Category:Alexander the Alabarch (subject)

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Alexander the Alabarch was one of the wealthiest and most influential Jews serving in the Imperial Roman administration in the first century CE, and the younger brother of Philo of Alexandria.

Overview

Alexander was born in an aristocratic, wealthy Jewish family in Alexandria of Egypt.

Alexander was a Roman government official, a custom agent responsible for collecting taxes on all goods imported into Egypt from the East. This position made him one of the richest and most influential people in the entire Roman Empire.

Alexander also became an administrator for the extensive land estates in Egypt, owned by Antonia Minor, the niece of Emperor Augustus, the youngest daughter of Mark Antony, and the mother of future emperor Claudius.

In 35 CE, Alexander loaned Herod Agrippa I a large amount of money to support his political ambitions; the sum was repaid in 41 after Herod Agrippa I became King of Judea.

Alexander also showed his wealth and influence by having nine gates at the Temple in Jerusalem overlaid with massive plates of silver and gold.

Between 37 and 41, the Emperor Caligula, for political reasons, ordered Alexander to be imprisoned in Rome. Alexander was released as soon his friend Claudius took power. Alexander was rewarded with being promoted to Equestrian rank and was probably granted Roman citizenship on this occasion.

Alexander married an unnamed Roman wife. The couple had two sons: Tiberius Julius Alexander and Marcus Julius Alexander. They also were involved in Roman affairs and played an important role in Jewish politics. Marcus Julius Alexander was the first husband of Berenice, the daughter of Herod Agrippa I; Tiberius Julius Alexander was governor of Judea (46-48 C.E.), prefect of Egypt under Nero (66-69 CE), and a supported of the Flavii Emperors during the Jewish War (69-70).

Alexander the Alabarch in ancient sources

• See Alexander the Alabarch (sources) -- survey of ancient sources

External links

• [ Wikipedia]