Alexander (son of Herod)

Also known as: Alexander · Family: Herod's family · Role: son of Herod · First appears: Book I, Chapter 23

In Book I, Chapter 23, Herod took Alexander to Rome and accused him before Augustus of attempting to poison him. Augustus rejected the accusation and reconciled father and sons, after which Herod declared that Alexander, Antipater, and Aristobulus would receive royal honors and succession while he retained control of the government. Alexander and Aristobulus were nevertheless grieved when “the privilege of the first-born was confirmed to Antipater”; Antipater turned Alexander’s acquaintances against him, while Herod’s affection shifted toward Antipater and away from the two brothers. Alexander was married to Glaphyra, and he and Aristobulus, as sons of Mariamne, inherited the hatred borne toward their mother; Pheroras and Salome were made their enemies.

In Chapter 24, accusations against Alexander led Herod to have him seized, bound, and examined through the torture of his friends. Alexander later confessed involvement in a plot and named Pheroras and Salome among those involved. Archelaus came to Judea to assist him and Glaphyra, persuaded Herod not to execute him immediately, and helped reconcile father and son, though Alexander was still required to go to Rome to give Augustus an account. Soon afterward, Eurycles, hired by Antipater, betrayed Alexander and accused him and Aristobulus before Herod; although the proofs were considered weak, Herod ordered both sons kept in custody.