How did Pompey change the status of Judaea?

During his reorganization of the Roman East in 63 BCE, Pompey the Great fundamentally altered the status of Judaea following his capture of Jerusalem. His actions transformed the region into a dependent, diminished temple state.123

Key changes included:

• Political Status: Pompey arbitrated a succession dispute between the Hasmonean brothers Aristobulus II and Hyrcanus II. He appointed Hyrcanus II as high priest but stripped him of the royal title (basileus) that his predecessors had adopted.1
• Territorial Reduction: He curtailed Jewish dominions by granting virtual autonomy to a group of 10 or 11 Hellenized cities known as the Decapolis. These cities were placed under the jurisdiction of the Roman governor of Syria.1
• Financial Obligations: He imposed taxes on the Jewish population.1

This settlement established a framework for Roman influence in the region that lasted for centuries.3