The Hasmonean dynasty was a ruling dynasty of Judea and surrounding regions during classical antiquity. Between c. 140 and
c. 116 B.C. the dynasty ruled Judea semi-autonomously from the Seleucids. From 110 B.C., with the Seleucid Empire disintegrating,
the dynasty became fully independent, expanded into the neighbouring regions of Samaria, Galilee, Iturea, Perea, and Idumea,
and took the title "basileus". It was founded by Simon Thassi and ended in 37 B.C. when Herod the Great rose to power as client-king
of Rome.