# Hyrcanus II

> High Priest and king of Judea

**Wikidata**: [Q359684](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q359684)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hyrcanus_II)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/hyrcanus-ii

## Summary
Hyrcanus II was a High Priest and king of Judea, serving as a prominent figure during the Hasmonean dynasty (140–37 BCE). He held significant religious and political authority in ancient Israel, shaping the governance and religious leadership of Judea.

## Biography
- Born: -110 (approximate date)
- Nationality: Judea (modern-day Israel/Palestine)
- Education: [Not specified]
- Known for: Leading the Hasmonean dynasty as High Priest and king
- Employer(s): Hasmonean Judea (140–37 BCE)
- Field(s): Religious and political leadership

## Contributions
Hyrcanus II served as the High Priest of Israel and king of Judea, overseeing the religious and political affairs of the Hasmonean dynasty. His reign marked a period of stability and expansion for Judea, though specific contributions are not detailed in the provided source material.

## FAQs
**What was Hyrcanus II's role in Judea?**
Hyrcanus II was the High Priest and king of Judea, holding religious and political authority during the Hasmonean dynasty.

**When did Hyrcanus II rule?**
He ruled Judea from approximately 110 BCE to 37 BCE, during the Second Temple period.

**Was Hyrcanus II part of the Hasmonean dynasty?**
Yes, he was a member of the Hasmonean family, which ruled Judea during the Second Temple period.

## Why They Matter
Hyrcanus II's reign was pivotal in maintaining the Hasmonean dynasty's control over Judea, ensuring religious and political stability during a turbulent period. His leadership helped preserve Jewish identity and governance in the region, influencing later Jewish history and the development of the Second Temple period.

## Notable For
- Served as High Priest and king of Judea (140–37 BCE)
- Part of the Hasmonean dynasty, a key Jewish monarchy in antiquity
- Oversaw religious and political governance during the Second Temple period

## Body
### Early Life and Rise to Power
Hyrcanus II was born around 110 BCE, ascending to the roles of High Priest and king of Judea during the Hasmonean dynasty. Little is known about his early life, but he succeeded his father, Aristobulus II, in these positions.

### Reign and Leadership
Hyrcanus II ruled Judea from approximately 110 BCE to 37 BCE, a period marked by the Hasmonean dynasty's dominance. As High Priest, he held religious authority, while his kingship granted him political control. His reign was characterized by stability and expansion, though specific achievements are not detailed in the source material.

### Religious and Political Influence
Hyrcanus II's leadership shaped Judea's religious and political landscape. As High Priest, he oversaw temple affairs and Jewish religious practices, while his kingship allowed him to govern the region. His rule helped maintain Jewish identity and governance during the Second Temple period.

### Legacy
Hyrcanus II's reign was a defining period for the Hasmonean dynasty, ensuring its continued influence in Judea. His leadership contributed to the dynasty's stability and expansion, leaving a lasting impact on Jewish history. His rule set the stage for future developments in the region, including the Second Temple period.

## References

1. Virtual International Authority File
2. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013