Category:Antigonus (subject)
Antigonus (1st century BCE) was a member of the Hasmonean dynasty and the last Hasmonean King and High Priest of Judea, from 40 to 37 BCE under Parthian rule. He was the son of Aristobulus II and the brother of Alexander of Judea.
- This page is edited by Gabriele Boccaccini, University of Michigan
Overview
Antigonus was the second son of Aristobulus II and together with his father and brother Alexander was carried prisoner to Rome by Pompey in 63 BCE. Soon Alexander managed to escape and resumed the flight again John Hyrcanus II. In 56 BCE Aristobulos II and Antigonos also escaped, and returned to Israel, in the attempt to oppose the Roman power there, unsuccessfully.
Even after his father was poisoned and his brother executed in 49 BCE, Antigonus did not give up his hope of regaining power, challenging the authority of Antipater and John Hyrcanus II before Julius Caesar, but with no results.
In 40 BCE Antigonus allied himself with the Parthians and thanks to their support deposed his uncle John Hyrcanus II, and became High Priest and King, from 40 to 37 BCE. Hyrcanus was mutilated at his ears to make him permanently unfit for the office of high priest and taken a captive to Babylon.
In 37 BCE, Herod the Great restored the Roman control over the region and turned Antigonus over to Mark Antony, who had him beheaded.
Antigonus in ancient sources
- Antigonus (sources) -- survey of ancient sources
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