ANTIPATER, an Idumean of illustrious birth, and possessed of great riches and abilities, taking advantage of the confusion into which the two brothers Hyrcanus and Aristobulus plunged Judea by their contest for the office of high priest, took such measures as to gain for Hyrcanus that office, and under his government to obtain the absolute direction of all affairs. His great abilities raised him to such importance that he was honoured as much as if he had been formally invested with the royal authority. He was at last poisoned by a Jew named Malichus, B.C. 43. He left, among other children, the famous Herod, king of the Jews.