Aristobulus
- ANCIENT SOURCES: see Aristobulus (sources)
- LIST OF SCHOLARLY AND FICTIONAL WORKS: see Category:Aristobulus (subject)
Aristobulus (Aristobulus I, 2nd century BCE) was a member of the Hasmonean dynasty.
Overview
Aristobulus was the oldest son of John Hyrcanus. At the death of his father in 104 BCE, Aristobulus had his mother and one oh his brothers executed, while the other brothers were imprisoned.
Aristobulus ruled as High Priest and King of Judea. Indeed, he was the first among the Hasmonean rulers to officially assume the title of "king".
Aristobulus conquered and forcibly Judaized the northern region of Galilee, as his father John Hyrcanus had done with the south.
Aristobulus died of illness in 103 BCE, after a reign of only one year. His widow Salome Alexandra] freed and married one of Aristobulus' brothers, Alexander Jannaeus, who became the new High Priest and King.