Herodian dynasty

The Herodian dynasty was a royal dynasty of Idumaean (Edomite) descent. They ruled the Herodian Kingdom of Judea and later the Herodian tetrarchy. They were a vassal state of the Roman Empire.

It all began with Herod the Great. He became king of Judea with help from the Romans. This ended the rule of the Hasmonean Kingdom.

Herod the Great ruled until he died in 4 BC. After his death, his kingdom was split among his sons and sister. This formed a tetrarchy that lasted for about ten years. Most of these areas, including Judea itself, became part of Judaea Province in 6 BC. Some Herodian rulers kept power in certain areas until later times.

The last important Herodian ruler was Agrippa I. He died in 44 AD. His nephew, Agrippa II, was the last to hold the title of king. He died around 92 or 100 AD. After that, Rome took full control of the lands once ruled by the Herodians.

History

Further information: Herodian kingdom

Further information: Herodian tetrarchy

Long ago, the Edomites (also called Idumeans) joined the nation of Judea. Some of them held important jobs. One was Antipater, who became a close helper and made strong friends with the Romans.

Herod the Great, Antipater’s son, won help from the Romans and became king of Judea. He ruled for many years and built important places like forts and public spaces. When Herod the Great died in 4 BC, his kingdom was split among his sons and sister. They ruled smaller parts called a tetrarchy.

One son, Herod Archelaus, ruled central Judea for ten years before losing his power. Another son, Herod Antipas, ruled Galilee and Perea. He is mentioned in stories about well-known people. A third son, Philip, ruled areas far to the northeast. Herod’s sister, Salome, also ruled a small area.

Later, Herod Agrippa, Herod the Great’s grandson, became king and brought many of the family’s lands back together. After he died, his son Herod Agrippa II was the last ruler of the family. After him, the area became fully part of the Roman province.

List of rulers

Here is a list of the rulers from the Herodian dynasty:

• Antipater the Idumaean (Procurator of Judaea) 47–44 BC
• Herod the Great
  • Governor of Galilee 47–44 BC
  • Tetrarch of Galilee 44–40 BC
  • Elected king of all Judaea by the Roman Senate 40 BC, reigned 37–4 BC
• Phasael (Governor of Jerusalem) 47–40 BC
• Pheroras (Governor of Perea) 20–5 BC
• Herod Archelaus (Ethnarch of Judaea) 4 BC – 6 AD
• Herod Antipas (Tetrarch of Galilee) 4 BC – 39 AD
• Philip the Tetrarch (Tetrarch of Batanaea) 4 BC – 34 AD
• Salome I (Tetrarch of Jabneh) 4 BC – 10 AD
• Tigranes V of Armenia (King of Armenia) 6–12 AD
• Herod Agrippa
  • King of Batanaea 37–41 AD
  • King of Galilee 40–41 AD
  • King of all Judaea 41–44 AD, previously Judaea (Roman province), given to him by Claudius, and reinstated as a province after his death.
• Herod of Chalcis (King of Chalcis) 41–48 AD
• Herod Agrippa II & Berenice
  • Tetrarch of Chalcis 48–53 AD
  • King of Batanaea 53–100 AD
• Aristobulus of Chalcis
  • King of Armenia Minor 55–72 AD
  • Tetrarch of Chalcis 57–92 AD
• Tigranes VI of Armenia (King of Armenia) 58–61 AD
• Gaius Julius Alexander (King of Cetis) 58–72 AD

In the arts

See also: Cultural depictions of Herod the Great

Herod the Great and his story have inspired many writers, artists, and musicians. Books, plays, poems, paintings, music, ballet, and operas have all featured him and his tale.

In literature, several novels and plays tell the story of Herod and Mariamne. Notable plays include works by William Shakespeare, and dramas by authors from different countries and centuries. Poems about Herod and Mariamne were also written in English.

In the performing arts, many songs, ballets, and operas have been created. For example, there are operas like Hérodiade by Jules Massenet and Salome by Richard Strauss, based on plays by Gustave Flaubert and Oscar Wilde. Paintings, such as Mariamne Leaving the Judgment Seat of Herod by John William Waterhouse, also show scenes from Herod’s life.

Family tree

The Herodian dynasty was a powerful family in ancient times. They ruled parts of the land that is now Israel and Palestine. The family began with Herod the Great, who was appointed king by the Roman Empire. Herod built many important buildings, including parts of the Second Temple in Jerusalem.

The family had many members who ruled different areas. Some of these rulers were known for their building projects, while others were more famous for their political skills. The Herodian dynasty played a big role in the history of the region during the time of Jesus, and many people still study their story today.

Herod the Great was the most famous member of the family. He ruled from 37 BCE to 4 BCE. His sons and grandsons continued to rule different parts of the land after his death.

The dynasty ended when the Roman Empire took direct control of the area. The Herodians are remembered for their influence on the history and culture of the ancient world.