ABSTRACT
. It was part of Ptolemy’s nefarious plan to take the life of John, the third son of Simon, and commander in Gazara; but a timely warning saved the prince to a long and distinguished leadership in Judea, 135–105 B. c. John, known by the name of Hyrcanus, has often been compared to Solomon in the character of his reign, and, in two particulars at least, the comparison is striking; namely, in the extent of the kingdom over which he reigned, and in the sharp antithesis of his strong, peaceful rulership to the times of trouble and unrest which preceded and followed it. The same deed that made him ruler deprived him of father, mother, and two brothers, and ranked him as the foe of Antiochus Sidetes; but the blood of the Hasmoneans was in his veins and he had been trained by one who knew how to govern and fight. It was wholly in accord with the desire of the people that he became high-priest and ruler; and Jerusalem gave him a warm welcome. His first duty was to punish the murderer of his father. Ptolemy, after his act of treachery, attempted to make himself master of the capital; but failing, retired to his fortress at Docus. Here Hyrcanus besieged him but was deterred from capturing the fortress because Ptolemy threatened to throw the mother of Hyrcanus headlong from the walls if an assault was made. The return of the Sabbatical year necessitated a rest from war, and thus gave Ptolemy an opportunity to escape. After murdering the mother of Hyrcanus, he fled to Philadelphia, where he disappeared forever.
