The Maccabees were a family of Jews who resisted the authority of Antiochus Epiphanes, king of Syria, and his successors who had usurped authority over the Jews, conquered Jerusalem, and strove to introduce idolatrous worship. The standard of independence was first raised by Mattathias, a priest of the course of Joiarih. He seems, however, to have been already advanced in years when the rising was made, and he did not long survive the fatigues of active service. He died B.C. 166, having named Judas -- apparently his third son -- as his successor, in directing the war of independence.

After gaining several victories over the other generals of Antiochus, Judas was able to occupy all of Jerusalem except the "tower," and purified the Temple exactly three years after its profanation. Nicanor was defeated, first at Capharsalama, and again in a decisive battle at Adasa B.C. 161, where he was slain. This victory was the greatest of Judas' successes, and practically decided the question of Jewish independence; but shortly after, Judas fell at Eleasa, fighting at desperate odds against the invaders.

After the death of Judas, Jonathan, his brother, succeeded to the command, and later, assumed the high-priestly office. He died B.C. 144, and was succeeded by Simon, the last remaining brother of the Maccabaean family, who died B.C. 135. The efforts of both brothers were crowned with success.

On the death of Simon, Johannes Hyrcanus, one of his sons, at once assumed the government, B.C. 135, and met with a peaceful death, B.C. 105. His eldest son, Aristobulus I, who succeeded him, B.C. 105-101, was the first who assumed the kingly title, though Simon had enjoyed the fullness of the kingly power.