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ANTIGONUS

(Gk. Antígonus)

1. One of Alexander the Great’s generals, among the first of the Diadochi. Satrap in Phrygia during Alexander’s life, he began extending his power throughout the East in 316 b.c.e. He claimed the crown in 306, thus designating himself Alexander’s successor. Attacked by a coalition of the other Diadochi, he was killed in battle in 302.

2. Son of the Hasmonean ruler John Hyrcanus. When Antigonus’ brother Aristobulus I became high priest (104), Aristobulus imprisoned his mother and other brothers, but Antigonus was allowed to remain free. Accused of plotting his brother’s assassination, Aristobulus was executed (Josephus Ant. 13.303-317; BJ 1.80-84).

3. Antigonus II, king and high priest of Judea (40-37 b.c.e.); son of Aristobulus II, who had seized the throne from his brother Hyrcanus II in 67. The Romans restored Hyrcanus to the high priesthood, and took Aristobulus and Antigonus captive to Rome in 63 (Josephus Ant. 14.5-79; BJ 1.116-158). In 56 they escaped, and Aristobulus attempted to retake the throne. Though Aristobulus was recaptured, Antigonus was released (Ant. 14.92-95; BJ 1.171-74). In 40, after his father’s death, Antigonus overthrew Hyrcanus with Parthian aid. He mutilated the old priest’s ears (according to BJ 1.270, with his own teeth) so as to disqualify him from ever holding the priesthood again. The Roman senate, however, conferred kingship on Herod, and Antigonus was eventually removed from the throne. He was beheaded in 37 b.c.e. (Ant. 15.2; BJ 1.357).

Anthony J. Tomasino

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ANTIGONUS

Eerdmans Dictionary of the Bible (2000)