
Herod I, also known as Herod the Great was a Roman client-monarch of Judaea. (c. 74 BC - 4 BC March in Jerusalem). Though he is probably best known from the narrative in ''Gospel of Matthew'' of his ordering the Massacre of the Innocents in Bethlehem around the time of the birth of Jesus, to avert the prophecy of a Messiah being born there, the details of his biography can best be pieced together from the works of the Romanized Jew, Josephus. == Biography == Herod the Great arose from a wealthy, influential Idumaean family. The Idumaeans, successors to the Edomites of the Hebrew Bible, settled in Edom, also known as Edom, in southern Judea. When the Maccabees John Hyrkanus conquered Idumea in the decade 130s BC, he required all Idumaeans to obey Jewish law or to leave; most Idumaeans thus converted to Judaism. Herod identified himself as Jewish. Herod was the second son of Antipater the Idumaean, founder of the Herodean dynasty, and his wife Cypros, a Nabatean princess from Petra, Jordan. The family rubbed shoulders with the greats in Rome, such as Pompey, Gaius Cassius Longinus, and in 47 BC his father was appointed Procurator over Judea, who then appointed his son governor of Galilee at the age of 25. After his father was poisoned in 43 BC, allegedly by a tax-collector, Herod had the murderer executed. After returning from a campaign he was offered the betrothal to the teenage princess Mariamne (sometimes spelled Mariamme) from the Hasmonean dynasty who were the titular rulers of Judaea. As he was already married, he then banished his first wife Doris and her 3 year old son, also named Antipater, and married Mariamne. In 40 BC Antigonos and the Parthians invaded Palestine (region), and Herod fled Jerusalem, for the first time to Rome. There he is titled King of Judaea by Mark Antony. ==30s BC== 39 BC-37 BC War against Antigonos. After the winning of Jerusalem and victory over Antigonos, Marc Antony executes Antigonos. 36 BC Herod makes his 17 year old brother-in-law Aristobulus III of Judea High priest. Herod feared the Jews would appoint Aristobulus as a full "king of the Jews". 35 BC Aristobulus drowns at a party. Historians claim there is insufficient evidence against Herod for his death. 32 BC Start of the war against Nabatea, with victory one year later. 31 BC strong earthquake in Palestine. Octavian defeats Mark Antony, so Herod switches allegiance to Octavian, later Augustus Caesar. 30 BC Herod was then shown great favour by Octavian who at Rhodes confirms him as King of Judaea. ==20s BC== 29 BC Josephus writes that Herod had great passion and also great jealousy concerning his wife Mariamne. She learns of Herod's plans to murder her, and stops sleeping with him. Herod puts her on trial on a trumped-up charge of adultery. His sister Salome (not Herodias' daughter Salomé) was chief witness against her. Mariamne's mother made an appearance and incriminated her own daughter. Historians say her mother was next on Herod's list to be executed and did this only to save her own life. Writings state that Mariamne was calm and serene at her execution at the age of 25 years, having given birth to 5 children in 7 years. Alexandra, Mariamne's mother, then made a bid for power, declaring herself Queen and stating that Herod was mentally unfit to serve any longer. Josephus wrote that this was Alexandra's strategic mistake and Herod executed her without trial. 28 BC Herod executes his brother-in-law Kostobar (husband of Salome, father to Berenice (daughter of Salome)) for conspiracy. Large festival in Jerusalem, as Herod had built a Theatre and an Amphitheatre. 27 BC An assassination attempt on Herod is discovered in time. To honour Caesar Augustus Herod rebuilds Samaria and renames it Sebaste. 25 BC After a great drought there is hunger and epidemics. Herod imports grain from Egypt and starts an exemplary aid programme. He also waives a third of the taxes. 23 BC Herod builds a palace in Jerusalem and the fortress Herodian in Judaea. Herod marries his third wife, also named Mariamne, the daughter of high priest Simon. 22 BC Bulding starts on Caesarea Maritima and its harbour. From the Romans he obtains the regions Trachonitis, Batanaea und Auranitis under his rule. Circa 20 BC Expansion starts on the Temple of Solomon. ==10s BC== Circa 18 BC Herod travels for the second time to Rome. 14 BC Herod supports the Jews in Anatolia and Cyrene, Libya. Due to the prosperity in Judaea he waives a quarter of the taxes. He argues with his sons. 13 BC Herod makes his firstborn son Antipater (son from Doris) first heir in his will. 12 BC Because Herod suspects both his sons (from the first Mariamne) Alexandros and Aristobulos of threatening his life, he takes them to Aquileia to be tried, but Augustus is able to reconcile the three. Herod supports the financially strapped Olympic Games and ensures their future. Herod adjusts his will so that Alexandros and Aristobulos rise in the royal succession but Antipater would be higher in the succession. Circa 10 BC The newly expanded temple in Jerusalem is inaugurated. War against the Nabateans. ==0s BC== 9 BC The inauguration of Caesarea Maritima is a marvelous spectacle with a festival. Due to the course of the war against the Nabateans Herod falls into disgrace with Augustus. Herod again suspects Alexandros intends to kill him. 8 BC Herod accuses his sons from Mariamne (1.) of high treason. On the one hand Herod is reconciled with Augustus, on the other hand this gives Herod the permission to proceed legally against his sons. 7 BC The court hearing takes place in Berytos (Beirut) before a Roman court. Mariamne's sons are found guilty and executed. Now the succession is changed so that Antipater is the exclusive successor to the throne. In second place the succession incorporates the son from the second Mariamne - Herod Philip. 