Julius Alexander
Gaius Julius Alexander was a member of the families of the Herodians and the Hasmoneans, the son of Alexandros and Princess Glaphyra of Cappadocia, and the brother of Tigranes V.
- This page is edited by Gabriele Boccaccini, University of Michigan
Overview
Gaius Julius Alexander was the son of Alexandros and Princess Glaphyra of Cappadocia. His paternal grandparents were Herod the Great and Mariamne. From his father's side, he was then the scion of both the powerful families of the Herodians and the Hasmoneans. From his mother's side he was related to the Cappadocian and Armenian royal families. He had an older brother, Tigranes V, and a younger unnamed sister.
Julius Alexander was born around 15 BCE and raised in Jerusalem. He was still a child when his father Alexandros was executed by Herod the Great in 7 BCE. Along with his brother Tigranes V, he was separated from his mother and forced to remain in Jerusalem under Herod's guardianship. After the death of Herod, Julius Alexander and his brother Tigranes V decided to return to Cappadocia. Unlike their cousins, they disinherited their Jewish descent, but like them, lived their lives as Hellenistic princes, serving in the Roman Imperial administration.
Julius Alexander spent most of his life in Egypt where he served as an administrator for the Imperial family and was himself a rich landowner. His son Gaius Iulius Tigranes would be appointed King of Armenia (58-62 CE) by Emperor Nero.
Julius Alexander in ancient sources
- Julius Alexander (sources) -- survey of ancient sources