Herod

views updated

Herod (c.74–4 bc), ruled 37–4 bc, known as Herod the Great. He built the palace of Masada and rebuilt the Temple in Jerusalem. According to the New Testament, Jesus was born during his reign, and he ordered the Massacre of the Innocents (Matthew 2:16). (See also out-Herod Herod.)

Of his descendants, his grandson Herod Agrippa I (10 bc–ad 44), imprisoned St Peter and put St James the Great to death. Herod Agrippa II (ad 27–c.93), son of Herod Agrippa I, presided over the trial of St Paul (Acts 25:13 ff.).
Herod Antipas (22 bc–c.40 ad), son of Herod the Great, married Herodias and was responsible for the beheading of John the Baptist. According to the New Testament (Luke 23:7), Pilate sent Jesus to be questioned by him before the Crucifixion.

More From encyclopedia.com