Editing Alexander Jannaeus (section)

==Death==
[[File:Jerycho100.jpg|thumb|Swimming pool at the [[Hasmonean royal winter palaces|Hasmonean palace]] near [[Jericho]], believed to have been built by Alexander]]

For the last three years of his life, Alexander Jannaeus suffered from the combined effects of [[alcoholism]] and ''[[Quartan fever|quartan ague]]'' (malaria).{{sfn|Whiston|1895|p=333}}

After a reign of 27 years, he died c. 76&nbsp;BCE at the age of fifty-one, during the siege of [[Rajeb|Ragaba]].{{sfn|Whiston|1895|p=334}}

In Josephus's "Antiquities," he presents an account that differs from his earlier "War" and Syncellus's accounts. According to Josephus, Jannaeus fell fatally ill on the battlefield at [[Rajeb|Ragaba]], with his wife [[Salome Alexandra]] present. Jannaeus instructed her to hide his death until she captured Ragaba and to subsequently share power with the Pharisees. He also requested that she allow the Pharisees to abuse his corpse, believing they would then give him an honorable burial, despite this request violating [[Deuteronomy 21]]:22-23. This request is interpreted as Jannaeus seeking atonement for previously violating this commandment by abusing the bodies of crucified Pharisees.{{sfn|Atkinson|2016|pp=132–133}} Kenneth Atkinson writes that Josephus's style and wording suggest Jannaeus died in Jerusalem and never reached Ragaba. Josephus may have concealed this fact to hide the undignified nature of this death.{{sfn|Atkinson|2016|pp=132–133}}

Alexander's reign ended with a significant political decision, naming his wife as successor and granting her the authority to appoint the next high priest.{{sfn|Atkinson|2016|pp=132–133}}