ANTIPATER, the Idumean, the father of Herod the Great, was at first called Antipas, and was the son of Antipas, governor of Iclumea. He took a very ac tive part in the contest which was so long carried on between the two brothers, Aristobulus and Hyrcanus, respecting the office of High Priest in Judea. He adopt ed the cause of the latter competitor, engaged Aretas, king of Arabia, in his support, defeated Aristobulus, and pressed him very hard in Jerusalem. But Aristo bulus, being assisted by the Romans, succeeded in dis persing his opponents, and in himself the supreme power. After Pompey had deposed Aristobu lus, and restored Hyrcanus to the pontifical dignity, Antipater soon became the chief director of affairs in Judea, ingratiated himself with the Romans, and em braced every opportunity of aggrandizing his own fami ly. He gave very effectual assistance to Julius Cxsar in the Alexandrian war ; and particularly signalized himself at the taking of Pelusium. In reward for his services, Cmsar made him a Roman citizen, and ap pointed him procurator of Judea. In this office he ex
erted himself to re-establish the ancient Jewish govern ment, and to repair the fortifications of Jerusalem. At length, some of the principal men among the Jews, with a person of the name of Malichus at their head, becoming jealous of Antipater's power, and being irri tated by his activity in levying the taxes for the Romans, concerted measures, against his life. He discovered the designs of his enemies ; and generously granted them his pardon and protection. But Malichus still per severed in his attempts ; and succeeded at last in bribing the butler of the high priest to give him poison in a cup of wine, in the year B. C. 43. According to the testimony of Josephus, Antipater was distinguished by his piety, justice, and love of his country. He left behind him four sons, Phasael, Herod, Joseph, and Pheroras; and one daughter, named Salome. See ./Inc. Univ. vol. iii. 127, 147. Josephus "May. b. 14. 1. 3. Jewish war, b. I. (9)