Question

ho were the next biggest losers when the Romans occupied Judea?


The Hasmoneans


The Judeans


The Pharisees


The Sadducees

Answer 1

When the Romans occupied Judea, the biggest losers were primarily the **Hasmoneans**, as their dynasty came to an end with the Roman conquest. The Hasmonean kingdom had been established after the Maccabean revolt and enjoyed a period of independence prior to the Roman annexation. The Romans ultimately placed Judea under their control, diminishing Hasmonean power significantly.

The **Judeans**, as a broader group, also faced significant social, political, and cultural upheaval due to Roman rule, including the imposition of taxes and foreign governance. However, the Hasmoneans were the ruling dynasty that directly lost power with Roman intervention.

The **Pharisees** and **Sadducees** were influential religious groups during this time, but their authority shifted as a result of the Roman occupation and eventual destruction of the Temple in 70 CE. While they certainly faced challenges, they were not deposed in the same way the Hasmoneans were.

In conclusion, the **Hasmoneans** were the primary losers of Roman occupation in Judea.