Josephus on the Hasmonean Monarchy

Abstract Josephus’ accounts of the Hasmonean period focus on the respective rulers; yet matters related to internal conflict and opposition are only broached occasionally (particularly in the first half of the narrative). It was especially the Hasmonean innovation of combining political rule, including the military command, with the high priesthood that provoked opposition. In War and Antiquities, this opposition is voiced in several scenes and by various protagonists. The image Josephus paints of the Hasmoneans thus remains ambiguous: He proudly emphasizes his Hasmonean ancestry, lauds the Maccabean Revolt, and praises the initial establishment of an independent Judea. However, this chapter shows that, in his view, the Hasmonean dynasty was also to blame for the loss of the independence they had once helped to achieve.