Mattathias ben Johanan
−205 – −166
Hebrew years: null–3622 (–ג׳תרכ״ב)
Open on the interactive timeline
Mattathias was a priest from Modi’in and the father of the Maccabean brothers. When the Seleucid authorities tried to force Jews to abandon Torah observance and participate in pagan sacrifice, Mattathias refused and began the revolt. From a Jewish perspective, he represents the beginning of active resistance against religious persecution.
He did not rule an independent kingdom, but he became the founder of the Hasmonean struggle. Before his death, he encouraged his sons to continue fighting for the Torah, the Temple, and Jewish faith. His family would later become the ruling Hasmonean dynasty.
- Hebrew years
- null–3622 (–ג׳תרכ״ב)
- Place
- Modi'in
- Category
- Hasmoneans & Herodians
- Part of
- Hellenistic Period
At the same time
- Yose ben Yoezer & Yose ben Yochanan−200 – −150
Judah Maccabee (Commander)−190 – −160
Shimon HaTzadik (High Priest)−300 – −200
