Editing Alexander Jannaeus (section)

== Transjordan and coastal conquest ==
[[Image:Judea Alexander Janneüs.PNG|right|thumb|The Hasmonean Kingdom under Alexander Jannaeus<br>{{legend|lime|situation in 103 BCE}}{{legend|fuchsia|area conquered}}]]

Alexander captured [[Umm Qais|Gadara]] and fought to capture the strong fortress of [[Amathus, Transjordan|Amathus]] in the [[Transjordan (region)|Transjordan]] region, but was defeated.{{sfn|Fitzgerald|Obbink|Holland|2004|pp=361 & 362}} He was more successful in his expedition against the coastal cities, capturing [[Rafah|Raphia]] and [[Anthedon (Palestine)|Anthedon]]. In 96&nbsp;BCE, Jannaeus defeated the inhabitants of [[Gaza City|Gaza]]. This victory gained Judean control over the Mediterranean outlet of the main [[Nabataean Kingdom|Nabataean]] trade route.{{sfn|Schäfer|2003|pp=74 & 75}} Alexander initially returned his focus back to the Transjordan region where, avenging his previous defeat, he destroyed Amathus.{{sfn|Fitzgerald|Obbink|Holland|2004|p=362}}

=== Battle of Gaza ===
Determined to proceed with future campaigns despite his initial defeat at Amathus, [[Hasmonean conquest of Gaza|Alexander set his focus on Gaza]]. A victory against the city wasn't so easily achieved. Gaza's general Apollodotus strategically employed a night attack against the Hasmonean army. With a force of two thousand less-skilled soldiers and ten thousand slaves, Gaza's military was able to deceive the Hasmonean army into believing they were being attacked by Ptolemy. The Gazans killed many and the Hasmonean army fled the battle. When morning exposed the delusive tactic, Alexander continued his assault but lost a thousand additional soldiers.{{sfn|Atkinson|2012|p=136}}

The Gazans remained defiant in hopes that the Nabataean kingdom would come to their aid. The city eventually suffered defeat due to its own leadership. Gaza at the time was governed by two brothers, Lysimachus and Apollodotus. Lysimachus convinced the people to surrender, and Alexander peacefully entered the city. Though he at first seemed peaceful, Alexander suddenly turned against the inhabitants. Some men killed their wives and children out of desperation, to ensure they wouldn't be captured and enslaved. Others burned down their homes to prevent the soldiers from plundering. The town council and five hundred civilians took refuge at the [[Apollo|Temple of Apollo]], where Alexander had them massacred.{{sfn|Atkinson|2012|p=136}}