John Hyrcanus was a prominent leader of the Jewish people during the late 2nd century BCE. He served as both a high priest and a ruler of the Hasmonean dynasty, which emerged after the Maccabean Revolt against the Seleucid Empire. His reign lasted from 134 to 104 BCE, and he is known for expanding the territory of Judea and consolidating power. Hyrcanus was instrumental in promoting the Jewish faith and culture. He is credited with the forced conversion of the Idumeans, a neighboring people, to Judaism. His leadership helped establish a period of relative stability and prosperity for the Jewish state during his time.