Antipater of Idumaea
Antipater of Idumaea was a prominent historical figure in the late Hasmonaean period, known for his strategic alliances and political maneuvering. Born to a wealthy Idumaean family, he inherited both wealth and a military governorship from his father, who had been appointed by Alexander Jannaeus. Antipater's marriage to Cypros, from a notable Arabian family, further enhanced his status. His political acumen became evident as he navigated the shifting power dynamics following Pompey the Great's invasion of Palestine in 63 b.c.e., aligning himself with Roman interests. This alignment resulted in his appointment as procurator of Judaea by Julius Caesar in 47 b.c.e., granting him Roman citizenship. Antipater's legacy includes the establishment of the Herodian Dynasty through his sons, particularly King Herod the Great, who governed Galilee and Jerusalem under Antipater’s guidance. Unfortunately, his life was cut short in 43 b.c.e. when he was assassinated by a political rival. Antipater's influence played a crucial role in shaping the political landscape of Judea and securing Roman dominance in the region.
Antipater of Idumaea
Related civilizations: Nabataea, Republican Rome
Major role/position: Political ruler
Life
Antipater of Idumaea (an-TIHP-uht-ur of ihj-uh-MEE-uh) was the son of a rich Idumaean, also named Antipater, who had been appointed strategos (military governor) of Idumaea by the Hasmonaean ruler of the Holy Land, Alexander Jannaeus (r. 103-76 b.c.e.) when he conquered the region between the Dead Sea and the Gulf of Aqaba. The younger Antipater inherited from his father a fondness for things Roman and perhaps even his political office. Antipater increased his wealth and influence by marrying a woman named Cypros, who was from an illustrious Arabian (probably Nabataean) family. They had four sons: Phasael, Herod (later King Herod the Great), Joseph, and Pheroras.
Antipater pursued policies favorable to the Romans, especially after Pompey the Great’s invasion of Palestine in 63 b.c.e. in the wake of a Hasmonaean-caused civil war. In return, Rome favored Antipater. In 47 b.c.e., Julius Caesar appointed Antipater procurator of Judaea and conferred on him Roman citizenship, an honor that devolved to Herod and his sons. Antipater, in turn, gave to Herod and Phasael the tasks of governing Galilee and Jerusalem, respectively, at which time Herod emerged as an increasingly ruthless ruler. Antipater did not live long after these events. In 43 b.c.e., he was murdered by Malichus, a political rival in Judaea.
Influence
Using his inherited wealth and power to capitalize on his own instincts for political opportunity, Antipater cemented relations with the Nabataean kingdom to the east, helped Rome become firmly established in Palestine, and founded the Herodian Dynasty.
Bibliography
Jagersma, Henk. A History of Israel from Alexander the Great to Bar Kochba. Philadelphia, Pa.: Fortress Press, 1986.
Richardson, Peter. Herod: King of the Jews and Friend of the Romans. Columbia: University of South Carolina, 1996.