 In 112 BCE, Maresha was conquered and destroyed by the Hasmonean king, John Hyrcanus I, after which the region of Idumea (the Greek name of Edom) remained under Hasmonean control and Idumeans were forced to convert to Judaism.In 40 BCE, the Parthians devastated completely the "strong city", after which it was never rebuilt.After this date, nearby Beit Guvrin succeeded Maresha as the chief center of the area.