Mariamne


Mariamne is a name frequently used in the Herodian royal house. In Greek it is spelled Μαριάμη by Josephus; in some editions of his work the second m is doubled. In later copies of those editions the spelling was dissimilated to its now most common form, Mariamne. In Hebrew, Mariamne is known as מִרְיָם,, as in the Biblical name ; Mariamne is the Hellenized version of the Hebrew, as Koine Greek was a common language in the late Hasmonean era in Judea, where both Mariamnes lived.
For Gnostic readers Mariamne is also recognized as possibly being Mary Magdalene. François Bovon, professor of the history of religion at Harvard University, has theorized based on his study of the Acts of Philip that Mariamene, or Mariamne, was the actual name of Mary Magdalene. Mary/Mariam was a common name in 1st century Israel, however, not all Marys or Mariams would go by the name Mariamne. Nicknames were often used to distinguish between those with common names.
Holders include: