Alexander Jannaeus

ALESSANDRO IANNEO. - Hasmonean king (v. AMBONE). Son of Ircano II, upon the death of his brother Aristobulo I (103 B.C.), he received from the latter’s widow, Alessandra Salome (v.), who later became his wife, the high priesthood and supreme authority. A. is the name in Hellenic fashion; Ianneo is the abbreviation of the Hebrew name Ionathan. He reigned from 103 to 76 B.C. and was the first Hasmonean prince to assume the title of king. Bold, intriguing, devoted to adventurous expeditions out of a thirst for power and conquest, he incurred the enmity of the Pharisees because, not being of Davidic descent, he had taken the title of king and because, heedless of his status as high priest, he had married, contrary to the Law, a widow. The enmity degenerated into a ruthless struggle when A., in the Temple, was made the target of a violent throwing of citrons. On that occasion his wrath claimed six thousand victims. The revolt flared up after A. suffered a crushing defeat in Transjordan; it lasted six years and caused 50,000 deaths. The Pharisees refused the peace offered by A., impressed by their obstinacy, and appealed to the Seleucid king Demetrio III Euchero, who defeated A. Six thousand Pharisees went over to A.’s side, judging his faults more tolerable than foreign intrusion, but the revolt continued. Eight hundred men were crucified; their wives and children were slaughtered before their eyes while A. feasted. After further campaigns and after three years of illness, A. died while besieging a fortress in 76 B.C., advising his wife to be reconciled with the Pharisees.