Alexandra the Maccabee (died ca. 28 BC), part of the Hasmonean dynasty, was an influential politician in Judea. She is most famous for her intense political manoeuvrings - and attempted coup - against her son-in-law, Herod the Great.[1][2][3]
She was the daughter of Hyrcanus II (died 30 BC), and granddaughter of Alexander Jannaeus.[4][5] She married her cousin[6] Alexander of Judaea (died 48 BC), who was the son of Aristobulus II. Their grandfather was Alexander Jannaeus, the second eldest son of John Hyrcanus.[7] Their daughter was the Hasmonean Mariamne and son was Aristobulus III.
Alexandra opposed her son-in-law Herod, and when he became sick with grief after having Mariamne executed, Alexandra tried to seize power, but was unsuccessful and was herself executed.
This article incorporates text from a publication now in the public domain: William Milwitzky (1901–1906). "Alexandra". In Singer, Isidore; et al. (eds.). The Jewish Encyclopedia. New York: Funk & Wagnalls.