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How did John Hyrcanus I expand the Hasmonean kingdom of Judaea?
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John Hyrcanus I expanded the Hasmonean kingdom by pursuing an active military and diplomatic strategy to secure and enlarge Judaeaās borders. Following the death of the Seleucid king Antiochus VII Sidetes, Hyrcanus renewed his fatherās expansionist program.12
His primary methods of expansion included:
- Territorial Conquest: He successfully conquered the neighboring regions of Samaria and Idumaea (Edom). The conquest of Samaria notably involved the destruction of the city.12
- Forced Conversion: In a significant historical development, Hyrcanus forced the inhabitants of Idumaea to convert to Judaism, marking the first instance of forced conversion in Jewish history.1
- Diplomatic Alliances: To protect his borders and thwart further Syrian incursions, he established an alliance with Rome.1
Through these efforts, Hyrcanus I maintained Judaea as a powerful, united state for the duration of his reign.1