Simon Thassi (High Priest & Ruler)

Simon, the last surviving son of Mattathias, became the first true Hasmonean ruler of an effectively independent Judea. Under him, Judea gained major freedom from Seleucid control, and the people recognized him as leader, High Priest, and ethnarch. This is usually seen as the real beginning of the Hasmonean dynasty as a ruling house.

Simon strengthened Jerusalem, secured independence, and gave the Jewish people political stability after years of war. From a Jewish perspective, his rule marked the restoration of Jewish self-government after centuries of foreign domination. He was later assassinated by his son-in-law, showing that internal power struggles would soon become a serious problem.