Alexander Jannai [killed 76 BCE]
Sixth Hasmonean priest to rule Judea. The youngest son
of Johanan Hyrcanus was imprisoned for a year by his oldest brother,
Aristobulus [104 BCE]. Released by his widowed sister-in-law, Salome, whom he
married, Alexander conquered cities on the Mediterranean coast from Gaza to
Carmel & extended Judean control to Gadara across the Jordan. He ruled more
territory than any Judean king since Solomon. Yet he faced mounting criticism
from chasidic Jews in Jerusalem. Public outrage at this Hellenized
soldier-priest reached a climax when he was pelted with citrons at the festival
of Sukkoth [Oct. 94 BCE]. His soldiers responded by massacring thousands of
worshippers. This in turn led to a six year revolt led by the Pharisees, who
called the Syrian king Demetrius III to their aid. Alexander's forces were
crushed at Shechem [88 BCE]. But the Judean rebels rallied around him, when
they realized that the Syrian army planned to take Jerusalem. Rather than
accept their aid, Alexander sought vengeance against the rebels by crucifying
800 Pharisees. His remaining years were spent on military campaigns. He died in
battle near Gadara.
Perspective
on the World of Jesus
Copyright
© 1999-2001 by Mahlon H. Smith