Aristobulus II was the younger son of Alexander Jannaeus, King and High Priest, and Alexandra Salome. After the death of Alexander in 76 BC, his widow succeeded to the rule of Judea and installed her elder son Hyrcanus II as High Priest. When Salome died in 67 B.C., Hyrcanus succeeded to the kingship as well. Aristobulus entertained designs upon the throne, even during the life of his mother. He courted the nobles and the military and made himself the patron of the Sadducees and bringing their cause before the queen. The Sadducees controlled many fortresses which Aristobulus intended to use to help usurp the government. Aristobulus rebelled against his elder brother. The brothers met in battle near Jericho and many of Hyrcanus' soldiers deserted to Aristobulus, and giving the latter the victory.