Born in Idumea of Edomite or Arab descent c 72 BC, in the 2nd century his ancestors had converted or been forced to convert to Judaism.
Herod’s grandfather, Antipas, had been appointed as the governor of Idumea by the Romans. He died in 78 BC, and Julius Caesar appointed Herod’s father, Antipater, procurator of Judea, who held the post from 47 to 43 BC.
His father made Herod governor of Galilee in 47 BCE. Herod became a governor of Galilee around the age of 25 years old. He was, like his father, intelligent, crafty, and very wise. Herod did so well in suppressing rebellions (probably disgruntled Jews who supported the Hasmonean Dynasty) that the Roman governor of Syria made him military prefect of Coele-Syria.
Herod, apparently possessed of considerable charisma and a favorite of the Roman elite, was made King of the Jews by the Roman Senate, c 39 BC. Returning to Palestine, he defeated Antigonus with the help of Roman troops. He ruled until 4 BCE, at around the time of Jesus’ probable birth.
Herod's reign was largely a peaceful one, and although he gained a reputation for imposing oppressive taxes, in fact, these were not excessive and no worse than contemporary regimes.
He was a clever politician who survived many struggles for power and was known for secret police, curfews, and high taxes. He also gave out free grain and clothes in when crises arose.
He was also a prolific builder who renovated and expanded the Temple in Jerusalem, the most holy site in Judaism. He also helped save the ancient Olympic Games during a financial crisis.
He is known in the New Testament in Matthew 2 for his massacre of the infants of Bethlehem in response to the arrival of the Magi of the East. Magi of the East saying ‘Where is he who has been born king of the Jews? For we have seen his star in the east, and we have come to worship him.’ When Herod the king heard this, he became greatly distressed”.
Herod was an able administrator who developed a powerful army. At its peak Herod's army could field approximately 40,000 men, comprised of both Judaean and mercenary soldiers with troops from the Germanic tribes to Parthians to Romans.
Herod the Great (74/73 BC–4 BC) - Roman client king of Judea
