Judah under the Hasmonean Dynasty becomes comparable…

Judah under the Hasmonean Dynasty becomes comparable in extent and power to the ancient Davidic dominion.

Internal political and religious discord run high, however, especially between the Pharisees, who interpret the written law by adding a wealth of oral law, and the Sadducees, an aristocratic priestly class who call for strict adherence to the written law.

Dynastic contenders for the throne in 64 BCE appeal for support to Pompey, who is establishing Roman power in Asia.

The next year Roman legions seize Jerusalem, and Pompey installs one of the contenders for the throne as high priest, but without the title of king.

Eighty years of independent Jewish sovereignty end, and the period of Roman dominion begins.