Which Jewish leader led the Maccabean revolt?

Judah Maccabee led the Maccabean revolt after his father, Mattathias, helped launch it.

The revolt began in 167 BCE against the Seleucid Empire, whose rulers had imposed measures restricting Jewish religious practice in Judea. Mattathias, a Jewish priest from Modi’in, sparked the uprising by refusing to participate in pagan sacrifice and rallying his sons and supporters.

After Mattathias died around 166 BCE, his son Judah assumed military leadership. Known as Judah Maccabee or Judas Maccabeus, he organized the rebels, used mobile guerrilla tactics, and led major victories. In 164 BCE, the Maccabees recaptured Jerusalem and rededicated the Second Temple, events commemorated by Hanukkah.

Mattathias is therefore an important alternative name in the revolt’s opening story, but Judah is the canonical answer for the leader who led its main military phase. Judah died in battle in 160 BCE; his brothers Jonathan and Simon continued the struggle afterward.