Who Was Herod the Great?

Herod the Great is most famous for his role in the Christmas story, but his life extended far beyond that. Who were his parents, wives, and children? Why was he called “Herod the Great”? When did he live, and how did he die?

Herod’s Early Years

Herod was born in 73 BC to Antipater and Cypros. Antipater, his father, was an Idumaean, a descendant of Esau, while his mother, Cypros, was from Nabatea. Together, they were a politically powerful couple and parents to five children.

Herod was their second son and had three brothers:

• Phasael

• Pheroras

• Joseph

He also had one sister, Salome I.

Herod grew up in a politically connected family, which allowed him and his brothers to assume leadership roles at a young age. While politically adept, he was not well established religiously to lead the Jewish people.

Was Herod a Jew?

Herod wanted to be seen as Jewish, but his Jewish roots were debated. During the Maccabean period, his father’s family had been forced to convert to Judaism. Many in Judea and Samaria did not consider Herod a true Jew.

Herod followed some biblical laws but neglected others. To strengthen his Jewish ties, he divorced his first wife and married Mariamne I, a Jewish princess from the Hasmonean dynasty. Although she was his favorite, she was not his only wife.

Herod’s Wives and Children

Herod married at least ten women and had fifteen sons, along with at least five daughters. History records eight of his wives:

• Doris – Anitpater II

• Mariamne I – Alexander, Aristobulus IV, Salampsio (daughter), Cypros (daughter)

• Mariamne II – Herod II

• Malthace – Herod Archelaus, Herod Antipas, Olympias (daughter)

• Cleopatra of Jerusalem – Philip, Herod

• Pallas – Phasael

• Phaedra – Roxanne (daughter)

• Elpis – Salome

Two additional wives and their children are not recorded in history.

How Many Herods Were There?

Herod’s descendants carried his name, which can be confusing:

• Herod Philip – son

• Herod Archelaus – son

• Herod Antipas – son

• Herod Philip II – son

• Herod Agrippa I – grandson

• Herod Agrippa II – great-grandson

To distinguish him from his descendants, historian Josephus referred to him as Herod the Great.

Why Was He Called “Herod the Great”?

Josephus called him “the Great” not only because he was the first Herod but also because of his extraordinary building projects.

King Herod’s Building Projects

Herod is remembered for massive and innovative constructions:

• Masada: A fortress on a plateau near the Dead Sea, complete with buildings, cisterns, and an advanced rainwater system.

• Caesarea Maritima: The first self-cleaning seaport, with concrete constructed underwater.

• Herodium Palace: A circular palace rising from a hilltop.

• The Temple in Jerusalem: Rebuilt and expanded the Second Temple, leveling the surrounding area.

He also constructed theaters, stadiums, and other public buildings in Jerusalem.

How Did Herod the Great Die?

After 73 years, Herod died a painful death in Jericho. Those who buried him were killed to keep his tomb secret. His grave was not located until 2008, at his Herodium Palace.

One of Herod’s final acts was his attempt to kill the newborn Jesus. Though he failed, history remembers Herod not just for his monumental buildings but for his ruthless murders.

Despite Herod’s schemes, the child he tried to destroy grew to bring light and love to the world.

Reflection:

Herod’s life reminds us that even the most powerful schemes cannot stop God’s plan. As we remember the birth of Jesus, we celebrate the true and everlasting King.