6 BC Herod proceeds harshly against the Pharisees, who had announced that the birth of the Messiah would mean the end of his rule. 5 BC Antipater is brought before the court charged with intended murder of Herod. The sentence must first be approved only by the Roman emperor. Herod makes his son Herod Antipas from his 4th marriage with Malthace as his successor. Herod is seriously ill. 4 BC Young Torah-students smash the golden eagle over the main entrance of the Temple of Jerusalem after the Pharisee teachers claim it is a Roman symbol. Herod arrests them, brings them to court, sentences and punishes them. Emperor Augustus approves of the death penalty for Antipater. Herod executes his son. He again changes his will, as he has just executed his sole heir: Herod Archelaos (from the marriage with Malthace) will rule as King over the Herod's entire kingdom, while Antipas (from Malthace) and Philip (from the fifth marriage with Cleopatra of Jerusalem - not the Egyptian Queen) as Tetrarchs over Galilee and Peraea, also over Gaulanitis (Golan), Trachonitis (Hebrew: Argob), Batanaea (now Ard-el-Bathanyeh) and Panias. Herod died at the end of March, or early April of 4 BC. As Augustus does not confirm his will, no one gets the title of King. However the three children do get the stated territories. ==Date of His Death== Some chronologers hold that he died in the year 5 BC or 4 BC. Their chronology is based to a large extent on Josephus’ history. In dating the time that Herod was appointed king by Rome, Josephus uses a "consular dating", that is, he locates the event as occurring during the rule of certain Roman consuls. According to this, Herod's appointment as king would be in 40 BC, but the data of another historian, Appianos, would place the event in 39 BC. By the same method Josephus places Herod's capture of Jerusalem in 37 BC, but he also says that this occurred 27 years after the capture of the city by Pompey (which was in 63 BC). (Jewish Antiquities, XIV, 487, 488 [xvi, 4]) His reference to that latter event would make the date of Herod's taking the city of Jerusalem 36 BC. Now, Josephus says that Herod died 37 years from the time that he was appointed king by the Romans, and 34 years after he took Jerusalem. (Jewish Antiquities, XVII, 190, 191 [viii, 1]) This might indicate that the date of his death was 2 BC or perhaps 1 BC. According to Josephus, Herod died not long after an eclipse of the moon and before a Passover. (Jewish Antiquities, XVII, 167 [vi, 4]; 213 [ix, 3]) Since there was an eclipse on March 11, 4 BC. (March 13, Julian), some have concluded that this was the eclipse referred to by Josephus. On the other hand, there was a total eclipse of the moon in 1 BC, about three months before Passover, while the one in 4 BC was only partial. Another line of calculation centers around the age of Herod at the time of his death. Josephus says that he was about 70 years old. He says that at the time Herod received his appointment as governor of Galilee (which is generally dated 47 BC), he was 15 years old; but this has been understood by scholars to be an error, 25 years evidently being intended. (Jewish Antiquities, XVII, 148 [vi, 1]; XIV, 158 [ix, 2]) Accordingly, Herod's death occurred in 2 BC or 1 BC. == Achievements == Some of his achievements were: the rebuilding the water supplies for Jerusalem, rebuilding the Temple in Jerusalem to the most beautiful in its time, rebuilding the Palace in Jerusalem, and creating new cities such as Caesarea Maritima. From the extraction of Asphalt at the Dead Sea, together with Cleopatra, he had almost a monopoly on its important use in shipbuilding. He leased coppermines on Cyprus from the Roman emperor. He had a dominant position in the production of bronze, using British tin. == Herod's cruelty == His cruelty was reflected in the biblical account of the Massacre of the Innocents. At the same time as Jesus was born, he was said to have ordered the slaughter of all children (boys) in Bethlehem under two years old. Herod was supposedly fearful of prophecies that said that a "King of the Jews" would be born in Bethlehem. This challenged his authority, and thus he ordered the crackdown to protect himself. This massacre is not mentioned in any non-biblical sources, however, and is very probably apocryphal. Herod is known for being a ruthless ruler, but he was also an able and far-sighted administrator who helped in building the economic might of Judaea, founding cities and developing agricultural projects, the most famous project involving rebuilding of the Jewish Temple in Jerusalem. == Marriages and Children == 1. married Doris *Son Antipater, executed 4 BC 2. married Mariamme (I.) - daughter of Hasmonaean Alexandros *Son Alexandros, executed 7 BC *Son Aristobulos, executed 7 BC *Daughter Salampsio *Daughter Cypros 3. married Mariamme (II.) - daughter of High-Priest Simon *Son Herod 4. married Malthace *Son Herodes Archelaos - Ethnarch *Son Herodes Antipas - Tetrarch *Daughter Olympias 5. married Cleopatra of Jerusalem *Son Herod Philip - Tetrarch *Son Herod 6. married Pallas *Son Phasael 7. married Phaidra *Daughter Roxane 8. married Elpis *Daughter Salome 9. married a cousin name unknown 10. married a niece name unknown It is very probable that Herod had more children, especially with the last wives, and also that he had more daughters, as women at that time were not counted as important. == After his death == Herod's death also indicates the latest time at which the birth of Christ could have occurred. Because Herod's death is established to have occurred at latest in 1 B.C. and because Christ was born before Herod died, the traditional date of Christ's birth and the start of the Common era is incorrect. After his death, his kingdom was divided between three of his sons: Archelaus, Herod Antipas, and Herod Philip. His son, Antipas, also called Herod, is a prominent character in the Gospel biblical history of the events leading up the death of Jesus. When Jesus was brought to trial, Herod was significantly disappointed by Jesus' demeanor. Rather than deal with Jesus directly, Herod delegated authority to Judea's Roman governor, Pontius Pilate. == Herod's family trees == --- = married | = descended from ... = sibling dt = daughter b = born ? = not included here or unknown Alexandra --- ? | --------------------- | | Aristobulus III of Judea ... Mariamne, dt (d. 35 BC) m. Herod the Great last Hasmonean scion appointed high priest drowned Antipater the Idumaean --- Cypros, Arab princess | from Petra, Jordan in Nabatea | | Herod the Great (74 BC-4 BC) Herod the Great --- total 10 wives, 14 children Herod the Great --- Cleopatra of Jerusalem | Philip the tetrarch d AD 34 Herod the Great --- Doris | Antipater d 4 BC? Herod the Great --- Malthace, a Samaritan | -------------------------------------------------- | | | Herod Antipas Archelaus Olympias b 20 BC? --- Phasaelis, dt Aretas IV, king Arabia 'divorced' to marry: --- Herodias, dt of Aristobulus son of Herod the Great Herod the Great --- Mariamne d 29 BC? dt of Hasmonaean Alexandros | -------------------------------------------------- | | | | Aristobulus Alexander Salimpsio --- Phaesal Cypros d 7 BC? d 7 BC? | m. m. Berenice Cypros Antipater(2) | Herodias, dt m. Herod Antipas Herod the Great --- Mariamne dt of Simon the High-Priest | Herod Philip * ''Antipater(2) was son of Joseph and Salome'' * ''Note: dates with ? need verifying against modern findings'' == References and External Links == * BBC Manchester/Discovery channel production broadcast 2004 March 14 * [http://www.bible-history.com/herod_the_great/HERODGenealogy_Chart.htm Family trees] * [http://www.theos-l.com/archives/199608/tl00049.html extract Britanicca Vol 5 page 879] * [http://www.encyclopedia.com/html/H/Herod.asp Encylopedia.com] * [http://www.publicbookshelf.com/public_html/Outline_of_Great_Books_Volume_I/kingherod_cc.html Outline of Great Books Volume I - King Herod]: extracts of Josephus * [http://din-timelines.com/bce0049-0001_timeline.shtml Timeline 49 to 1 BC] 74 BC births 4 BC deaths Ancient Roman enemies and allies Ancient Jewish Roman history
The fact that Luke indicates a census in 6 C.E. from 'Cyrenius' who was actually Publius Sulpicius Quirinius and that he says it was the first is in disagreement with Matthew who says that Jesus was born when Herod the Great was alive (he died in 4 B.C.E.). So dating his birth is an adventure indeed if we only use the synoptic gospels to help us. Many dedicated bible interpreters invent another census but this conflicts with Luke who calls it the first and it conflicts with history - there was, as far as we know, only one. So this entire page is quite controversial in its use of 4 B.C.E. for the date. ---- (Previous talk was made on 06:49, 2004 Feb 26 . . by 66.42.54.47) (Following is by me, User:Wikibob) I believe most historians take Jesus' birth to be in fact 4 B.C.E., in any case I intend to substantially improve this page with these notes taken from a recent BBC documentary. There's some uncertaintity so to keep NPOV I'll use "Historians say..." and try to reference the actual historians and archealogists. :At last I've finished the article on Herod, so I'll remove from this Talk the material that is now there. I'll just leave the notes on the documentary. The article still needs cleanup and an improved writing style.-User:Wikibob 02:30, 2004 Mar 15 (UTC) Notes from the BBC Manchester/Discovery channel production on Herod. == Herod's early years == Herod's mother was an Arab princess from Petra, Jordan, and his father Antipater the Idumaean, the family rubbed shoulders with the greats in Rome, Pompey, Cassius, etc. Herod and his family quickly rose in stature and in 47 BCE his father was appointed governor over Judea, and himself at 25 was appointed governor of Galilee, in the same year he married a woman named Doris. But after return from a campaign he was offered the betrothal to a teenage Jewish princess named Mariame from a well-regarded Jweish royal family. He then banished Doris and her 3 year old son and married Mariame. 5 years later Romans named Herod King of the Jews. == Herod's architectural palaces and fortresses == South of Bethlehem lies an architectural complex designed by Herod, named Herodian, a desert Palace. According to historian Professor Jodi Magness, the Herodian Palace complex at the top of the mountain included a large swimming pool supplied by aquaduct. Herodian has been researched in the last 30 years, and contained royal appartments, guestrooms, arcades, and could entertain his entire court numbering in the hundreds. 