |
(Judas) Aristobolus
tragically has his brother Antigonus killed, whom he wrongly suspects
of disloyalty. (Judas) Aristobolus is actually a victim of
court intrigue. Judas the Essene, known as a prophet, foretells
the death of Antigonus. Later, Aristobolus has great remorse for
ordering his brother's death, and he develops a fatal illness. |
Ant.
13.11.1-3; 303-19; War 1.3.2-6; 72-88 |
| 103 |
Upon his death,
(Judas) Aristobolus' widow, (Salome or Salina) Alexandra releases
his brothers from prison, and makes (Jonathan or Jannai) Alexander
both High Priest and king (Jannaios is the Greek version of Jannai).
(He is commonly known as Alexander Jannaeus.) She also marries him.
Alexander was disliked by his father, who preferred Aristobolus
and Antigonus, but in a dream it was revealed to (John) Hyrcanus
that Alexander would be his successor. Alexander puts to death one
of his brothers, who is a potential rival for the throne, but allows
the other brother, Absalom, to live, since he has no such ambition. |
Ant.
13.12.1; 320-23; War 1.4.1; 85 |
| Early in
Alexander's reign |
Alexander
Jannaeus attacks Ptolemais, because Antiochus VIII Gryphus (Antiochus
Philometor) and Antiochus IX Cyzicenus are both preoccupied with
their internal struggle for supremacy in the Seleucid kingdom. Zoilus,
who holds Straton's Tower, comes to the aid of Ptolemais, but is
only marginally effective. The city appeals to Ptolemy VIII Lathyrus,
son of Cleopatra III, who, having been driven from Egypt by his
mother, now rules in Cyprus. Hoping to find allies among Zoilus
and the people of Gaza, Ptolemy VIII Lathyrus travels from Cyprus
with his troops and lands at Sycamina, near Ptolemais. In the
meantime, however, those in the city change their mind about accepting
help from Ptolemy VIII Lathyrus, because they do not want to be
subject to him and out of fear of reprisal from Cleopatra III and
her son Ptolemy IX Alexander. |
Ant.
13.12.2-3; 324-33 |
| Early in
Alexander's reign |
For fear of
Ptolemy VIII Lathyrus, Alexander lifts the siege. He requests that
Cleopatra III come to attack her son, and deceitfully makes an alliance
of friendship with Ptolemy VIII Lathyrus. When he discovers Alexander's
deceit, Ptolemy VIII Lathyrus besieges Ptolemais, and invades Judea,
attacking Asochis and Sepphoris in Galilee. Under the command of
Philostephanus, his troops cross the Jordan River to engage the
army of Alexander Jannaeus at Asophon. After a long battle, the
troops of Alexander Jannaeus are forced to flee. The ar my of Ptolemy
VIII overruns Judea, slaughtering many. He also takes Ptolemais. |
Ant.
13.12.4-6; 334-47 |
| Early in
Alexander's reign |
Cleopatra
III, fearing the growing strength of her son, sends troops under
the command of Chelkias and Ananias, two Jewish generals in her
service, and her other son Ptolemy IX Alexander. Ptolemy VIII Lathyrus
attempts to take Egypt, while its army is absent, but fails, and
takes refuge in Gazara. Following the advice of Ananias, Cleopatra
III makes an alliance with Alexander Jannaeus, and does not appropriate
any of his territory. Ptolemy VIII Lathyrus returns to Cyprus. |
Ant.
13.13.1-2; 348-55; War 1.4.2; 86 |
| After the
war with Ptolemy VIII Lathyrus |
Alexander
Jannaeus marches on Coele-Syria, and takes the cities of Gadara
and Amathus. But Theodorus , son of Zenon, ambushes Alexander Jannaeus
and plunders his baggage and kills some 10,000 Jews. |
Ant.
13.13.3; 356; War 1.4.2; 86 |
| c. 96 (roughly
coincidental with the death of Antiochus VIII Gryphus) |
Alexander
Jannaeus takes the cities of Raphia and Anthedon, and lays siege
to Gaza. Because of the treachery of Lysimachus, who murders his
brother Apollodotus, the general of the Gazaeans, and makes
an alliance with the Jews, Alexander Jannaeus gains admittance to
the city, whereupon his troops loot and murder. |
Ant.
