Herodian dynasty

The Herodian dynasty was a royal dynasty of Idumaean (Edomite) descent that 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, who became king of Judea with help from the Romans, ending the rule of the Hasmonean Kingdom.

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

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

History

Further information: Herodian kingdom

Further information: Herodian tetrarchy

During the time of ancient leaders, the Edomites (also called Idumeans) were brought into the nation of Judea and some held important positions. One of these was Antipater, who became a close advisor and helped build strong ties with the Romans.

Herod the Great, Antipater’s son, gained support from the Romans and became king of Judea. He ruled for many years, building important structures like forts and public spaces. When Herod the Great passed away in 4 BC, his kingdom was divided among his sons and sister to be ruled as smaller parts called a tetrarchy.

One son, Herod Archelaus, ruled over central Judea for ten years before being removed from power. Another son, Herod Antipas, ruled Galilee and Perea and is mentioned in stories about important historical figures. A third son, Philip, ruled areas 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 under his rule. After his death, his son Herod Agrippa II was the last ruler of the family before 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 over the years. 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, who warned actors not to be too extreme like Herod, 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 depict scenes from Herod’s life.

Family tree