Aristobulus of Chalcis

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For other persons named Aristobulus, see Aristobulus (disambiguation).

Aristobulus of Chalcis was a son of Herod of Chalcis and his first wife Mariamne, hence a great-grandson of Herod the Great.

In 55 AD, he was appointed by Nero as King of Armenia Minor, and participated with his forces in the Roman-Parthian War of 58–63, where he received a small portion of Armenia in exchange.[1] He remained its ruler until the area was re-annexed into the Roman Empire in 72. He appears to have also been vested with the kingdom of Chalcis,[2] and his period as a ruler is dated to 57-92.

He was married to Salome after the death of her first husband, Herod Philip II. With her he had three children.[3] Some coins with pictures of him and his wife have been found.

[edit] References

  1. ^ Tacitus, Annals, XIII.7; XIV.26
  2. ^ William Smith, Dictionary of Greek and Roman Biography and Mythology, pp. 301-302
  3. ^ Josephus, Jewish Antiquities, XVIII.5.4
Aristobulus of Chalcis
New title King of Armenia Minor
55 – 72		 Annexed by Rome
Vacant
Title last held by
Agrippa II		 Tetrarch of Chalcis
57 – 92		 Title extinct