Hebrew Name: Judah
In order to secure himself against further danger from his family, Aristobulus imprisoned three of his brothers. He then ascended the throne and became the first Jewish king after the Babylonian exile—an interval of nearly five hundred years.
Aristobulus was not content with the mere title of king, but endeavored to prove himself worthy of his position. He made war on Iturea, subjugated a large portion of the people, and tried to convert them to Judaism by forcing circumcision upon them.
Though successful in his public career, Aristobulus was extremely unfortunate in his family relations. Being of feeble health, he gradually came under the complete control of a clique, at the head of which stood Alexandra Salome, the queen. Through its machinations, he was led to suspect his favorite brother, Antigonus of designs against him. He was finally induced to order his execution, though unwittingly, it is claimed. After this deed Aristobulus is said to have been seized with such bitter remorse at having caused the death of his mother and brother, that he broke down completely and died of grief in 104 B.C.
If the account of Josephus are true, Aristobulus is the darkest figure in the Hasmonean dynasty; but not much credence is usually attached to this narrative, because of the amount of legend that has developed. Out of regard for the Pharisees he used only Hebrew inscriptions upon his coinage, and caused himself to be represented upon it as a high priest, because according to the Pharisees only a member of the house of David could legitimately hold the throne. Although strongly inclined toward Hellenism himself, he was careful, even in such comparatively small matters, not to offend the Pharisees; it is therefore highly improbable that he would have risked their certain antagonism by the murders ascribed to him.
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