Herod The Great: King Of Judea

Herod the Great was a king of Judea, who ruled from 37 B.C.E to 4 B.C.E (Murphy, pg. 248). He is a figure that is mainly known from the Nativity story. This leaves many people with the impression that he was a horrible leader. However, he was a ruler with many accomplishments that granted him the title of “great”. These accomplishments stem from his building projects and military successes. It should also be noted that the title of “great” does not mean that Herod was admired and did everything right. The title is there to represent “historical significance” and notable achievements (Murphy, pg. 247)
High taxes were gathered to support the luxurious lifestyle of Herod, when he was a governor, and Antony (Limmer, pt.1, slide 8). Delegates of
Unfortunately, these funds came from the Judean people through taxation. These taxes were additional to the ones that went to Herod and to Rome thus leading to over-taxation of the population (Limmer, pt.3, slide 7). During Herod’s rise to power, he became notable for efficiently wiping out forces of resistance (Murphy, pg. 246). This practice continued after he was on the throne. Anyone Herod suspected of conspiring against him was put to death. His lack of sense of security made him notable as a “cruel and merciless” ruler (Murphy, pg. 248). No one was safe from Herod’s suspicions as he even had his wife, two of his sons, and members of the Hasmonean family put to death (Limmer, pt.3, slide 9).
History has shown us that leaders are not “black-and-white” or “good-or-bad”, each has a mix of good and bad characteristics. Herod’s reign has been marked by merciless killings and criticisms. However, he did benefit the Judean community in some areas. Notably, by making a national symbol an area more suitable for worship, and giving a Jewish perspective in the dealings of Rome. Herod’s negative aspects do not mean that he is not worthy of the title “great” for they do not diminish his mark on history in the first century