Aristobulus I (104–103 BC), the first openly to call himself king, assumed the title Philhellene (“Lover of Greek things”). His brother Alexander Janneaus (103–67 BC), though living the private life of a debauched Asian tyrant, successfully expanded Israel’s borders westward to the Mediterranean and eastward to the other side of the Jordan. He is infamously remembered for crucifying in one day 800 Pharisees as their wives and children were killed before their eyes. Alexander’s widow Salome Alexandra