* Josephus reported on their existence during that period as he detailed how their religious views differed from those of the Pharisees and the Sadducees.
पू. दूसरी सदी में मक्काबियों द्वारा बगावत करने के बाद जब खलबली मची, उसी दौरान यह पंथ उभरा था ।