The Seleucid pretender Diodotus recognizes Hasmonean rule over Judea in exchange for a minor tribute; this is the origin of the Judaean theocracy, an institution not found in any biblical text.

Judah's native Hasmonean rulers gradually drive the Greco-Syrian Seleucids from the country and set up a revived kingdom of Judaea, bringing it to its greatest extent since the semi-legendary United Monarchy under David.

Internal political and religious discord continues, however.