Royal ideology in the Hasmonaean palaces in Jericho

The four Hasmonaean palaces in Jericho are analyzed in order to reconstruct the manner in which the Hasmonaean rulers displayed their status and authority as well as their relationship with their subjects. The architecture of the palaces is compared with contemporaneous Hellenistic palaces and Herod's palaces in particular. The method of access analysis is applied to the Hasmonaean and Herodian palaces in order to understand the social characteristics of the royal courts. The ritual baths, bathhouses, swimming pools, and pottery are also discussed in detail regarding royal ideology and the character of the court. The Hasmonaean palaces did not demonstrate extravagance or excessiveness in regard to their size, structure, and decoration. The Hasmonaeans used extremely common pottery, although they did not refrain from certain Hellenistic cultural expressions (frescoes and bathhouses). They attempted to present themselves as authentic representatives of their subjects. However, the extensive number of swimming pools and the use of garden architecture point to an emphasis on luxury and hospitality in the exterior of the palaces. It is suggested that the pools and gardens, which were relatively detached from the palaces, were perceived as reflecting the success of the Hasmonaean state as a whole rather than the personal status of the Hasmonaean rulers.