History of Israel and the Jewish People

Timeline›Hasmonean Kingdom

King Alexander Jannaeus (High Priest & King)

−103 – −76

Hebrew years: 3670–3688 (ג׳תר״ע–ג׳תרפ״ח)

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A bronze prutah of Alexander Jannaeus, inscribed in Hebrew "Jonathan the High Priest and the Council of the Jews".
A bronze prutah of Alexander Jannaeus, inscribed in Hebrew "Jonathan the High Priest and the Council of the Jews". · Photo by Atzmonit, CC BY-SA 4.0 · Wikimedia Commons

Alexander Jannaeus, brother of Aristobulus I, ruled as both king and High Priest for almost three decades. He greatly expanded Hasmonean territory through military campaigns and made Judea one of the strongest powers in the region. Politically, he was one of the most powerful Hasmonean rulers.

However, from a Jewish perspective, his reign was deeply troubled because of his harsh conflict with the Pharisees and internal Jewish opposition. Civil violence broke out during his rule, and he became associated with cruelty toward his opponents. His reign shows the height of Hasmonean power, but also the moral and religious crisis inside the dynasty.

Hebrew years
3670–3688 (ג׳תר״ע–ג׳תרפ״ח)
Place
Jerusalem
Category
Hasmoneans & Herodians
Part of
Hasmonean Kingdom

At the same time

Events

KingHigh PriestHasmoneanMilitary Leader