Simon Thassi (died 135 BC) was the second son of Mattathias and thus a member of the Hasmonean family. The name "Thassi" has an uncertain meaning ("the Director", "the Guide", "the Man of Counsel", and "the Zealous" are all possible meanings of the term[1])

He took part in the Jewish revolt against the Seleucid Empire led by his brothers, Judas Maccabaeus and Jonathan Maccabaeus. He became the first prince of the Hebrew Hasmonean Dynasty. He reigned from 142 to 135 BC.

The Hasmonean Dynasty was founded by a resolution, adopted in 141 BC, at a large assembly "of the priests and the people and of the elders of the land, to the effect that Simon should be their leader and high priest forever, until there should arise a faithful prophet" (1 Maccabees xiv. 41).

Recognition of the new dynasty by the Roman Republic was accorded by the Senate about 139 BC, when the delegation of Simon was in Rome. Simon made the Jewish people semi-independent of the Seleucid Empire.

In February 135 BC, he was assassinated at the instigation of his son-in-law Ptolemy, son of Abubus. Simon was followed by his third son, John Hyrcanus, whose two elder brothers, Mattathias and Judah, had been murdered, together with their father.

See also

• Hanukka

References

Died: 135 BC
Preceded by
Jonathan Maccabeus Leader of the Maccabees
142 BC – 135 BC Succeeded by
John Hyrcanus I
High Priest of Judaea
142 BC – 135 BC
New title
Prince of Judaea
141 BC – 135 BC
Israelite Kings
Pre-Dynastic
United Monarchy
Northern Kingdom of Israel
Southern Kingdom of Judah
Hasmonean Dynasty
Herodian Dynasty
Italics: Disputed kingship, or kingship over only part of Israel
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