Hasmonean Jerusalem

Hasmonean Jerusalem began with the end of the Hellenistic Period, known as the Maccabean revolt. The Jews regained control of both Jerusalem and the Temple.  In addition, they began to resume sacrificial and religious practices and Jewish rule was finally re-instated for the first time in centuries. Finally, the holiday Hanukkah was celebrated to celebrate the Jewish victory and the wonders of the Jewish faith. This new Jewish self-rule, which claimed to restore the "Golden Age" and rebuild Jerusalem that was more akin to the kingdom of David and Solomon, lasted about a century. Although the leaders claimed to strive for Jewish ideals and Jewish rule, they quickly became corrupt and began to re-instate Hellenization.

Religious purity became a necessity as native populations were exiled and all foreigners were forced to convert. In addition, a new "Temple Tax"clarified the importance of the Jewish religion. The Promise to David was redirected for the Priests. Finally, another conflict between groups arose between the Sadducees vs. the Pharisees which basically encompassed the priests and aristocracy vs. the common priests and leaders. The end of the Hasmoneans came ultimately with the failure of the last Hasmonean leaders and then the Roman Conquest in 63 BCE by Pompey.