Birth & Early Reign
Herod the Great, born around 73 BCE, was the son of Antipater, a prominent Edomite from Idumea. Antipater had been appointed procurator of Judea by Julius Caesar in 47 BCE and was previously a trusted adviser of King Hyrcanus II of Judea. Herod was appointed king of Judea by the Roman Senate in 40 BCE, making him a client ruler of the Roman Empire.
In the years leading up to his appointment, Herod had been involved in a number of political disputes that had been fueled by the contentious politics of Judea at the time. Herod was an advocate of the Hasmonean dynasty, which had gone into decline in the years leading up to his appointment. The declining fortunes of the Hasmonean dynasty allowed Herod to gain a prominent political position, a position he was able to use to great effect in his later years.
Biblical Connections
King Herod is perhaps best known for his role in the New Testament as the “King of the Jews” that told the Wise Men from the East to return and let him know where the infant Jesus of Nazareth was located. Herod, whose own family was Jewish, was known to have been a devout adherent of Judaism and respected the Babylonian Talmud, yet still commanded mixed feelings from the people over whom he ruled. This is perhaps hinted at in Matthew 2:3-7, where dissension over Herod’s rule is reflected in the Wise Men refusing to tell him the location of Jesus.
Herod is mentioned throughout the New Testament, mostly in conjunction with kingdom related events. He is mentioned as the king who ordered the Massacre of the Innocents, which is ultimately a tale found in the Gospel of Matthew discussing how Herod ordered all male children in Bethlehem 2 years old or younger to be killed in order to prevent the newborn King of the Jews from replacing him on the throne.
Dead Sea Scrolls and Herodian Kingdom
The Dead Sea Scrolls are a collection of documents written during the period of Herod’s rule that provide insight into his history as a ruler and his interpretation of the Old Testament. Many of the scrolls have been dated to the end of the second century BCE leading experts to theorize that some of the scrolls were written in his lifetime, or commissioned by him.
Through the Dead Sea Scrolls it is clear that Herod was a deeply religious man, who took great interest in the developments of both civil and religious life within the newly formed Herodian kingdom. One of the scrolls, known as the “Rule of the Community” contains a text that states that the law of God, together with faith and righteousness, are the foundation of the kingdom, demonstrating Herod’s commitment to the spiritual needs of his people.
Death & Legacy
Herod’s reign was one of both prestige and atrocity. His legacy lives on today, particularly through the construction of extraordinary structures such as the monumental temple in Jerusalem. Unfortunately, his legacy also includes his brutality and manipulation, as exemplified in the episode of the Wise Men and the Massacre of the Innocents.
Herod died in 4 BCE, leaving behind a son, Archelaus, to carry on his dynasty. Archelaus was unable to fill in his father’s role as “King of the Jews” and was removed in 6 CE, leaving Judea to be governed by Roman prefects. Herod’s dynasty ultimately ended with the death of his son, Herod Agrippa I in 44 CE, yet his legacy as one of the most ambitious builders of antiquity lives on today.
Political Legacy
Herod’s reign has left an indelible mark on the political landscape of the region. He was able to expand his kingdom to its greatest extent during his reign, reaching from the Jordan River to the Mediterranean Sea. During his time as king of the Jews, Herod was a firm believer in the power of negotiated peace and was able to maintain peaceful and stable relations with his neighboring states. Herod also successfully negotiated a number of favorable treaties with Rome, which allowed him to remain in power and expand his kingdom.
Herod was also instrumental in consolidating a number of political reforms, introducing regulations and measures to strengthen the administrative structure of the newly formed Herodian kingdom. These included the creation of a standing army, the introduction of a legal code, and the introduction of a taxation system. Herod was also able to restore the ancient Jewish Temple in Jerusalem, which had been destroyed by the Babylonians in 587 BCE, thus demonstrating his commitment to both preserving the Jewish faith and his legacy.
Architectural Legcay
During his reign, Herod also developed a number of ambitious architectural projects, ranging from fortresses to temples. He is credited with building the cities of Caesarea Maritima and Sebastia, as well as the Second Temple in Jerusalem, the Fortress of Masada, and a monumental palace in Herodium. Herod’s architectural works demonstrate a level of ambition that is unparalleled in the ancient world and have stood the test of time.
Herod’s constructions remain some of the most impressive monuments in the region, with the Second Temple and the Fortress of Masada still standing today as a testament to his legacy. His buildings also demonstrate his unique style as an architect and have become icons of the time period.
Foreign and Domestic Policies
Herod was known for both his savvy foreign and domestic policies, most of which were geared towards consolidating his reign and expanding his kingdom. He developed positive relationships with Egypt, Rome and the Nabataeans, which allowed him to maintain peaceful relations and to expand his territory.
Herod was also a successful domestic politician, and was known as an able administrator and as a capable diplomat. He was able to implement an efficient taxation system, which helped not only to improve his standing as king but also to fund his ambitious construction projects. Herod was also an adept negotiator, and was able to maintain favor with the Romans and the Jews.
Legacy in History
Although Herod the Great has been the subject of much discussion since his reign, the historical record of his rule is not wholly accurate. Herod was a complex ruler who faced significant challenges from both the Jewish and Roman populations, yet managed, for the most part, to maintain stability and peace under his rule.
Herod’s legacy has therefore been refashioned through the ages, with his reputation being bolstered by his ambitions architectural projects and his ability as an effective ruler. Herod is also remembered for his dubious decision to order the Massacre of the Innocents, although its ultimate veracity remains a matter of debate.
Nevertheless, Herod’s reign remains one of the most notable of all the ancient rulers, and any discussion of the politics and history of the region would be incomplete without mention of his name.