40 miles to the South, on the Dead Sea, lies the palace and fortress of Massada, 1000 feet above the desert floor. The fortress is 3 stories high, and according to researchers completely conceived and designed by Herod. Large store rooms for food, secure water supply, arsenal of weapons. Soldiers were stationed at the fortress whoe even after Herod's death continued to garrison there. Steep sides allowed the use of huge rolling stones (still present) to defend against attackers. H built 20 fortresses across the kingdom, signalling between them via mirrors. Historians, archeologists suggest H was fearful of a threat to his power. Ref: Prof Warren Carter, on psalms about David coming to Jerusalem, that Herodas (gr.father of H) was a 3rd gen. jew, but that H. had no J. blood, hence why H. married M. Prof Jodi: H fear of uprising. Evidence H worked to garner public approval. Western wall of Jerusalem is remnant of huge building masterminded by H., the Temple of Jersusalem. Hailed by many at time as most beautiful in world. 18,000 workers employed on temple, more money than any other building in Judea. Prof Warren carter: said that it only rained at night, so as not to hinder work. Important not to defile buliding during the word, so H had priests that knew about masonry etc. == Why many despised Herod == But many still despised H. Why? H appointed by an occupying power the Romans, and H pandered to Romans. 60 miles NW of Jerusalem, the jewel of the Mediterranean. A seaport, with aqueduct supplying fresh water is the best preserved. Ooops, H named it Caesaria, an insult to the Jews. Filled it with decadant and immoral stuff. Then H built temple to a Roman God, the Emperor, and built the harbour from Jewish taxes. Harbour was sophisticated engineering, scale is being revealed by underwater archeaology. Used a then new bulding technique, floating wooden boxes sunk in a line, and filled with concrete which set in the water. H at 38 years. appointed his 17 year old brother-in-law as ??, but H worried that the Jews would appoint Aristobulas (sp?) as a full king of jews. Ar was drowned at a party, but not sufficient evidence. 5 years later Octavian defeated Mark Antony, so H switched allegiance to O. O confirmed H as KOTJ. == Herod executes his wife Mariame == Josephus writes of passion between H and M. M learns of H plans to murder M. M stops sleeping with H. H put M on trial on trumped up charge of adultery, his sister Salome (not Herodias' daughter Salome) was chief witness. M. mother made appearance and incriminated her own daughter. Historians say M's mother was next on H's hitlist and did this to save her own life. 25 years old and birthed 5 children in 7 years. Writings state that M was calm and serene at her execution. Historians claim this determined H's fate, others claim H was remorseful after M's death, and grieved and wandered palace believing he saw M alive. H was ill, behaviour erratic, reports of heavy drinking. H's enemies sensed he'd lost his grip on counrtry, was serious attempt to seize power from him. == Mariame's mother declares herself Queen == M's mother made bid for power, declared herself Queen as H not mentally fit. Josephus wrote: M's mother made strategic mistake and H executed her without trial. == Herod executes his two plotting sons == H at 65 years, H heard his 2 sons were plotting to assasinate him. Historian says H was unhinged. H executed his 2 sons. == 4 B.C.E. woman called Mary gave birth to child named Jesus == In the same year at Bethlehem, a woman called Mary gave birth to child named Jesus. When wise men arrived at H's court it's supposed they knew H had killed M, M's mother, his 2 sons, etc., and were on guard. Why massacre only in gospel of Matthew? Story is absent from all other sources. Scholars claim there was no massacre in Bethlehem, and the stories got confused from 2 separate accounts. Historian: from H killing 2 sons got transferred to the murder of many children. HistAnother : possibly massacre did occur but historian Josephus intentionally left it out. Greek orthodox claims 14,000 boys, others 64,000, yet others 140,000. Another Historian looked at original Greek of Mathews gospel, word for massacre is anarelel (this is best-effort phonetic, need original greek here) not a translation of massacre. Greek word can be used for killing of just one. At time Beth had population between 300 and 1000, and number of babies would be between 7 and 20. == Herod kills another son == 5 days before H died, H killed another of his sons, from first wife Doris. H died at 70 and was buried at Herodian. Historian: H helped create conditions to enable Christianity to arise. JC's teachings gave hope to oppressed people. Source: BBC Manchester/Discovery channel production. - User:Wikibob 15:23, 2004 Mar 14 (UTC) - edited by me between 17:44, 2004 Mar 14 (UTC) and 02:28, 2004 Mar 15 (UTC). ---- == The Great? == How come, and how did he become, "the Great"? It's something that's always puzzled me, and something that'd make a good addition to the article too, User:Jguk 22:41, 9 Apr 2005 (UTC) There was at least one other ruler from the Herod dynasty, also called Herod, but he was less significant. "The Great" is a disambiguator. --User:Philopedia 00:49, 20 Jun 2005 (UTC)
