HASMONEAN Meaning and
Definition
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Hasmonean refers to a prominent Jewish dynasty that existed during the Second Temple period in ancient Judea. This dynastic rule took place from approximately 140 BCE to 37 BCE and is named after its most notable member, Judah Maccabee, who led the Maccabean Revolt against the Seleucid Empire.
The Hasmoneans were a priestly family that effectively became both political and religious leaders of the Jewish people in the region. They established the Hasmonean Kingdom, which became an independent Jewish state for the first time since the Babylonian exile. Under Hasmonean rule, the area of the kingdom expanded, encompassing a significant portion of the historical territory of Israel.
The Hasmonean period is characterized by a blend of Jewish religious piety and political power. The dynasty faced conflicts with various neighboring powers, including the Seleucid Empire and the Roman Republic. They consolidated their rule through both military victories and political alliances, and their reign marked a period of relative autonomy for the Jewish people.
Although the Hasmonean family initially held the dual positions of high priest and king, their authority faced internal divisions and opposition from different factions within Jewish society. Ultimately, the dynasty was overthrown by the Romans in 37 BCE, leading to the incorporation of Judea as a province of the Roman Empire.
The Hasmonean era holds significant historical and religious importance in Jewish history, marking a period of Jewish sovereignty and self-determination that is still celebrated today during the festival of Hanukkah.
Common Misspellings for HASMONEAN
- gasmonean
- basmonean
- nasmonean
- jasmonean
- uasmonean
- yasmonean
- hzsmonean
- hssmonean
- hwsmonean
- hqsmonean
- haamonean
- hazmonean
- haxmonean
- hadmonean
- haemonean
- hawmonean
- hasnonean
- haskonean
- hasjonean
- hasminean
Etymology of HASMONEAN
The word "Hasmonean" derives from the Greek term "Asamonaios", which refers to the notable Jewish priestly-ruled dynasty that established and ruled the Hasmonean Kingdom in ancient Judea. The Hasmonean dynasty emerged during the 2nd century BCE, following a successful revolt against the Seleucid Empire. The name "Hasmonean" itself is believed to have originated from the ancestor or clan name of the ruling family, possibly tracing back to a figure named Hashmon. The term later evolved to become "Hasmonean" in English.
