John Hyrcanus

John Hyrcanus succeeded his father Simon Thassi as High Priest and ethnarch of Judea. He consolidated Hasmonean rule, combining religious and political authority. His reign marked the peak of Hasmonean power and territorial expansion.

John Hyrcanus renewed the alliance with the Roman Republic, which had been established by his predecessors. This alliance provided diplomatic support against the Seleucid Empire and helped secure Judean independence.

John Hyrcanus led military campaigns that conquered Samaria and Idumea. He destroyed the Samaritan temple on Mount Gerizim and forced the Idumeans to convert to Judaism. These conquests expanded the Jewish state and solidified Hasmonean control.

John Hyrcanus destroyed the Samaritan temple on Mount Gerizim, which had been a rival to the Jerusalem Temple. This act deepened the schism between Jews and Samaritans and asserted the primacy of the Jerusalem Temple.