Israel and the Palestinian Territories/History: Herodians

Romans detached 11 Hellenistic cities in Southern Levant, all but one of which were East of the River Jordan, from the Jewish dominion and granted them autonomy under overall Roman jurisdiction.

After Caesar’s victory over Gnaeus Pompeius, Hyrcanus became Ethnarch of Judaea while Antipater became the Procurator of Judaea. Antipater’s sons, Phasael(Fasa’el) and Herod(Horedos), became governors of Jerusalem and Galilee respectively. Later, Antigonus, son of Aristobulus, was popped up as King amidst a Parthian invasion. Herod fled to Rome, and was installed as king by the Romans.

Cleopatra VII, Queen of Egypt, was in conflict with Herod for some reason, and she was given Jericho by Marcus Antonius. Jericho was only restored to Herod after the Actium, in which Marcus Antonius and Cleopatra VII were defeated and later committed suicide.

Herod was known for being a massive builder. He built massive projects, include enlarging the Holy Temple and building the city of Caesarea Maritima, as well as many other forts and palaces. He was also known for his cruelty, having killed all Hasmoneans, include his own wife, and several of their sons, and was reported by the writers of the Gospels for ordering all male children under two to be killed in Bethlehem.

A model of Herod's Temple, from Israel Museum

Tomb of the Patriarchs, one of the examples of Herodian Architecture

Herod’s domains were divided between his sons after his death, and in 6 CE, the domain of Herod Archelaus was annexed by Roman Empire as Province of Judaea.