Hyrcanus

Hyrcanus, the name of two Jewish high-priests and princes of the Hasmonean family (see MACCABEES). (1) JOHN HYRCANUS, son of Simon Maccabæus, who ruled 135–105 B.C., was at first tributary to the Syrians, but on the death of Antiochus made himself independent, subdued the Samaritans on the north, and forced the Idumeans on the south to adopt the laws and customs of the Jews. He also concluded an alliance with the Romans, and extended his territories almost to the ancient limits of the Davidian monarchy. Originally a Pharisee, he subsequently attached himself to the party of the Sadducees, who were anxious to keep on good terms with the Romans, and who discontenanced the turbulent religious patriotism of the Jewish masses. Hyrcanus was, comparatively speaking, a just and enlightened ruler, and the country enjoyed great prosperity during his reign. He left five sons, two of whom, Aristobulus and Alexander, governed with the title of king.—(2) HYRCANUS II., son of Alexander, and grandson of the preceding, was a feeble prince. On the death of his father (78 B.C.) he was appointed high-priest by his mother Alexandra, who ruled Judæa herself for the next nine years. After her death (69 B.C.) his younger brother, Aristobulus, a braver and more energetic man, seized the government, and forced Hyrcanus to withdraw into private life. He failed to win back his dominions, until Pompey began to favour his cause. After some years of tumultuous fighting, Aristobulus was poisoned by the partisans of Ptolemy (49 B.C.), and Hyrcanus for some time possessed the dignity of high-priest. Cæsar (47 B.C.), on account of the services rendered to him by Antipater of Idumæa, made the latter procurator of Judæa, and thus left in his hands all the real power. Antipater was assassinated, and Antigonus, son of Aristobulus, with the help of the Parthian king, invaded the land, captured Hyrcanus by treachery, cut off his ears, and carried him off to Seleucia on the Tigris. Some years later Herod, son of his old friend Antipater, obtained supreme power in Judæa, and invited the aged Hyrcanus home to Jerusalem. He was allowed to depart, and for some time lived in ease and comfort; but, falling under suspicion of intriguing against Herod, he was put to death, 30 B.C.