Herod Agrippa II facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Herod Agrippa II |
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| king in parts of Judea | |||||
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| Born | 27/28 AD | ||||
| Died | c. 92 or 100 | ||||
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| Dynasty | Herodian dynasty | ||||
| Father | Herod Agrippa I | ||||
| Mother | Cypros | ||||
Herod Agrippa II (Hebrew: אגריפס; born 27/28 AD – died around 92 or 100 AD) was also known as Marcus Julius Agrippa. He was the last ruler from the Herodian dynasty, a family that ruled parts of the ancient Middle East. He governed areas outside of Judea as a Roman client king. This meant he ruled his land, but he was loyal to the powerful Roman Empire.
In 66 AD, Agrippa II left Jerusalem because he was worried about a Jewish uprising. He chose to support the Roman side during the First Jewish–Roman War.
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Early Life of Herod Agrippa II
Herod Agrippa II was the son of Herod Agrippa I, who was a well-known king. He had three sisters: Berenice, Mariamne, and Drusilla.
He grew up and was educated in Rome, at the court of the Roman emperor Claudius. When his father died, Agrippa II was only seventeen. Emperor Claudius kept him in Rome. During this time, Agrippa II often spoke up for the Jewish people to the emperor.
How Agrippa II Gained Power
In 48 AD, Agrippa II became the ruler of a small area called Chalcis in Syria. He was given the important job of looking after the Temple in Jerusalem. He also had the power to choose the high priest for the Temple.
In 53 AD, Agrippa II had to give up Chalcis. But Emperor Claudius gave him a larger kingdom in return. This new kingdom included areas like Iturea and Trachonitis. In 55 AD, Emperor Nero added more cities to Agrippa's kingdom, including Tiberias and Livias.
Agrippa II and Paul the Apostle
The New Testament tells us that Paul the Apostle spoke to Agrippa II and his sister Berenice. This happened in a city called Caesarea Maritima, probably around 59 or 60 AD. Paul was on trial, and he explained his beliefs to them.
Agrippa II spent a lot of money to make cities more beautiful. He improved Jerusalem and also Berytus (which is now Beirut). However, some people didn't like that he favored Berytus so much. Also, his choices for high priests sometimes made his own people unhappy.
Agrippa II During the Jewish-Roman War
Around 65 or 66 AD, Agrippa II saw that his people were ready to fight against Rome. They were angry about how the Roman governor, Gessius Florus, was treating them. The Jewish people had stopped paying taxes to Rome.
Agrippa II tried very hard to stop the war. He gathered the people and asked them to be patient and obey the Romans. But he couldn't convince them. The Jewish people rebelled and even forced Agrippa II and his sister Berenice out of Jerusalem.
During the First Jewish–Roman War (66–73 AD), Agrippa II fully supported the Roman Empire. He sent 2,000 soldiers to help the Roman general Vespasian. He even joined Vespasian's son Titus in some battles against the rebels. Agrippa II was wounded during the siege of Gamla. After Jerusalem was captured by the Romans, he went to Rome. There, he was honored and given more land.
Agrippa II and Josephus
Agrippa II was good friends with the historian Josephus. He gave Josephus information that helped him write his famous history book, Antiquities of the Jews.
Death of Agrippa II
Agrippa II died without having any children. Some sources say he died around 100 AD, at the age of seventy. However, other historical records suggest he might have died earlier, before 93 or 94 AD. He was the last ruler from the Herodian dynasty.
Interesting Facts About Agrippa II
Herod Agrippa II is the only person mentioned in the Bible who ever visited what is now The Netherlands. He traveled with Emperor Caligula and sailed down the Rhine River to a place called Katwijk.
See also
In Spanish: Herodes Agripa II para niños
- Herodian kingdom
- List of Hasmonean and Herodian rulers
- 1st century in Lebanon
