Who were the kings of the dynasty of the Chashmonaim, and what do we know about them?

The Gemara tells us that the Greeks ruled for 180 years, then the Chashmonaim for 103. But what event marks the end of Greek control, and the start of the Hasmonean dynasty? What do the coin findings from that period teach us?

Ultimately the Hasmonean dynasty was wiped out; how did this happen? What was nevertheless a lasting outcome of their efforts?

Ramban to Bereishis 49:10 writes that the Chashmonaim were incorrect in taking the monarchy in addition to their priesthood, rather than appointing a descendant of David Ha'Melech to the throne - a sin which ultimately brought about their downfall. But what might have been their motivation for doing so?