In 63 BC, Pompey seized the initiative and conquered the Hasmoneans for control of Palestine. With Palestine under the control of a new empire, local government was yet to be instated. Hasmonean heirs and several others all competed for dominion beneath the Romans. Eventually Antigonus, son of Aristobulus II, “took the title ‘king and high priest’ for three years and was the last of the Hasmoneans.”
Herodian Dynasty
Herod was a client king for the Roman Empire and was appointed by the Roman Senate. Herod was an able administrator who brought prosperity and contributed to many public works projects, including the expansion of the Temple . However, “Herod was also brutal and deeply suspicious... Herod's reputation for cruelty and paranoia
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The Roman governance period is similar to others in that it is marked by corruption, bribery, and cruelty towards the Jews. A Jewish revolt erupted in 66 AD, which resulted in the destruction of the Second Temple and bringing the Second Temple period to an end. It was the Second Temple period, which formed the Jewish people’s expectation for a Messiah that would conquer the Romans and reestablish the Davidic throne in Israel. “When Jesus was born and later began his public ministry, messianic expectations were widespread, and the Jewish hope of liberation— though construed primarily in political and nationalistic terms— was at a fever …show more content…
Matthias and his sons fought against “Jewish compliance, not Seleucid antagonism, (which) led to the subsequent armed confrontation: traditional Jews against their Hellenizing brothers and sisters, or, in other words, civil war.” After Judas won several key battles, Antiochus ceased the persecution against the Jews and allowed them to practice their laws and customs. After this victory, it was time for the Maccabees to strike down the Jews who supported Antiochus’ idolatry and defiled the Temple. With the Temple restored and a garrison established, Judas then began to raid settlements of Jews who acquiesced to the heresy imposed by the Seleucids. During these raids he “pulled down their altars, and burned their carved images with fire, and spoiled their