Simon Thassi

Simon, surnamed Thassi, was the second son of Mattathias and participated in the Maccabean struggle from its early stages. His father regarded him as a man of sound judgment and urged the brothers to heed his counsel. Simon fought alongside Judas and Jonathan, assisted Jewish communities threatened outside Judea, and took part in campaigns against Seleucid forces. When Jonathan was captured by Diodotus Tryphon, Simon rallied the nation and prevented the crisis from destroying the Hasmonean cause. After Jonathan's death, Simon became the acknowledged leader. He strengthened Jerusalem, reduced remaining Seleucid positions, and aligned himself with Demetrius II, from whom he obtained relief from tribute. Jewish independence was subsequently celebrated, and a public assembly confirmed Simon as high priest, military commander, and political leader, with authority intended to continue in his family. He renewed relations with Rome and Sparta and defended the territory against renewed Seleucid pressure. His rule ended when his son-in-law Ptolemy invited Simon and two of his sons to a banquet near Jericho and murdered them. Simon's surviving son John Hyrcanus escaped and succeeded him.