I. A Jewish writer of Alexandria, who flourished under Ptolemy Philome-tor, about 160 B. C. He wrote philosophical commentaries upon the Pentateuch, composed in the purest Greek, in which he undertook to prove that the most ancient Grecian poets, historians, and philosophers were acquainted with the sacred writings, and in the habit of borrowing largely from them. In support of this theory, he forged numerous passages, ostensibly from Musaeus, Linus, Homer, and others, with such art as to deceive Greek writers, and also some of the fathers of the church, who speak of him as a Peripatetic philosopher, the founder of Jewish philosophy in Egypt. Of his writings only scanty fragments have been preserved.

II. The eldest son and successor of John Hyr-canus, the Asmonean ruler of Judea, and the first of that house who assumed the royal title. His reign lasted only one year (106-105 B. C). According to his father's will he was to act only as high priest, with the title of nasi (prince), and his mother to carry on the affairs of state. Impatient to rule, he threw his mother into a dungeon, where she perished of hunger, imprisoned three of his four brothers, and proclaimed himself king. The queen, Salome or Alexandra, persuaded Aristobulus that his remaining brother Antigonus meditated treason and usurpation, and he was cut down by the royal guards. Aristobulus, who was sick, grew worse from remorse and vomited blood, which, being carried off by a domestic, was spilled on the very spot on which the blood of Antigonus had been shed. The parricide saw in the accident a sign of the vengeance of Heaven, and soon after expired in terrible agony.

III. Son of Alexander Janna3us, the brother and successor of the preceding. His history can be properly treated only in connection with that of other persons. (See Hebrews.)