Important Historical Figures

Judas Maccabeus

Military commander of the Maccabean revolt

Maccabean and Hasmonean Period • Led the revolt c. 166–160 BC

Judas Maccabeus was the military leader who transformed the Maccabean revolt into a successful campaign against Seleucid forces. His victories enabled the purification and rededication of t…

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Judas the Galilean

Jewish resistance leader associated with the census of AD 6

Roman Period • Active during the census of AD 6

Judas the Galilean opposed Roman taxation when Judea came under direct Roman administration. Gamaliel later referred to his uprising in the book of Acts.

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Mattathias

Jewish priest and founder of the Maccabean revolt

Maccabean and Hasmonean Period • Active c. 167–166 BC

Mattathias was a Jewish priest whose refusal to obey the religious decrees of Antiochus IV Epiphanes helped launch the Maccabean revolt. His resistance began at Modein around 167 BC. Althou…

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Philip the Tetrarch

Tetrarch of territories northeast of Galilee

Roman Period • Tetrarch, 4 BC–AD 34

Philip the Tetrarch ruled territories northeast of the Sea of Galilee from 4 BC to AD 34. He is named in Luke 3:1 and is associated with Caesarea Philippi, a place mentioned in the Gospels…

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Quirinius

Roman senator and governor of Syria

Roman Period • Roman consul in 12 BC; governor of Syria c. AD 6–12

Quirinius was a Roman official whose census of Judea in AD 6 is described by Josephus. Luke also names Quirinius in connection with a census in the birth narrative of Jesus.

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Theudas

Leader of a prophetic movement near the Jordan River

Roman Period • Active c. AD 44–46

Theudas gathered followers near the Jordan River and promised a miraculous crossing. Roman cavalry suppressed his movement during the administration of Cuspius Fadus.

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