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Herod I, also known as Herod the Great was a Roman client-monarch of Judaea. (c. 74 BC - 4 BC March in Jerusalem). Though he is probably best known from the narrative in ''Gospel of Matthew'' of his ordering the Massacre of the Innocents in Bethlehem around the time of the birth of Jesus, to avert the prophecy of a Messiah being born there, the details of his biography can best be pieced together from the works of the Romanized Jew, Josephus. == Biography == Herod the Great arose from a wealthy, influential Idumaean family. The Idumaeans, successors to the Edomites of the Hebrew Bible, settled in Edom, also known as Edom, in southern Judea. When the Maccabees John Hyrkanus conquered Idumea in the decade 130s BC, he required all Idumaeans to obey Jewish law or to leave; most Idumaeans thus converted to Judaism. Herod identified himself as Jewish. Herod was the second son of Antipater the Idumaean, founder of the Herodean dynasty, and his wife Cypros, a Nabatean princess from Petra, Jordan. The family rubbed shoulders with the greats in Rome, such as Pompey, Gaius Cassius Longinus, and in 47 BC his father was appointed Procurator over Judea, who then appointed his son governor of Galilee at the age of 25. After his father was poisoned in 43 BC, allegedly by a tax-collector, Herod had the murderer executed. After returning from a campaign he was offered the betrothal to the teenage princess Mariamne (sometimes spelled Mariamme) from the Hasmonean dynasty who were the titular rulers of Judaea. As he was already married, he then banished his first wife Doris and her 3 year old son, also named Antipater, and married Mariamne. In 40 BC Antigonos and the Parthians invaded Palestine (region), and Herod fled Jerusalem, for the first time to Rome. There he is titled King of Judaea by Mark Antony. ==30s BC== 39 BC-37 BC War against Antigonos. After the winning of Jerusalem and victory over Antigonos, Marc Antony executes Antigonos. 36 BC Herod makes his 17 year old brother-in-law Aristobulus III of Judea High priest. Herod feared the Jews would appoint Aristobulus as a full "king of the Jews". 35 BC Aristobulus drowns at a party. Historians claim there is insufficient evidence against Herod for his death. 32 BC Start of the war against Nabatea, with victory one year later. 31 BC strong earthquake in Palestine. Octavian defeats Mark Antony, so Herod switches allegiance to Octavian, later Augustus Caesar. 30 BC Herod was then shown great favour by Octavian who at Rhodes confirms him as King of Judaea. ==20s BC== 29 BC Josephus writes that Herod had great passion and also great jealousy concerning his wife Mariamne. She learns of Herod's plans to murder her, and stops sleeping with him. Herod puts her on trial on a trumped-up charge of adultery. His sister Salome (not Herodias' daughter Salomé) was chief witness against her. Mariamne's mother made an appearance and incriminated her own daughter. Historians say her mother was next on Herod's list to be executed and did this only to save her own life. Writings state that Mariamne was calm and serene at her execution at the age of 25 years, having given birth to 5 children in 7 years. Alexandra, Mariamne's mother, then made a bid for power, declaring herself Queen and stating that Herod was mentally unfit to serve any longer. Josephus wrote that this was Alexandra's strategic mistake and Herod executed her without trial. 28 BC Herod executes his brother-in-law Kostobar (husband of Salome, father to Berenice (daughter of Salome)) for conspiracy. Large festival in Jerusalem, as Herod had built a Theatre and an Amphitheatre. 27 BC An assassination attempt on Herod is discovered in time. To honour Caesar Augustus Herod rebuilds Samaria and renames it Sebaste. 25 BC After a great drought there is hunger and epidemics. Herod imports grain from Egypt and starts an exemplary aid programme. He also waives a third of the taxes. 23 BC Herod builds a palace in Jerusalem and the fortress Herodian in Judaea. Herod marries his third wife, also named Mariamne, the daughter of high priest Simon. 22 BC Bulding starts on Caesarea Maritima and its harbour. From the Romans he obtains the regions Trachonitis, Batanaea und Auranitis under his rule. Circa 20 BC Expansion starts on the Temple of Solomon. ==10s BC== Circa 18 BC Herod travels for the second time to Rome. 14 BC Herod supports the Jews in Anatolia and Cyrene, Libya. Due to the prosperity in Judaea he waives a quarter of the taxes. He argues with his sons. 13 BC Herod makes his firstborn son Antipater (son from Doris) first heir in his will. 12 BC Because Herod suspects both his sons (from the first Mariamne) Alexandros and Aristobulos of threatening his life, he takes them to Aquileia to be tried, but Augustus is able to reconcile the three. Herod supports the financially strapped Olympic Games and ensures their future. Herod adjusts his will so that Alexandros and Aristobulos rise in the royal succession but Antipater would be higher in the succession. Circa 10 BC The newly expanded temple in Jerusalem is inaugurated. War against the Nabateans. ==0s BC== 9 BC The inauguration of Caesarea Maritima is a marvelous spectacle with a festival. Due to the course of the war against the Nabateans Herod falls into disgrace with Augustus. Herod again suspects Alexandros intends to kill him. 8 BC Herod accuses his sons from Mariamne (1.) of high treason. On the one hand Herod is reconciled with Augustus, on the other hand this gives Herod the permission to proceed legally against his sons. 7 BC The court hearing takes place in Berytos (Beirut) before a Roman court. Mariamne's sons are found guilty and executed. Now the succession is changed so that Antipater is the exclusive successor to the throne. In second place the succession incorporates the son from the second Mariamne - Herod Philip. 