In this episode, Rabbi Reinman discusses the events that led up to the Roman conquest of Judea and the establishment of the Herodian dynasty.

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Chapter Forty-Six: The Roman Conquest

Concerned for the stability of her country after her passing, Salome left specific instructions. The Pharisees were to remain in control of the religious and legal life of the country. Hyrcanus, her elder son, who was already serving as high priest, would ascend to the throne as her rightful heir. Aristobulus, her fiery and ambitious younger son, would be given military responsibilities.

Salome had hoped to prevent  a civil war, but even as she lay on her deathbed in 67 b.c.e., fighting had already broken out. With support from the army, and from the Sadducees who had been sidelined by Salome, Aristobulus seized twenty fortresses and declared his claims to the throne.  Within months, Aristobulus defeated Hyrcanus.

The brothers met in the Holy Temple to settle their dispute and swore an oath to abide by the agreement. Aristobulus replaced Hyrcanus on the throne. He also insisted that Hyrcanus resign as high priest, because by Hasmonean tradition, the king was also high priest. In exchange, he allowed Hyrcanus to live in Jerusalem and keep his wealth. They also exchanged houses. Aristobulus moved into the royal palace, and Hyrcanus moved into the palatial home vacated by Aristobulus.

During the decade of Salome’s reign, one of her closest advisors had been Antipater, the governor of Idumea, the country Yochanan Hyrcanus had conquered and annexed during the previous century. According to Josephus, Yochanan Hyrcanus had forcibly converted all the Idumeans to Judaism and appointed a wealthy Idumean named Antipas as governor. Antipater inherited the position from his father. His wife was related to the royal Nabatean family east of the Jordan River.

The Talmud views the descendants of Antipater as slaves ineligible to sit on the throne of Israel. It would appear, therefore, that Hyrcanus actually enslaved the Idumeans and that the reported conversion was the result of the enslavement.

It was not uncommon in ancient times for conquerors to enslave entire populations. The conquered people became the property of the king, who either sold them or kept them for his own use. The king’s slaves did not necessarily work in his fields. They worked as craftsmen, ran businesses, occupied government positions or even became royal advisors. Antipas, although a slave, was allowed to keep his wealth and was appointed governor of Idumea. Antipater, his son, inherited his wealth and his office…

Read full chapter and earlier chapters at www.rabbireinman.com.