John Hyrcanus (High Priest & Ruler) (jan 1, 134 BC – jan 1, 104 BC)
Description:
John Hyrcanus I, son of Simon, expanded Hasmonean power greatly. He conquered surrounding territories, including Idumea and Samaria, and destroyed the Samaritan temple on Mount Gerizim. Under him, Judea became a stronger regional power, no longer just a small rebel state.His reign was successful politically and militarily, but religiously it was more complicated. Later Jewish tradition connects him with growing tensions between the Hasmonean rulers and the Pharisees. His expansion strengthened the state, but it also made the Hasmoneans more like the Hellenistic kingdoms around them.
Added to timeline:
Date:
jan 1, 134 BC
jan 1, 104 BC
~ 30 years