When John Hyrcanus was dying after 31 years of rule, his state was larger and more powerful than that he had inherited from his father. He was succeeded, against his will, by Aristobulus, one of his five sons. When their father was still alive, he and his brother Antigonus had made a name for themselves as good field commanders. They were largely responsible for the success of John's expansionist operations in Idumea and Samaria and the capture of the city of Samaria. Still, John favored his widow to succeed him as the head of state after his death (Jos. BJ 1.71; AJ 13.302). It is not clear why John should have made such a surprising decision. There is little conviction in Josephus' explanation claiming that John had been influenced by a prophecy which said that both eldest sons would never exercise power in the state (Jos. BJ 1.69; AJ 13.300. 322). More probably, John was anticipating rivalries between his sons and wished to prevent a possible civil war. If his widow rose to power such danger could be averted as she would be exercising political leadership, while one of the sons would attain high priesthood. However, John Hyrcanus could not foresee that his decision might cause a bitter confrontation for power between the mother and the eldest son (Jos. BJ 1.71; AJ 13. 302). Aristobulus ignored his father's testament and went on to claim full power. In the process, he imprisoned his mother and younger brothers (except Antigonus).