The marriage served to strengthen the position of Antipater among Herod's many sons as future King of the Jews. Antipater was killed by his father five days before Herod's own death according to Josephus. (Some records indicate a period of two years between Antipater's death and Herod the Great's death).
The alliance enhanced Antipater's influence among Herod's sons, all of whom were potential successors to the throne of Judea. Antipater was murdered by his father five days before Herod's own demise, according to Josephus. Some historical accounts indicate a two-year interval between Antipater's death and Herod's passing.