Rabbi Yaakov Yosef Reinman examines the succession crisis following Queen Salome's death in 67 b.c.e. And the chain of events that culminated in Roman intervention in Judea.
Salome had sought to preserve stability by directing that the Pharisees maintain control of religious and legal affairs, her elder son Hyrcanus inherit the throne as high priest, and her younger son Aristobulus assume military command. Civil war erupted despite her intentions. Aristobulus, backed by the army and the sidelined Sadducees, captured twenty fortresses and challenged Hyrcanus for power, prevailing within months.
The brothers subsequently met in the Holy Temple to resolve their dispute under oath. Aristobulus assumed the throne and compelled Hyrcanus to relinquish the high priesthood, as Hasmonean custom united both offices in the monarch. Hyrcanus retained residence in Jerusalem, his wealth, and received Aristobulus's former home in exchange.
The episode traces the role of Antipater, governor of Idumea during Salome's reign and an influential advisor. Idumea had been conquered and annexed by Yochanan Hyrcanus in the previous century. Josephus reports that Yochanan Hyrcanus forcibly converted the Idumean population to Judaism and installed a wealthy Idumean named Antipas as governor. Antipater inherited this position from his father and married into the royal Nabatean family east of the Jordan River.
The Talmud regards Antipater's descendants as ineligible for Israel's throne, suggesting the Idumeans were enslaved rather than voluntarily converted. In ancient practice, conquered populations became royal property, working as craftsmen, in business, in government, or as advisors. Antipas retained his wealth and governorship despite his status, and Antipater inherited both his position and resources.