Alexandra (r. 76–67 BCE)
Alexandra (r. 76–67 bce)
Queen of Judea. Name variations: Salome Alexandra; Alexandra Salome. Birth date unknown; died in 67 bce; married King Alexander Jannaeus (or Jannæus) of the Asmonean, also known as the Hasmonean or Hasmonian, dynasty (Syria) who ruled from 103–76 bce; children: John Hyrcanus II (d. 30 bce); Aristobulus II.
Succeeding her husband Alexander Jannaeus, Alexandra was the ruler of the Maccabees in Judea from 76 to 67 bce (some sources cite 78 to 69 bce) during the continued conflict between the Sadducees and Pharisees. In a reversal of her husband's policies, she supported the Pharisees. After her death, her eldest son, the high priest John Hyrcanus II, succeeded her in name only, as he was engaged in a civil war against his brother Aristobulus II. Hasmonean power ended with Pompey's seizure of Jerusalem in 63 bce.