Herod the Great: The tyrant king of Judea

Herod was born in 73 BCE in Idumea, to a family of significant local influence. His father, Antipater, had aligned with the Romans, which secured Herod a position of power as he grew.

Subsequently, he was appointed governor of Galilee, where he proved his capability by quelling local unrest. In 40 BCE, with Roman backing, Herod was declared King of Judea by the Roman Senate.

However, over the next three years, he had to fight to reclaim sections of his kingdom from rival factions. Although, Herod's reign as King of Judea would officially begin in 37 BCE, following a bloody three-year struggle.  

He immediately embarked on an ambitious program of construction and reform. His most notable project was the expansion of the Second Temple in Jerusalem, which began in 20 BCE.

This project employed over 10,000 workers and transformed the temple into one of the largest and most magnificent structures of its time.

The temple complex covered an estimated 35 acres and featured a towering facade that reached a height of 150 feet. 

Additionally, Herod constructed the strategically important port city of Caesarea Maritima between 22 and 10 BCE. It included a deep-water harbor, amphitheater, and aqueducts, which were all intended to ensure that it became a vital center of trade.

The harbor in particular, known as Sebastos, spanned about 40 acres and could accommodate large ships. 

The famous hilltop fort of Masada was another of Herod's monumental projects. It was a fortress built atop a plateau overlooking the Dead Sea. It featured palaces, storerooms, and an elaborate water system.

When completed, the fortress could house around 1,000 soldiers, which would provide a formidable defense against potential sieges.

Moreover, Herod rebuilt and fortified several cities, including Samaria, which he renamed Sebaste in honor of Emperor Augustus. 

Herod's father, Antipater, had established a vital connection with Julius Caesar, which laid the groundwork for Herod's own rise.

When Caesar was besieged in Alexandria in 47 BCE, Antipater and Mithridates of Pergamon had helped rescue him. For this, Caesar had granted Antipater to Roman citizenship, which freed him from paying taxes.

Also, Caesar had appointed him as the first Roman Procurator of Judaea. Following Caesar's assassination in 44 BCE, Herod had actively aligned himself with Mark Antony.

So, in 40 BCE, the Roman Senate, influenced by Antony, declared Herod King of Judea.  

However, the political landscape had changed dramatically after the defeat of Antony and Cleopatra at the Battle of Actium in 31 BCE.

Herod wisely sought to secure his position by pledging loyalty to Octavian, who would become the future Emperor Augustus.

By meeting Augustus in Rhodes and offering his support, Herod ensured continued Roman favor. In return, Augustus confirmed Herod's kingship and extended his territory: granting him control over parts of Arabia and the coastal cities of Gaza, Anthedon, and Joppa. 

Herod's diplomatic skills also included maintaining relations with influential Roman figures such as Marcus Agrippa, Augustus' close friend and military commander.

Herod hosted Agrippa in Judea in 15 BCE. Additionally, Herod’s marriage to Mariamne, a Hasmonean princess, aimed to legitimize his rule among the Jewish populace, although their union was always viewed with suspicion. 

The most notorious part of his time on the throne was how Herod struggled with those in his personal life, particularly his own family.

His wives and children were a cause of ongoing frustration. In total, Herod married ten women, but his union with Mariamne I was the most significant.

Mariamne's Hasmonean lineage had helped to legitimize Herod's rule, but their personal relationship was reportedly full of with jealousy and mistrust.

This apparently led Herod to execute Mariamne in 29 BCE on suspicion of infidelity. 

His children were no different. He had several sons, including Aristobulus and Alexander, with Mariamne I. While Herod initially groomed them for succession, he became increasingly paranoid about potential plots against him.

In 7 BCE, Herod executed his own sons, Alexander and Aristobulus, fearing they plotted against him. This shocked the court and put strain on his relations with Rome. 

Antipater, Herod's eldest son from his first marriage to Doris, also faced his father's wrath. Initially named as Herod's heir, Antipater's ambition and involvement in court intrigues also led to his downfall.

In 4 BCE, Herod had Antipater executed, suspecting him of plotting to seize the throne. His next eldest sons, Archelaus and Antipater, had the kingdom divided between them in Herod’s will.

However, in 4 BCE, shortly before his death, Herod also ordered the execution of Antipater on suspicion of treason. This ensured that his younger son, Herod Archelaus, would be the one to succeed him. 

Based upon what historians know about Herod’s life and rule, it is often confusing that he is referred to as ‘the Great’. What did he do to deserve this moniker?

Firstly, his ambitious building projects, including the expansion of the Second Temple, established Judea as a center of architectural and cultural achievement.

It eventually boosted the local economy by attracting pilgrims and traders. Consequently, Judea experienced a period of relative prosperity during his reign. 

Politically, Herod's loyalty to Roman leaders like Augustus secured essential support, which allowed him to maintain control over Judea.

This relationship set a precedent for Judea's future interactions with the Roman Empire. However, it made Judaea more susceptible to external influence and control.

Ultimately, the short period of stability that the region enjoyed during his time on the throne was seen as many as a positive moment in the history of the region.