Pronunciation: [ɐsmə͡ʊnˈi͡ən] (IPA) 
The spelling of the word "Asmonean" can be a bit tricky. The IPA phonetic transcription for this word is /æsˈmoʊniən/. The "a" in the beginning is pronounced as in "cat", followed by an "s" and then the "o" is pronounced as in "boat". The second "m" is pronounced like "m" in "mother" and the "o" following it is pronounced like "oe" in "toe". The last two syllables are pronounced as in "knee" and "an", respectively.
Asmonean refers to a historical period and dynasty in ancient Jewish history. The term is derived from the name of the priestly family, the Hasmoneans or Hashmonai in Hebrew, who played a crucial role in leading the Jewish revolt against the Seleucid Empire and establishing an independent Jewish state. The period of Asmonean rule spans from approximately 164 BCE to 63 BCE.
The Asmonean dynasty emerged under the leadership of the Jewish priest Mattathias and his five sons, including Judah Maccabee, who led the successful revolt against the oppressive Seleucid rulers. The Hasmoneans went on to establish the Hasmonean Kingdom, also known as the Maccabean Kingdom, which included Judea and its surrounding regions.
During their rule, the Asmoneans not only led the Jewish people politically but also held the position of high priest, combining both religious and secular authority. Their reign marked a period of Jewish independence and religious revival, with the purification and rededication of the Second Temple in Jerusalem, which is commemorated by the festival of Hanukkah.
However, the Asmonean period was also marked by internal conflicts and struggles for power within the ruling family, leading to a weakening of their authority. Eventually, the Hasmonean Kingdom was overthrown by the Roman Empire in 63 BCE, marking the end of the Asmonean dynasty.
Overall, the term Asmonean is used to describe the historical period of Jewish self-rule and the dynasty that led the Jewish revolt against the Seleucids, establishing an independent Jewish state for a limited time in ancient times.
Pert. to the Asmoneans, a family that reigned over the Jews 126 years.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
The word "Asmonean" is derived from the Greek name "Asamoneus", which in turn originates from the Hebrew name "Hasmonean". The term "Hasmonean" refers to a Jewish dynasty that ruled Judea in the 2nd and 1st centuries BCE. The dynasty was established by Simon Maccabeus in the aftermath of the successful Maccabean Revolt against the Seleucid Empire. The term "Asmonean" is an anglicized version of "Hasmonean" and is commonly used to describe this Jewish dynasty and its historical period.