13.13.3; 357-64; War 1.4.2; 87 |
| 96-95 |
Antiochus
VIII Gryphus dies as a victim of a plot. After his death, his son,
Seleucus VI Epiphanes Nicator defeats Antiochus IX Cyzicenus and
kills him, whose son, Antiochus X Eusebes Philopator, in turn, drives
Seleucus out of Syria. Seleucus takes refuge in Cilicia, where he
rules, until he dies in a popular uprising in Mopsuestia. Antiochus,
the brother of Seleucus, wages war against Antiochus XI Epiphanes
Philadelphus, but is defeated and dies in battle, whereupon another
brother, Philip I Epiphanes Philadelphus puts on the diadem and
begins to rule in part of Syria. Ptolemy VIII Lathyrus sends for
a fourth brother, Demetrius III Theos Philopator Soter (nicknamed
Eukaros but called Akairos by Josephus), to come from Cnidus, who
then begins to rule in Damascus along with Philip I Epiphanes Philadelphus.These
two brothers are opposed by Antiochus X Eusebes Philopator, but
he soon dies in fighting the Parthians. |
Ant.
13.13.4; 365-71 |
| c. 88 |
The subjects
of Alexander Jannaeus are not entirely pleased with his rule.This
becomes clear when, once during his officiating at the Festival
of Tabernacles, the celebrants pelted him with the kitrons
that they hold as part of the ritual. In retaliation, he has c.
6,000 of them killed. Later, Alexander wages war against the Nabateans
east of the Jordan and demolishes Amathus. He also engages Obedas,
the Nabatean king, but is defeated at Garada, a village in Gaulanis.
Barely escaping with his life, Alexander Jannaeus discovers upon
his return to Judea that his opponents (including the Pharisees)
have risen in revolt against him. He wages a six-year civil war
against his opponents, during which many die. His opponents entreat
Demetrius III Theos Philopator Soter to come to their aid against
Alexander Jannaeus. (Both armies consist of Greek mercenaries
and Jewish soldiers.) Demetrius III defeats Alexander near
Shechem. |
Ant.
13.13.5-14.1; 372-78; War 1.4.3-5; 88-95
*In Ant., Josephus says that Alexander had 6,200 mercenaries
and 20,000 Jews and Demetrius had 3,000 horses and 40,000 foot soldiers,
whereas in War, Alexander had 9,000 mercenaries and 10,000
Jews, whereas Demetrius 3,000 horses and 14,000 foot soldiers. |
| 88 |
Alexander
Jannaeus flees to the mountains, but many of the Jews who opposed
Alexander Jannaeus, after his defeat at the hands of Demetrius III,
suddenly switch their allegiance to Alexander Jannaeus. At this
Demetrius III withdraws, realizing his precarious situation. With
his renewed support Alexander Jannaeus subdues those Jews who still
oppose him, who take refuge at Bethoma. He brings these opponents
to Jerusalem, where he crucifies some 800 of them and, while they
are dying, kills their wives and children before their eyes. This
spectacle serves as entertainment for him and his concubines while
dining. The remaining opponents, some 8,000 Jews flee Jerusalem.
During the civil war, Alexander Jannaeus must concede control of
territory taken from the Nabatean king in exchange for his neutrality.
(The Jews nicknamed him "Thracian" because of his cruelty.) |
Ant.
13.14.2; 379-83; War 1.4.6; 96-98; 4QNahum Pesher 1 |
| 86-80 |
Antiochus
XII Dionysius, brother of Demetrius II, who also has designs on
the throne, seizes control of Damascus; he then begins a campaign
against the Nabateans. (In the meantime Philip I Epiphanes Philadelphus
both gains control of Damascus and loses it again.) Alexander
Jannaeus attempts to impede his progress by building a trench and
a wall with towers intended to stop the Syrian advance. Antiochus
XII Dionysius meets his death in battle, and cannot retaliate against
Alexander Jannaeus. The Nabatean king Aretas becomes ruler of Coele-Syria
(the territory around Damascus) and successfully invades the territory
of Alexander Jannaeus, defeating him at Adida; Alexander Jannaeus
is forced to conclude a peace treaty with the Nabateans. Alexander
Jannaeus takes Dion, Pella, Gerasa, Gaulane, Seleucia, the so-called
"ravine of Antiochus," and Gamala during a three-year campaign.
Alexander Jannaeus destroys Pella because its inhabitants would
not agree to adopt the customs of the Jews. |
Ant.
13.15.1-4; 387-97; War 1.4.7-8; 99-106
*In War, Josephus says that Alexander took Pella and
Gerasa, whereas in Ant. he took Dion and Dion and Essa,
but Essa last is probably corruption of Gerassa. |
| 79-76 |
Alexander
Jannaeus develops an illness, related to his excessive drinking;
after three years of being ill, he dies in the territory of the
Gerasenes while besieging Ragaba. Before he dies, he advises
his wife, (Salome) Alexandra, to whom he bequeaths his kingdom,
to make peace with the Pharisees and allow them a certain amount
of political power. He recognizes that for his wife to rule effectively
and in peace she needs the support of the Pharisees, who have the
support of the general populace. (Salome) Alexandra conceals her
husband's death from his soldiers, finishes capturing Ragaba, and
returns to Jerusalem. Thereupon she allies herself with the
Pharisees, who eulogize Alexander Jannaeus to the people and provide
him a honorable burial. |
Ant.
