Maccabees

The Maccabees (Hebrew: ?????, Makabim) were Jewish rebels who fought against the rule of Antiochus IV Epiphanes of the Hellenistic Seleucid dynasty, who was succeeded by his infant son Antiochus V Eupator. The Maccabees founded the Hasmonean royal line and established Jewish independence in the Land of Israel for about 100 years, from 165 BCE to 63 BCE.

Related Topics:
Hebrew - Jew - Antiochus IV Epiphanes - Hellenistic - Seleucid dynasty - Antiochus V Eupator - Hasmonean - Land of Israel - 165 BCE - 63 BCE

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In 165 BCE, Judas Maccabaeus started the revolt against the Seleucid overlords of Judea. After defeating them militarily, he entered Jerusalem in triumph and religiously cleansed the Temple, reestablishing traditional Jewish worship there.

Related Topics:
Judas Maccabaeus - Judea - Jerusalem - Temple - Jewish worship

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Independence was achieved gradually. It was not until 140 BCE that Simon had himself crowned king (in, ironically, a Hellenistic ceremony). Some Jewish historians have said that Simon's claiming of kingship is what led to the downfall of the state, since no one who did not belong to the Davidic line was supposed to hold that title. The Hasmonean bureaucracy was filled with men with Greek names.

Related Topics:
140 BCE - Simon - Davidic line

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Every year Jews celebrate Hanukkah in commemoration of Judas Maccabeus' victory over the Seleucids.

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The story of the Maccabees can be found in the deuterocanonical books of 1 Maccabees and 2 Maccabees. Books of 3 Maccabees and 4 Maccabees also exist, though they are not directly related to the Maccabees.

Related Topics:
Deuterocanonical - 1 Maccabees - 2 Maccabees - 3 Maccabees - 4 Maccabees

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