Jewish Civil War

The Jewish civil war happened in the final period of Hasmonean rule, mainly between Hyrcanus II and Aristobulus II, two brothers fighting for control of Judea. Their conflict weakened the Jewish kingdom and divided the leadership between rival political and religious factions. Both sides eventually sought Roman support, which gave Rome the opportunity to interfere directly in Judean affairs. From a Jewish perspective, this civil war is remembered as a tragic example of internal division helping foreign powers take control of the land.