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Mattathias

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Religious Figure

The Resume

    Full name was Mattathias ben Johanan
    Kohen (Jewish priest)
    Father of Judah Maccabeus
    Helped spark the Maccabean Revolt against the Hellenistic Seleucid Empire
    Died between 166 and 165 BCE
    Featured in the First Book of Maccabees

Why he might be annoying:

    His birth date is unknown.
    His family's revolt was initially directed against other Jews who had adopted Greek ways.
    His army forcibly circumcized boys in villages that they took over.
    When he was ordered by a representative under King Antiochus to offer sacrifice to the Greek gods, he not only refused to do so, but killed with his own hand a Jew who stepped forward to do so (harsh).
    He then assassinated the Greek government official who was forcing him to sacrifice.
    He falls out of the historical record after he and his five sons flee to the wilderness of Judea (but likely died within the first year of the revolt).

Why he might not be annoying:

    When he died, he was succeeded by son Judah Maccabeus, who won a number of victories against larger forces through guerilla tactics and surprise attacks.
    His actions indirectly led to the events commemorated by the holiday of Hanukkah.
    He is named in the Al HaNissim prayer Jews add to the Birkat Hamazon (grace after meals).
    He is named in the Amidah prayer during the Hanukkah festival's eight days.
    He famously said after his act of defiance: 'Whoever is zealous for the Law, and maintaineth the covenant, let him follow me.'

Credit: BoyWiththeGreenHair


Featured in the following Annoying Collections:

Year In Review:

    In 2023, Out of 1 Votes: 0% Annoying
    In 2022, Out of 4 Votes: 0% Annoying
    In 2021, Out of 2 Votes: 50.0% Annoying