Mariamme

Mariamme (Hasmonean)

Mariamme I (died 29 BCE) was a Hasmonean princess, granddaughter of Hyrcanus II, and the second wife of Herod the Great. Her marriage to Herod was politically motivated, aimed at solidifying his claim to the throne of Judea, as the Hasmoneans were a popular and legitimate royal dynasty in Jewish eyes, while Herod's background was more complex.

Mariamme was renowned for her beauty and strong personality, and the marriage was initially successful, producing several children, including Alexander and Aristobulus. However, the relationship was also marked by intense jealousy and political intrigue. Herod was deeply passionate about Mariamme but also deeply suspicious, partly due to her open disdain for his family and her championing of the Hasmonean lineage.

Her family, including her brother Aristobulus III and her grandfather Hyrcanus II, were perceived as threats by Herod. Aristobulus III was drowned under suspicious circumstances, and Hyrcanus II was later executed. Mariamme openly criticized Herod for these actions, further fueling his paranoia.

Ultimately, Mariamme was accused of adultery and plotting against Herod. Despite his initial reluctance, Herod, swayed by false accusations and his own insecurities, had her executed in 29 BCE. He reportedly deeply regretted this decision afterwards, and his grief and guilt contributed to a period of instability in his reign.

Mariamme’s story has become a symbol of both the dangers of political marriages and the tragic consequences of unchecked power and jealousy. She remains a figure of interest in historical accounts and literary works exploring the complexities of Herod's reign and the dynamics of the Hasmonean and Herodian dynasties.