A.B. Ranovich’s Legacy in the Context of Studying the Hasmonean State

This article examines the views of A.B. Ranovich, a prominent Soviet historian antique civilizations, on Hasmonean state by analyzing his works through lens epoch and, simultaneously, as opposing and “bourgeois” history. approach opens up new perspectives for interpretation how scholar turned attention from Christianity to Hellenism. A possible explanation may be that first scholarly quest historical Jesus Christ myth theory, promoted Ranovich in particular, led their adherents deadlock. They finally broke it with discovery Qumran Caves Scrolls (1948) development methods studying early Christian texts, i.e., after death Ranovich. It is peculiar interest get an insight into what thoughts had about E. Bickerman V. Cherikover’s because they all similar pre-revolutionary experience (Jewish background, traditional Jewish lifestyle families, secular education, membership academic community). The analysis shows was critical historians refused However, this made him focus socio-economic features thus he proved Hellenistic states encouraged slavery. Ranovich’s work “Hellenism Its Historical Role” testifies unique concern history Jews, although outwardly shunned. conclusion preferred not publicly identify portray himself historian, but reasoning, regardless numerous ideological clichés constructs, built traditions knew.