13.15.5; 398-404; War 1.4.8; 105-106 |
| 76-67 |
(Salome) Alexandra
becomes queen and appoints her eldest son, Hyrcanus II, as High
Priest. Unlike her husband she is godly and therefore loved by the
people, and there is peace and prosperity during her reign. She
gives to the Pharisees authority to rule, and they reimpose regulations
made in accordance with the traditions of their fathers that were
annulled by Hyrcanus II, when he broke with the Pharisees in favor
of the Sadducees. They are also allowed to free prisoners and to
recall exiles with Pharisaic allegiance. Taking revenge on their
enemies, the Pharisees convince (Salome) Alexandra to allow them
to kill those who during the reign of Alexander Jannaeus advised
the king to execute his (Pharisaic) opponents. The leading citizens,
led by her son Aristobolus II, however, protest to (Salome) Alexandra,
and she puts a stop to the executions. (Salome) Alexandra increases
the size of her army and hires mercenary soldiers. |
Ant.
13.16.1-3; 405-17; War 1.5.1-3; 107-14 |
| Sometime
during Alexandra's reign |
(Salome) Alexandra
sends her son Aristobolus II on a military expedition to Damascus,
but with no results. |
Ant.
13.16.3; 418; War 1.5.3; 115-16 |
| Before
69 (when Tigranes leaves Syria) |
(Salome) Alexandra's
kingdom is threatened by Tigranes, king of Armenia, who controls
parts of Seleucid kingdom. She forestalls an invasion of her
territory by sending gifts to Tigranes. Tigranes, however,
is forced to flee back to Armenia, when he learns that the Roman
general Lucullus has attacked his homeland. |
Ant.
13.16.4; 419-21; War 1.5.3; 116 |
| 67 |
(Salome) Alexandra
becomes seriously ill. With the goal of usurping power from
his mother, brother and the Pharisees, Aristobolus II takes advantage
of his mother's illness by taking possession of the fortresses,
where the supporter of Alexander Jannaeus were exiled, appropriating
the financial reserves there, and recruiting a mercenary army. In
response to the complaints of Hyrcanus and the elders of the Jews
(probably Pharisees), (Salome) Alexandra detains the wife and children
of Aristobolus II in the Baris, the fortress adjacent the Temple.
She dies, however, before the threat posed by Aristobolus II has
been neutralized. |
Ant.
13.16.5-6; 422-32; War 1.5.4; 117-19 |
| 
|
Obverse:
Yehohanan the High Priest and Council of the Jews (in Hebrew
= YHWNTN HKHN HGDL WHBR HYHDIM) surrounded by wreath
Reverse:
Double cornucopia adorned with ribbons, pomegranate between
horns |
4. Questions
4.1. Are there any indications
of the sources used in the account of the life of John (Hyrcanus) in
1 Maccabees (see 16:24)? Does Josephus give any indication of the sources
that he used in writing his historical account (see Ant. 13.8.4;
249; 13.9.2; 259; 13.10.4; 286; 13.11.3; 319; 13.12.4; 337;13.12.5;
344; 13.12.6; 347)? Twice Josephus also uses the clause "As already
has been related elsewhere" when there is no reference to the event
elsewhere in his writings (Ant. 13.8.4; 253, 13.10.1; 271). What
does this suggest about Josephus' historical method?
4.2. The Pharisees and Sadducees
are mentioned for the first time as involved in Jewish politics in Josephus'
Antiquities. Does Josephus provide a satisfactory explanation
of the origin and nature of each religious party (see 13.10.6; 297-98;
13.15.3; 401-402)?
4.3. Do Josephus' religious
biases—especially his pro-Pharisaic stance—influence his account
of this period? Do you accept as historical his statement that (John)
Hyrcanus had the gift of prophecy (War
1.2.8; 67-69; Ant. 13.10.3; 282-83; 13.10.7; 299-300; 13.12.1;
320-23)?
4.4. Do you accept Josephus'
moralizing comments about the effects of "envy and calumny"
on the course of history? (Ant. 13.11.2; 310; War 1.3.4;
77)?
4.5. What do you think about
Josephus' explanation of the different actions of Hyrcanus II and Aristobolus
II as resulting from different temperaments (Ant. 13.16.1-2;
407-408)?
4.6. Are you satisfied that
Josephus' accounts are an accurate reflection of Jewish political history
of this period? Are his accounts complete? If not, what
is missing?
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Obverse:
Yehonatan the King in Hebrew around lily
Reverse
King Alexander in Greek, around inner circle containing anchor;
sold |
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