Aristobulus I

(died 103 BCE)

Fifth Hasmonean priest to rule Judea and the first to claim the title of "king" [basileus]. The eldest son of Johanan Hyrcanus was a ruthless warrior, who imprisoned his own kin to prevent rivals. He extended Jerusalem's control further north than since 950 BCE. He conquered Syrian strongholds at Samaria and Scythopolis. After his father's death, he wrested control of Galilee from the Itureans [Lebanese] and forced the inhabitants to accept "the laws of the Judeans." His brief turbulent reign was terminated by his death from some painful disease. He was succeeded by his brother, Alexander Jannai.

Source: Into His Own