Category:Tiberius Alexander (subject)
Tiberius Julius Alexander was the Roman governor of Judea (46-48), then during the Jewish War, Prefect of Egypt (66-69) and second-in-command of the Roman army that besieged and captured Jerusalem (69-70).
Biography
Tiberius Julius Alexander was born into a wealthy Jewish family, who lived in Alexandria for generations and had been granted the privilege of Roman citizenship. His father, [:Category:Tiberius Alexander the Elder (subject)|Alexander]] held the office of alabarch in Alexandria; his uncle was the philosopher Philo.
In 46 CE Emperor Claudius appointed Tiberius Julius Alexander to succeed Cuspius Fastus as the Roman Procurator of Judea. The choice of Tiberius Alexander was probably motivated by his Jewish background. The tenure of Alexander's predecessor Cuspius Fadus had been marked by unrest; it was in the Roman interest to be represented in Jerusalem by somebody who was more knowledgeable about, and more sensitive toward, Jewish religious customs. Tiberius Alexander proved to be an effective governor; he eased the relationship between Romans and Jews while crushing the movements of rebellion. He condemned the two sons of Judas the Galilean to crucifixion. In 48 CE Ventidius Cumanus replaced Tiberius Alexander.
Tiberius Alexander continued his successful career in the Roman administration. Under Nero, he served as a staff officer in the military campaigns in Parthia and Armenia, and in 66 CE was appointed Prefect of Egypt, a prestigious yet delicate and crucial position in the aftermath of the beginning of the Jewish War. Once again, Tiberius Alexander showed that he knew how to use the carrot and the stick, violently suppressing any Jewish riots and ruling with justice and moderation.
In 69 CE he played a key role in supporting Vespasian's ascension to the throne, also thanks to the mediation of Berenice, who had been the first wife of his deceased brother.
Vespasian rewarded Tiberius Alexander by sending him to Jerusalem as first adviser of Titus, second-in-command of the Roman army besieging the city.
By his services to the Flavian dynasty Tiberius Alexander secured his position at Rome; his was probably the most successful career achieved by a Jew in the administration of the Roman Empire.
Tiberius Alexander in ancient sources
Josephus' works are the major source of information on Tiberius Alexander.
Tiberius Alexander in Scholarship
Tiberius Alexander in Fiction
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