A Cyclopaedia of Female Biography/Alexandra, daughter of Hyrcanus
ALEXANDRA,
Daughter of Hyrcanus, and mother of Aristobulus and Mariamne, wife of Herod the Great, was a woman of superior powers of mind. When Herod appointed Ananel, a person of obscure birth, high-priest, instead of her son Aristobulus, who had a right to that office, her spirited conduct caused him to depose Ananel in favour of Aristobulus. Herod, displeased at her interference, had her confined and guarded in her own palace; but Alexandra, receiving an invitation from Cleopatra to come to Egypt, with her son, attempted to escape with him, in two coffins; they were discovered, however, and brought back. Herod, jealous of the affection of the Jews for Aristobidus, had him drowned, which so much affected Alexandra, that she at first resolved on committing suicide; but finally decided to live, that she might revenge herself on the murderer. She interested Cleopatra in her cause, who induced Anthony to send for Herod to exculpate himself from the charge, which, by presents and flattery, he succeeded in doing. And when Herod returned he again ordered Alexandra to be confined. But Alexandra showed great terror, if the account be true, and cowardice, when the jealousy of Herod induced him to order the death of his wife Mariamne. Though she knew the innocence of her daughter, she was so much alarmed, for fear she should share the same fate, that she sought every opportunity for traducing her, and praising the justice of Herod.
After the death of Mariamne, Herod's grief so overcame him, that he lost his health, and was at times deranged. While in this state he retired to Samaria, leaving Alexandra at Jerusalem. Alexandra attempted to obtain possession of the fortresses near the capital, that she might eventually become mistress of the city; Herod being informed of her attempts, sent orders that she should be immediately put to death, which was done, about B. C. 27.