He then advanced into Palestine, which he found in its normal condition of intestine commotion.

Hyrcanus and Antigonus, two princes of the Asmonsean house, were rivals for the Jewish crown; and the latter, whom Hyrcanus had expelled, was content to make common cause with the invader, and to be indebted to a rude foreigner for the possession of the kingdom whereto he aspired.

He offered Pacorus a thousand talents, and five hundred Jewish women, if he would espouse his cause and seat him upon his uncle's throne.

The offer was readily embraced, and by the irresistible help of the Parthians a revolution was effected at Jerusalem.

Hyrcanus was deposed and mutilated.