Alexander (son of Aristobulus)

Also known as: Alexander · Family: Jewish · Role: son of Aristobulus and captive · First appears: Book I, Chapter 7

In Book I, Chapter 7, Alexander was taken captive with his father, Aristobulus, and his siblings, including his younger brother Antigonus, while Pompey carried the family away. Alexander escaped “as he was going,” unlike Antigonus and his sisters, who were carried to Rome.

In Chapter 8, Alexander gathered men against Hyrcanus and overran Judea, but was defeated near Jerusalem, losing six thousand men before retreating to Alexandrium. He later surrendered his remaining fortresses to Gabinius, who demolished them, and Gabinius defeated the Jewish force near Mount Tabor. Alexander also faced Marcus Antonius’s captains, was forced by Cassius to come to terms and keep quiet, and is described as the son of Aristobulus who had run away from Pompey.

In Chapter 9, Alexander was beheaded by Scipio at Antioch on Pompey’s command, after being accused of harming Romans. In Chapter 12, his daughter was identified as Mariamne, who was also the granddaughter of Hyrcanus.