JOHN HYRCANUS I., high priest of the Jews from 135 to 105 B.C., was the youngest son of Simon Maccabaeus. In 137 B.C. he, with his brother Judas, commanded the force which repelled the in vasion of Judaea led by Cendebeus, the general of Antiochus VII. Sidetes. On the assassination of his father and two elder brothers by Ptolemy, governor of Jericho, his brother-in-law, in 135, he succeeded to the high priesthood and the supreme authority in Judaea. While still engaged in the struggle with Ptolemy, he was attacked by Antiochus with a large army (134), and compelled to shut himself up in Jerusalem. Peace was secured at last on condition of a Jewish disarmament, and the payment of an in demnity and an annual tribute. He confirmed the alliance which his father had made with Rome, and at the same time availed himself of the weakened state of the Syrian monarchy under Demetrius II. to overrun Samaria, and also to invade Idumaea, which he completely subdued. About 109 B.C. his sons took Sa maria, and by his orders razed it to the ground. He died in 105, and was succeeded by Aristobulus, the eldest of his five sons. The external policy of Hyrcanus was marked by considerable energy and tact, and, aided by favouring circumstances, was so successful as to leave the Jewish nation in a position of great independence and influence.