6 BC Herod proceeds harshly against the Pharisees, who had announced that the birth of the Messiah would mean the end of his rule. 5 BC Antipater is brought before the court charged with intended murder of Herod. The sentence must first be approved only by the Roman emperor. Herod makes his son Herod Antipas from his 4th marriage with Malthace as his successor. Herod is seriously ill. 4 BC Young Torah-students smash the golden eagle over the main entrance of the Temple of Jerusalem after the Pharisee teachers claim it is a Roman symbol. Herod arrests them, brings them to court, sentences and punishes them. Emperor Augustus approves of the death penalty for Antipater. Herod executes his son. He again changes his will, as he has just executed his sole heir: Herod Archelaos (from the marriage with Malthace) will rule as King over the Herod's entire kingdom, while Antipas (from Malthace) and Philip (from the fifth marriage with Cleopatra of Jerusalem - not the Egyptian Queen) as Tetrarchs over Galilee and Peraea, also over Gaulanitis (Golan), Trachonitis (Hebrew: Argob), Batanaea (now Ard-el-Bathanyeh) and Panias. Herod died at the end of March, or early April of 4 BC. As Augustus does not confirm his will, no one gets the title of King. However the three children do get the stated territories. ==Date of His Death== Some chronologers hold that he died in the year 5 BC or 4 BC. Their chronology is based to a large extent on Josephus’ history. In dating the time that Herod was appointed king by Rome, Josephus uses a "consular dating", that is, he locates the event as occurring during the rule of certain Roman consuls. According to this, Herod's appointment as king would be in 40 BC, but the data of another historian, Appianos, would place the event in 39 BC. By the same method Josephus places Herod's capture of Jerusalem in 37 BC, but he also says that this occurred 27 years after the capture of the city by Pompey (which was in 63 BC). (Jewish Antiquities, XIV, 487, 488 [xvi, 4]) His reference to that latter event would make the date of Herod's taking the city of Jerusalem 36 BC. Now, Josephus says that Herod died 37 years from the time that he was appointed king by the Romans, and 34 years after he took Jerusalem. (Jewish Antiquities, XVII, 190, 191 [viii, 1]) This might indicate that the date of his death was 2 BC or perhaps 1 BC. According to Josephus, Herod died not long after an eclipse of the moon and before a Passover. (Jewish Antiquities, XVII, 167 [vi, 4]; 213 [ix, 3]) Since there was an eclipse on March 11, 4 BC. (March 13, Julian), some have concluded that this was the eclipse referred to by Josephus. On the other hand, there was a total eclipse of the moon in 1 BC, about three months before Passover, while the one in 4 BC was only partial. Another line of calculation centers around the age of Herod at the time of his death. Josephus says that he was about 70 years old. He says that at the time Herod received his appointment as governor of Galilee (which is generally dated 47 BC), he was 15 years old; but this has been understood by scholars to be an error, 25 years evidently being intended. (Jewish Antiquities, XVII, 148 [vi, 1]; XIV, 158 [ix, 2]) Accordingly, Herod's death occurred in 2 BC or 1 BC. == Achievements == Some of his achievements were: the rebuilding the water supplies for Jerusalem, rebuilding the Temple in Jerusalem to the most beautiful in its time, rebuilding the Palace in Jerusalem, and creating new cities such as Caesarea Maritima. From the extraction of Asphalt at the Dead Sea, together with Cleopatra, he had almost a monopoly on its important use in shipbuilding. He leased coppermines on Cyprus from the Roman emperor. He had a dominant position in the production of bronze, using British tin. == Herod's cruelty == His cruelty was reflected in the biblical account of the Massacre of the Innocents. At the same time as Jesus was born, he was said to have ordered the slaughter of all children (boys) in Bethlehem under two years old. Herod was supposedly fearful of prophecies that said that a "King of the Jews" would be born in Bethlehem. This challenged his authority, and thus he ordered the crackdown to protect himself. This massacre is not mentioned in any non-biblical sources, however, and is very probably apocryphal. Herod is known for being a ruthless ruler, but he was also an able and far-sighted administrator who helped in building the economic might of Judaea, founding cities and developing agricultural projects, the most famous project involving rebuilding of the Jewish Temple in Jerusalem. == Marriages and Children == 1. married Doris *Son Antipater, executed 4 BC 2. married Mariamme (I.) - daughter of Hasmonaean Alexandros *Son Alexandros, executed 7 BC *Son Aristobulos, executed 7 BC *Daughter Salampsio *Daughter Cypros 3. married Mariamme (II.) - daughter of High-Priest Simon *Son Herod 4. married Malthace *Son Herodes Archelaos - Ethnarch *Son Herodes Antipas - Tetrarch *Daughter Olympias 5. married Cleopatra of Jerusalem *Son Herod Philip - Tetrarch *Son Herod 6. married Pallas *Son Phasael 7. married Phaidra *Daughter Roxane 8. married Elpis *Daughter Salome 9. married a cousin name unknown 10. married a niece name unknown It is very probable that Herod had more children, especially with the last wives, and also that he had more daughters, as women at that time were not counted as important. == After his death == Herod's death also indicates the latest time at which the birth of Christ could have occurred. Because Herod's death is established to have occurred at latest in 1 B.C. and because Christ was born before Herod died, the traditional date of Christ's birth and the start of the Common era is incorrect. After his death, his kingdom was divided between three of his sons: Archelaus, Herod Antipas, and Herod Philip. His son, Antipas, also called Herod, is a prominent character in the Gospel biblical history of the events leading up the death of Jesus. When Jesus was brought to trial, Herod was significantly disappointed by Jesus' demeanor. Rather than deal with Jesus directly, Herod delegated authority to Judea's Roman governor, Pontius Pilate. == Herod's family trees == --- = married | = descended from ... = sibling dt = daughter b = born ? = not included here or unknown Alexandra --- ? | --------------------- | | Aristobulus III of Judea ... Mariamne, dt (d. 35 BC) m. Herod the Great last Hasmonean scion appointed high priest drowned Antipater the Idumaean --- Cypros, Arab princess | from Petra, Jordan in Nabatea | | Herod the Great (74 BC-4 BC) Herod the Great --- total 10 wives, 14 children Herod the Great --- Cleopatra of Jerusalem | Philip the tetrarch d AD 34 Herod the Great --- Doris | Antipater d 4 BC? Herod the Great --- Malthace, a Samaritan | -------------------------------------------------- | | | Herod Antipas Archelaus Olympias b 20 BC? --- Phasaelis, dt Aretas IV, king Arabia 'divorced' to marry: --- Herodias, dt of Aristobulus son of Herod the Great Herod the Great --- Mariamne d 29 BC? dt of Hasmonaean Alexandros | -------------------------------------------------- | | | | Aristobulus Alexander Salimpsio --- Phaesal Cypros d 7 BC? d 7 BC? | m. m. Berenice Cypros Antipater(2) | Herodias, dt m. Herod Antipas Herod the Great --- Mariamne dt of Simon the High-Priest | Herod Philip * ''Antipater(2) was son of Joseph and Salome'' * ''Note: dates with ? need verifying against modern findings'' == References and External Links == * BBC Manchester/Discovery channel production broadcast 2004 March 14 * [http://www.bible-history.com/herod_the_great/HERODGenealogy_Chart.htm Family trees] * [http://www.theos-l.com/archives/199608/tl00049.html extract Britanicca Vol 5 page 879] * [http://www.encyclopedia.com/html/H/Herod.asp Encylopedia.com] * [http://www.publicbookshelf.com/public_html/Outline_of_Great_Books_Volume_I/kingherod_cc.html Outline of Great Books Volume I - King Herod]: extracts of Josephus * [http://din-timelines.com/bce0049-0001_timeline.shtml Timeline 49 to 1 BC] 74 BC births 4 BC deaths Ancient Roman enemies and allies Ancient Jewish Roman history
Herod the Great
The fact that Luke indicates a census in 6 C.E. from 'Cyrenius' who was actually Publius Sulpicius Quirinius and that he says it was the first is in disagreement with Matthew who says that Jesus was born when Herod the Great was alive (he died in 4 B.C.E.). So dating his birth is an adventure indeed if we only use the synoptic gospels to help us. Many dedicated bible interpreters invent another census but this conflicts with Luke who calls it the first and it conflicts with history - there was, as far as we know, only one. So this entire page is quite controversial in its use of 4 B.C.E. for the date. ---- (Previous talk was made on 06:49, 2004 Feb 26 . . by 66.42.54.47) (Following is by me, User:Wikibob) I believe most historians take Jesus' birth to be in fact 4 B.C.E., in any case I intend to substantially improve this page with these notes taken from a recent BBC documentary. There's some uncertaintity so to keep NPOV I'll use "Historians say..." and try to reference the actual historians and archealogists. :At last I've finished the article on Herod, so I'll remove from this Talk the material that is now there. I'll just leave the notes on the documentary. The article still needs cleanup and an improved writing style.-User:Wikibob 02:30, 2004 Mar 15 (UTC) Notes from the BBC Manchester/Discovery channel production on Herod. == Herod's early years == Herod's mother was an Arab princess from Petra, Jordan, and his father Antipater the Idumaean, the family rubbed shoulders with the greats in Rome, Pompey, Cassius, etc. Herod and his family quickly rose in stature and in 47 BCE his father was appointed governor over Judea, and himself at 25 was appointed governor of Galilee, in the same year he married a woman named Doris. But after return from a campaign he was offered the betrothal to a teenage Jewish princess named Mariame from a well-regarded Jweish royal family. He then banished Doris and her 3 year old son and married Mariame. 5 years later Romans named Herod King of the Jews. == Herod's architectural palaces and fortresses == South of Bethlehem lies an architectural complex designed by Herod, named Herodian, a desert Palace. According to historian Professor Jodi Magness, the Herodian Palace complex at the top of the mountain included a large swimming pool supplied by aquaduct. Herodian has been researched in the last 30 years, and contained royal appartments, guestrooms, arcades, and could entertain his entire court numbering in the hundreds. 