King Herod: The infamous child killer
Despite being accused of murdering his own wife, children and countless other innocents, King Herod is still known as 'the Great'. Why?
Image: Jesus (C) at King Herod's (L) court, a mural from about the year 1500 in the Church of St. Mary, Elsinore, Denmark | Stig Alenas / Shutterstock.com
In the Bible, King Herod is portrayed as a psychotic villain who orders the deaths of all of Bethlehem’s infants upon hearing the news of Jesus’ birth. He’s also known as King Herod the Great… so what gives?
Well, it’s a case of a little from column A and a little from column B. Or perhaps a lot from both. Although Herod did oversee plenty of successful policies and projects, he’s undoubtedly responsible for more than his fair share of atrocities, as well.
To learn more about this infamous ruler of Judaea, read on. And if you enjoy this type of content, why not check out Killer Kings? This new show from Sky HISTORY takes an in-depth look at some of the cruellest monarchs from history, including Herod himself.
Rise to power
Despite going on to become the King of the Jews, Herod was born to an Edomite father and an Arab mother. After his father, Antipater, supported Pompey’s invasion of Palestine and aligned himself with Rome, Herod followed suit.
At 26 years old, his father appointed him governor of Galilee and his first major challenge arose in the form of the 'new Maccabees'. This group of Hasmonaeans rose in revolt when Rome tried to impose dominance over them; Herod was charged with suppressing the rebellion. He did so in brutal fashion.
Having ascertained that the insurgents were hiding out in nearby caves, Herod lowered crate upon crate of soldiers into the breach. All prisoners were summarily killed in a violent foreshadowing of Herod’s later deeds. Although he was reprimanded for his harshness, he escaped further punishment and remained in power.
After the assassination of Antipater, Herod was proclaimed King of Judaea in 40BC. He sent away his first wife Doris and married a Hasmonaean princess named Mariamne. Although the union was largely a political one, it appears Herod did deeply love his new bride, but the ruthlessness with which he exiled Doris is a further insight into his character.
Mark Antony and Octavius
Another revolt (this time by the Parthians) forced Herod to flee to Rome and solicit legionary support. With his wish granted and an army behind him, he took back the city in 37BC and cemented a strong relationship with leading figures in the Roman Republic, including Mark Antony.
Those close ties with Antony almost cost Herod his life. When war broke out between Antony and Octavius (who would later become the first Roman Emperor, Augustus Caesar), Herod picked the wrong side. He met with Octavius in the wake of his crushing victory over Mark Antony and Cleopatra at Actium in 31BC, fearing the worst.
However, Herod openly confessed his previous support for Antony to Octavius, claiming it was more important the kind of friend he was than who he had been friends with. Octavius was duly impressed and not only allowed Herod to stay in power, but also returned lands that had previously been taken from him by Antony.
Notable deeds and works
Herod would then repay the forgiveness and faith shown by Octavius through a concerted programme of construction works. He built a fantastic artificial harbour at Caesarea Maritima in honour of his patron and fashioned impregnable fortresses such as Masada and Herodium.
Undoubtedly his greatest legacy is the Second Temple of Jerusalem. Outstripping the grandeur of the First Temple built by King Solomon, the Wailing Wall of the Temple is still visited by pilgrims today. It is the culmination of Herod’s architectural efforts.
Not everyone was pleased by such lavish works, however. Herod’s Jewish subjects increasingly saw him a promoter of himself and of Roman culture at the expense of Jewish values. While there is probably some truth in such criticism, it should be noted that Herod did much to preserve Judaism at a turbulent time.
He was able to exempt Jews from conscription in the Roman military and secured their right to practice their own forms of worship in peace. He also provided the city of Jerusalem with clean drinking water and freely gave grain in times of famine.
Sadistic side
Although Herod did do plenty of good during his reign, it’s undeniable that he also committed numerous atrocities. He would ruthlessly eliminate anyone he saw as a threat to his power, including his own beloved wife Mariamne and the two sons they had together. He would go on to kill a third son (his firstborn) later in life, as well as dispatching plenty of other family members to boot, simply because he suspected they may be plotting against him.
The most infamous charge levelled at Herod’s doorstep is the so-called Massacre of the Innocents, which became so well-known as to inspire one of the 12 days of Tudor Christmas tradition. Rumour has it that upon hearing of a prophecy in which his role as King of the Jews would be usurped, he attempted to kill the infant Jesus.
However, his plan was foiled by the deception of the magi (who were wise men, not kings) and in a fit of rage, he apparently ordered the deaths of all babies under two years old in Bethlehem and its surrounding environs. The only reference made to this massacre comes in the Gospel of Matthew; given its absence in any other biblical or historical text, it’s unlikely to be true – but still, it’s in keeping with Herod’s character and behaviour in his later years.
Indeed, by the end he had become so paranoid and barbaric that he ordered the rounding up and slaughter of all noblemen in the country upon his own death, so that the people would mourn, even if not for him. When he finally did die in 4BC, thankfully his sister chose not to fulfil that particular last request. A great king perhaps, but a mad, bad killer one for certain.
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