44:1
Hyrcanus, aged and mutilated, is drawn back into Herod’s court despite previous honor among eastern rulers.
44:2
Herod grows suspicious that Hyrcanus could still become a focus for opposition.
44:3
A correspondence or intrigue is used as the basis for accusation.
44:4
Hyrcanus is executed, and Herod removes another surviving center of Hasmonean legitimacy.