Definition
A "Sadducee" was a member of a Jewish sect during the Second Temple period (roughly 516 BCE to 70 CE). They were often associated with the priestly aristocracy and held significant political influence. They accepted only the written Torah as authoritative, rejecting the oral traditions embraced by the Pharisees. Think of them as conservative traditionalists within Judaism. They often clashed with other Jewish groups. Their power diminished after the destruction of the Second Temple.