John Hyrcanus, born around 164–175 BCE, was the youngest son of Simon Thassi and a member of the Hasmonean dynasty, making him the nephew of Judas Maccabeus and Jonathan Apphus Wikipedia+1. He became high priest and ruler of Judea after the assassination of his father and two elder brothers by his brother-in-law Ptolemy near Jericho in 134 BCE . Hyrcanus escaped the attack and was accepted as high priest in Jerusalem, combining both religious and political authority
 
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John Hyrcanus laid the foundation for the territorial and political policies of his successors, including his sons Aristobulus I and Alexander Jannaeus, who became both kings and high priests Wikip. His reign marked the last period of a powerful, united Judea under Hasmonean rule, and his military and religious policies significantly shaped Jewish history in the region. Hyrcanus died in 104 BCE, leaving a legacy as a skilled warrior, wise ruler, and influential high priest whose actions strengthened the Hasmonean dynasty and expanded Jewish sovereignty