Mariamne the Hasmonean
Mariamne the Hasmonean was a queen of Judea, born into the Hasmonean dynasty, which ruled over Judea during the late Second Temple period. She was the granddaughter of Hyrcanus II and married Herod the Great, a Roman client king, to strengthen political alliances. Mariamne was known for her beauty and intelligence, but her marriage was fraught with tension due to Herod's paranoia and political ambitions.
Herod's jealousy led to tragic consequences, as he executed Mariamne in 29 BCE, believing she was plotting against him. Her death marked a significant moment in the history of the Hasmonean dynasty, highlighting the brutal power struggles of the time. Mariamne's legacy endures as a symbol of the complexities of royal life in ancient Judea.