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Herod the Great: Statesman, Visionary, Tyrant

Oscar Bell

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Herod the Great, the Roman-appointed King of Judaea from 37 to 4 BC, was a complex and enigmatic figure. He was a brilliant statesman and a visionary builder, but he was also a ruthless tyrant who committed unspeakable atrocities.

Herod was born in 73 BC to Antipater the Idumaean, a high-ranking official in the Hasmonean kingdom. Herod's family was not Jewish, but they had converted to Judaism. Herod himself was a devout Jew, and he was determined to restore the Jewish kingdom to its former glory.

Herod the Great: Statesman, Visionary, Tyrant

by Norman Gelb

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Language	:	English
File size	:	783 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
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Print length	:	228 pages

In 40 BC, Herod was appointed governor of Galilee by the Roman governor of Syria. Herod quickly proved his military prowess, and he soon became one of the most powerful men in Judaea. In 37 BC, he was appointed King of Judaea by the Roman Senate.

Herod's reign was marked by both great achievements and terrible atrocities. He was a brilliant statesman, and he managed to keep Judaea peaceful and prosperous for over three decades. He also embarked on a massive building program, constructing new cities, palaces, and temples. His most famous building project was the Temple Mount in Jerusalem, which is still one of the most sacred sites in Judaism.

However, Herod was also a ruthless tyrant. He was paranoid about threats to his power, and he often resorted to violence to eliminate his rivals. He had his wife, Mariamne, and his two sons, Alexander and Aristobulus, executed. He also Free Downloaded the massacre of the infants in Bethlehem.

Herod's reign came to an end in 4 BC, when he died of kidney disease. He was succeeded by his son, Herod Archelaus.

Herod the Great was a complex and controversial figure. He was a brilliant statesman and a visionary builder, but he was also a ruthless tyrant. His legacy is still debated today.

Herod the Great: A Closer Look

Herod the Great was a complex and enigmatic figure. He was a brilliant statesman and a visionary builder, but he was also a ruthless tyrant. To get a closer look at this fascinating historical figure, let's take a look at some of his key accomplishments and atrocities.

Accomplishments

Appointed governor of Galilee by the Roman governor of Syria in 40 BC.
Became King of Judaea in 37 BC.
Kept Judaea peaceful and prosperous for over three decades.
Embarked on a massive building program, constructing new cities, palaces, and temples.
His most famous building project was the Temple Mount in Jerusalem, which is still one of the most sacred sites in Judaism.

Atrocities

Had his wife, Mariamne, and his two sons, Alexander and Aristobulus, executed.
Free Downloaded the massacre of the infants in Bethlehem.
Was paranoid about threats to his power, and he often resorted to violence to eliminate his rivals.

Herod the Great was a complex and controversial figure. He was a brilliant statesman and a visionary builder, but he was also a ruthless tyrant. His legacy is still debated today.

Herod the Great was one of the most important figures in Jewish history. He was a brilliant statesman and a visionary builder, but he was also a ruthless tyrant. His legacy is still debated today.

If you are interested in learning more about Herod the Great, I encourage you to read the book Herod the Great: Statesman, Visionary, Tyrant by Richard A. Horsley. This book provides a comprehensive overview of Herod's life and reign.

Click here to Free Download the book on Our Book Library.