40 miles to the South, on the Dead Sea, lies the palace and fortress of Massada, 1000 feet above the desert floor. The fortress is 3 stories high, and according to researchers completely conceived and designed by Herod. Large store rooms for food, secure water supply, arsenal of weapons. Soldiers were stationed at the fortress whoe even after Herod's death continued to garrison there. Steep sides allowed the use of huge rolling stones (still present) to defend against attackers. H built 20 fortresses across the kingdom, signalling between them via mirrors. Historians, archeologists suggest H was fearful of a threat to his power. Ref: Prof Warren Carter, on psalms about David coming to Jerusalem, that Herodas (gr.father of H) was a 3rd gen. jew, but that H. had no J. blood, hence why H. married M. Prof Jodi: H fear of uprising. Evidence H worked to garner public approval. Western wall of Jerusalem is remnant of huge building masterminded by H., the Temple of Jersusalem. Hailed by many at time as most beautiful in world. 18,000 workers employed on temple, more money than any other building in Judea. Prof Warren carter: said that it only rained at night, so as not to hinder work. Important not to defile buliding during the word, so H had priests that knew about masonry etc. == Why many despised Herod == But many still despised H. Why? H appointed by an occupying power the Romans, and H pandered to Romans. 60 miles NW of Jerusalem, the jewel of the Mediterranean. A seaport, with aqueduct supplying fresh water is the best preserved. Ooops, H named it Caesaria, an insult to the Jews. Filled it with decadant and immoral stuff. Then H built temple to a Roman God, the Emperor, and built the harbour from Jewish taxes. Harbour was sophisticated engineering, scale is being revealed by underwater archeaology. Used a then new bulding technique, floating wooden boxes sunk in a line, and filled with concrete which set in the water. H at 38 years. appointed his 17 year old brother-in-law as ??, but H worried that the Jews would appoint Aristobulas (sp?) as a full king of jews. Ar was drowned at a party, but not sufficient evidence. 5 years later Octavian defeated Mark Antony, so H switched allegiance to O. O confirmed H as KOTJ. == Herod executes his wife Mariame == Josephus writes of passion between H and M. M learns of H plans to murder M. M stops sleeping with H. H put M on trial on trumped up charge of adultery, his sister Salome (not Herodias' daughter Salome) was chief witness. M. mother made appearance and incriminated her own daughter. Historians say M's mother was next on H's hitlist and did this to save her own life. 25 years old and birthed 5 children in 7 years. Writings state that M was calm and serene at her execution. Historians claim this determined H's fate, others claim H was remorseful after M's death, and grieved and wandered palace believing he saw M alive. H was ill, behaviour erratic, reports of heavy drinking. H's enemies sensed he'd lost his grip on counrtry, was serious attempt to seize power from him. == Mariame's mother declares herself Queen == M's mother made bid for power, declared herself Queen as H not mentally fit. Josephus wrote: M's mother made strategic mistake and H executed her without trial. == Herod executes his two plotting sons == H at 65 years, H heard his 2 sons were plotting to assasinate him. Historian says H was unhinged. H executed his 2 sons. == 4 B.C.E. woman called Mary gave birth to child named Jesus == In the same year at Bethlehem, a woman called Mary gave birth to child named Jesus. When wise men arrived at H's court it's supposed they knew H had killed M, M's mother, his 2 sons, etc., and were on guard. Why massacre only in gospel of Matthew? Story is absent from all other sources. Scholars claim there was no massacre in Bethlehem, and the stories got confused from 2 separate accounts. Historian: from H killing 2 sons got transferred to the murder of many children. HistAnother : possibly massacre did occur but historian Josephus intentionally left it out. Greek orthodox claims 14,000 boys, others 64,000, yet others 140,000. Another Historian looked at original Greek of Mathews gospel, word for massacre is anarelel (this is best-effort phonetic, need original greek here) not a translation of massacre. Greek word can be used for killing of just one. At time Beth had population between 300 and 1000, and number of babies would be between 7 and 20. == Herod kills another son == 5 days before H died, H killed another of his sons, from first wife Doris. H died at 70 and was buried at Herodian. Historian: H helped create conditions to enable Christianity to arise. JC's teachings gave hope to oppressed people. Source: BBC Manchester/Discovery channel production. - User:Wikibob 15:23, 2004 Mar 14 (UTC) - edited by me between 17:44, 2004 Mar 14 (UTC) and 02:28, 2004 Mar 15 (UTC). ---- == The Great? == How come, and how did he become, "the Great"? It's something that's always puzzled me, and something that'd make a good addition to the article too, User:Jguk 22:41, 9 Apr 2005 (UTC) There was at least one other ruler from the Herod dynasty, also called Herod, but he was less significant. "The Great" is a disambiguator. --User:Philopedia 00:49, 20 Jun 2005 (UTC)
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