ALEXANDER

From Agepedia

ALEXANDER JANN^EUS, king of the Jews, succeeded to the throne B. C. 106. His fourth brother endeavored to deprive him of the crown, and was put to death. A. began his reign by leading an army against Ptolemais, but was obliged to return to defend his own dominions against Ptolemy Lathyrus, and was defeated on the banks of the Jordan. He subsequently conquered Gaza, made war on the Ara bians, and was engaged in quarrels with his own subjects. After reducing them to order, he extended his conquests through Syria, Idumaea, Arabia and Phoenicia. On returning to Jerusalem, he devoted himself to drinking and debauchery, and died B. C. 79.