Herod

There are several kings in the first century that are called Herod, the most famous of whom was Herod the Great (ca. 73 to 4 b.c.), who is the one mentioned in this passage. His designation "the Great" related to his massive building projects, which included the Temple Complex in Jerusalem (probably his most important achievement, possibly tying with the harbor at Caesarea Maritima),¹ and the Antonia Fortress in Jerusalem among other buildings, and several fortresses in the desert to protect him in case of an uprising by the people. These include Masada, Alexandreion, the Herodium, Hyrcania,²  Machaerus (on the east side of the Dead Sea), and two palaces at Jericho.

Herod was an important king, who was a friend of Rome, known for his cunning, charm, and ruthlessness. He became “King of the Jews” around 40 b.c. He was not a pure Jew, with Idumean heritage but sought throughout his life to gain favor with the Jewish people. His ruthlessness is probably what has been his claim to historical significance. Christians remember him for his cruelty, particularly his order to kill all the male children in and around Bethlehem (Matt 2:16-18), attempting to destroy the newborn Messiah, Jesus. His paranoia and ruthlessness is evident in his murder of any  suspected of treachery, killing his wives and children. Additionally, knowing his death was near, he ordered that a large number of prominent men be imprisoned in Jericho’s hippodrome with the order to execute them upon his death. Herod’s sister Salome, and her husband, rescinded this order after his death. He died in 4 B.C. and was buried in the Herodium (Josephus, Antiquities 17.6), his tomb was recently discovered by Israeli archaeologists Ehud Netzer and Ya’akov Kalman.

Several ancient authors speak of Herod, and archaeologically, his existence is attested by coin inscriptions, various building projects, and wine jugs that bear his name.