King Aristobulus I (High Priest & King)

Aristobulus I, son of John Hyrcanus, was the first Hasmonean to openly take the title king, not only High Priest. This was controversial because Jewish kingship traditionally belonged to the line of David, while the Hasmoneans were priestly. His reign was short, lasting about one year.

He is remembered negatively for imprisoning members of his own family to secure power, including his mother and brothers. His reign shows how the Hasmonean dynasty began shifting from a religious freedom movement into a royal dynasty marked by suspicion, violence, and internal conflict.