Aaron 15th-13th century BC
Biblical patriarch

He was the first high priest of the Israelites and said to be the founder of the priesthood. He was spokesman to the Egyptian pharaoh for his elder brother Moses in his attempts to lead their people out of Egypt, and performed a number of miracles. Later he gave in to the demands of the rebellious Israelites in the desert and organized the making of a Golden Calf for idolatrous worship, in Moses' absence. He and his sons were ordained as priests after the construction of the Ark of the Covenant and the Tabernacle, and Aaron was confirmed as hereditary high priest by the miracle of his rod blossoming into an almond tree (hence various plants nicknamed 'Aaron's Rod'). He is said to have died at the age of 123.

Bibliography: Harold H Rowley, Worship in Ancient Israel (1967)