when did the maccabees rule
Historical context of the Maccabees. The name Maccabee was a title of honour given to Judas, a son of Mattathias and the hero of the Jewish wars of independence, 168â164 bce. Later, the name the Maccabees was extended to include his whole family, specifically Mattathias (his father) and Judasâ four brothersâJohn, Simon, Eleazar, and Jonathan. Its use was also extended to John Hyrcanus, Simonâs son, who was next in succession. There is no unanimity about the meaning of the title Maccabee.