Modi’in – Modern City, Hasmonean Legacy
Modi’in is a modern city in central Israel, about halfway between Jerusalem and Tel Aviv. Israel established the city in the 1990s in the vicinity of an ancient town by the same name. Ancient Modi’in is primarily known as the hometown of the Hasmoneans, a dynasty who ruled Judea in the Hellenistic period.
History of Ancient Modi’in
Not much is known about Modi’in from historical sources. It is not mentioned in the Bible or the Mishnah. However, according to the Book of Maccabees, Modi’in was the hometown of the Maccabees, a family that initiated a revolt against the Seleucid empire. Succeeding in expelling the Seleucids, the Maccabees formed the Hasmonean dynasty, which ruled Judea for over a century. Their most remarkable achievement, clearing Jerusalem’s temple of idolatry, is marked to this day in a week-long holiday (Hannukah).
Modi’in’s Elusive Hasmonean Mausoleaum
The Book of Maccabees records Simon the Maccabee erecting a family Mausoleum in Modi’in with specific appearance:
“Over the tomb of his father and his brothers Simon built a high monument that could be seen from a great distance. It was covered front and back with polished stone. 28 He constructed seven pyramids side by side for his father, his mother, and his four brothers. 29 For the pyramids he created a setting of tall columns on which there were carvings. Some of these carvings were of suits of armor and some were of ships. It was a monument to their victories, which travelers from overseas could visit.“ (1 Maccabees 13:27-29)
The location of this royal family tomb has been the subject of much debate. Archaeologists suggested several locations north of the modern city.
However, excavations at these sites failed to uncover satisfying evidence relating it to the Hasmonean royal tomb complex. Its location remains unknown.
Modi’in’s Hasmonean Synagogue
In the southern part of modern Modi’in the IAA uncovered in 2001 an ancient synagogue. The building dates to the time of king Herod, but the exccavators suggest that the Hasmonean used it as well. If indeed so, it is the oldest synagogue ever found in the Holy Land. It is also possibly the very place where the Maccabean revolt broke out.
See Danny “the Digger” Herman presenting Modi’in, the Maccabees and the origins of the Jewish Hanukah Holiday –
Touring Modi’in
A tour of Modi’in’s ancient sites is easy and free of charge. It is recommended to combine it with a visit to the new Hasmonean Heritage Museum (opened in 2021). The modern city of Modi’in is also worth a visit. It is reputed for its thoughtful design and clever planning of urban space. It is possibly the best-planned city in Israel.
A tour of Modi’in can be combined with a guided day tour in the Judean Foothills (the Shephelah) or during a day tour between Jerusalem and Tel-Aviv.
