Alcimus, Enemy of the Maccabees

Known mainly because of the holiday of Hanukkah, the Maccabean era is a fascinating and significant period of history that is vital to our understanding of the formation of Judaism. Yet even to those well versed in the history of the Jewish people, the name Alcimus, High Priest of Judaea in the years after Hanukkah, is basically unknown. Alcimus' enemy Judas Maccabaeus and his Hasmonean descendants considered Alcimus to be an evil man, and since the victors write history, the ancient sources express that prejudice. Most modern scholars, in attempting to reconstruct the history of that period, reflect that same attitude. Contrary to most moderns, this study evaluates Alcimus' heritage and loyalty to traditions in a much more positive manner. Alcimus, an ignored or denigrated figure in Jewish history, is restored as a leader who attempted to perpetuate his religion and his people.