Phasael was appointed governor of Judea by his father, Antipater. Antipater was the administrator for Hyrcanus II, but in reality, he ruled Judea. 

​

With the death of Caesar, and its ensuring power struggle, Marc Antony set up his base in the Eastern Provinces. Eager for support, he retained Hyrcanus as high priest with Phasael, Herod’s brother, as governor of Judea. Herod governed Galilee. 

​

When Roman interest—vested in Marc Antony—turned south toward Egypt, Syrian interests were allowed to drift. In that power vacuum, Antigonus, Hyrcanus’ nephew, invaded Jerusalem with the help of the Parthians. At Jerusalem’s fall, Hyrcanus was exiled to Babylon and Phasael was imprisoned. In prison, Phasael committed suicide.

 

Return to Preparation Years