The Herodian family played a significant role in Judean affairs from 37 BCE to 100 CE. Antipas, who was appointed the stratēgos of Idumea by Alexander Jannaeus, is the first member of this Idumean dynasty to be mentioned in history. His son, Antipater, succeeded him and headed the efforts to return Jannaeus’ son, Hyrcanus, to the throne after Hyrcanus’ brother seized it from him. Realizing the necessity of the political backing of Rome, Antipater took every effort to prove his loyalty to Rome. This loyalty paid off and the power of Antipater and his family continued to increase with time; Antipater now holding most of the power of the throne.
Herod I, Antipater’s son, was appointed governor over Galilee at the age of 25 and quickly came to the attention of Rome. Once the east came under the control of Marc Antony, Antony appointed Herod and his brother tetrachs: Phasael over Judea and Herod over Galilee. Shortly after, Antigonus, with the support of Lysanuis, began a takeover where he captured Hyrcanus and was named king. In response, Herod gathered the support of Antony and Octavian, with the promise of being named king of the Jews. Together they took over Jerusalem and Antigonus was executed. Herod began his rule as king of the Jews in 37 BCE.
Following Herod’s death and decades of his “iron rule”, the country was in an uproar. Herod’s will was to divide the country among three of his sons: about half to Archelaus and the other half split between Antipas and Philip. Archelaus adopted the title “Herod” for his short reign, but was eventually dismissed for excessive brutality. Though Judea became a Roman province, the Herodian family maintained an active role in politics. Antipas, Archelaus’ younger brother, also adopted the title “Herod,”however, as with Archelaus, the Gospel references which make this title synonymous with king are incorrect. Antipas ruled for forty-three years, during which the ministries of both Jesus and John the Baptist took place. At the request of his step daughter, Antipas ordered the execution of John the Baptist. The Gospel of Luke suggests that Antipas may have also heard the trial of Jesus, although this is not historically sound. Eventually, Antipas’ army was defeated, many believe as retaliation for the execution of John the Baptist, and Antipas and his wife were exiled to Gaul in 39 CE.
Herod I, Antipater’s son, was appointed governor over Galilee at the age of 25 and quickly came to the attention of Rome. Once the east came under the control of Marc Antony, Antony appointed Herod and his brother tetrachs: Phasael over Judea and Herod over Galilee. Shortly after, Antigonus, with the support of Lysanuis, began a takeover where he captured Hyrcanus and was named king. In response, Herod gathered the support of Antony and Octavian, with the promise of being named king of the Jews. Together they took over Jerusalem and Antigonus was executed. Herod began his rule as king of the Jews in 37 BCE.
Following Herod’s death and decades of his “iron rule”, the country was in an uproar. Herod’s will was to divide the country among three of his sons: about half to Archelaus and the other half split between Antipas and Philip. Archelaus adopted the title “Herod” for his short reign, but was eventually dismissed for excessive brutality. Though Judea became a Roman province, the Herodian family maintained an active role in politics. Antipas, Archelaus’ younger brother, also adopted the title “Herod,”however, as with Archelaus, the Gospel references which make this title synonymous with king are incorrect. Antipas ruled for forty-three years, during which the ministries of both Jesus and John the Baptist took place. At the request of his step daughter, Antipas ordered the execution of John the Baptist. The Gospel of Luke suggests that Antipas may have also heard the trial of Jesus, although this is not historically sound. Eventually, Antipas’ army was defeated, many believe as retaliation for the execution of John the Baptist, and Antipas and his wife were exiled to Gaul in 39 CE.
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