Herod the Great (73 BC – 4 BC) – King of Judea, who is known for his building projects and for being the ruler at the time of Jesus' birth. full history

Herod the Great (73 BC – 4 BC) – King of Judea, who is known for his building projects and for being the ruler at the time of Jesus' birth. full history

Herod the Great was a ruler of Judea who is known for his impressive building projects, as well as for being the king at the time of Jesus' birth. Born in 73 BC, Herod was a skilled politician and military leader who rose to power through a combination of skillful diplomacy and military conquests. Over the course of his reign, Herod built a reputation as a ruthless and tyrannical ruler, but he also left behind an impressive architectural legacy that still stands today.

Early Life and Rise to Power

Herod was born in Edom, a region that was located south of Judea. His father, Antipater, was a wealthy and influential statesman who served as an advisor to the Hasmonean rulers of Judea. When Herod was still a young man, his father was appointed governor of Judea by the Roman Republic. Antipater was able to establish close ties with the Romans, which helped to secure his position as governor.

Herod began his political career as a governor of Galilee, a region that was located in the north of Judea. In this role, he was able to establish himself as a skilled administrator and military leader, and he quickly gained a reputation for being an effective and powerful ruler. Herod was able to maintain close ties with the Romans, and he was appointed as a Roman client king in 40 BC.

Herod's reign was marked by a series of military conquests and political alliances. He was able to secure control over the entire region of Judea, and he established close ties with the Roman Republic. Herod was also able to maintain a fragile peace with the various Jewish factions that existed in Judea at the time.

Building Projects

Herod is perhaps best known for his impressive building projects, which include some of the most iconic structures in the ancient world. He was a skilled architect and engineer who was able to bring his grand visions to life through a combination of skillful planning and ruthless determination.

One of Herod's most famous building projects was the expansion and renovation of the Second Temple in Jerusalem. Herod's renovation of the temple was a massive undertaking that involved the construction of a massive platform and the rebuilding of many of the temple's structures. The temple was one of the largest and most impressive religious structures of its time, and it was considered to be a symbol of Jewish national pride.

Herod also built a number of other impressive structures throughout Judea. He constructed massive fortresses, including the famous Masada fortress, which was located in the southern part of Judea. Herod also built several palaces and public buildings, including the Herodium, which was a massive palace complex that was located near Bethlehem.

Herod's building projects were not just impressive in their scale and scope, but also in their engineering and design. He was known for his innovative use of technology, including the use of hydraulic systems to transport water and create artificial lakes. Herod's buildings were also notable for their grandeur and opulence, with many featuring intricate mosaics, frescoes, and other decorative elements.

Ruthless Rule

Despite his impressive accomplishments, Herod was also known for his ruthless and tyrannical rule. He was a paranoid and suspicious ruler who was constantly on guard against any threats to his power. Herod was known to be extremely vindictive, and he was not afraid to use violence to achieve his goals.

One of Herod's most notorious acts was the execution of his own wife, Mariamne. Mariamne was a popular and influential figure in Judea, and her execution was seen as a betrayal by many of Herod's subjects. Herod was also responsible for the execution of several of his own sons, whom he saw as potential threats to his power