Herodian dynasty facts for kids

Coin of Herod the Great

The Herodian dynasty was a family of kings and rulers from Edom (also called Idumea). They ruled a kingdom and later smaller regions in Judea, working under the powerful Roman Empire. This dynasty started with Herod the Great. He became king of Judea with Roman support, taking over from the Hasmonean dynasty.

Herod the Great's kingdom lasted until he died in 4 BCE. After his death, his kingdom was split among his sons into four parts, called a Tetrarchy. Most of these areas, including Judea itself, became part of the Roman province of Judaea by 6 CE. However, some Herodian rulers still had power until Agrippa I died in 44 CE. The last Herodian ruler, Agrippa II, died in 92 CE, and Rome then took full control.

History

How the Herodian Dynasty Began

During the time of the Hasmonean dynasty, around 134–104 BCE, Judea conquered the land of Edom. The people of Edom, called Edomites, were then asked to become part of the Jewish religion.

Over time, the Edomites became more integrated into the Judean nation. Some even reached important positions. For example, during the rule of Alexander Jannaeus, an Edomite named Antipas became governor of Edom. His son, Antipater the Idumaean, was a key advisor to the Hasmonean ruler Hyrcanus II. Antipater built strong connections with the Roman Republic. The Romans were expanding their influence in the region around 63 BCE, after conquering Syria and getting involved in a civil war in Judea.

Historians have different ideas about the exact family tree of the Herodians. However, the most accepted view comes from the historian Josephus. He states that Antipas was the father of Antipater.

Julius Caesar, a famous Roman leader, made Antipater the governor of Judea in 47 BCE. Antipater then appointed his own sons, Phasael and Herod, as governors of Jerusalem and Galilee. Antipater was killed in 43 BCE. But his sons managed to keep their power. In 41 BCE, Mark Antony, another Roman leader, made them tetrarchs, which meant they ruled a quarter of a region.

Herod the Great Rises to Power

In 40 BCE, the Parthians invaded Roman areas in the east. They managed to push the Romans out of many places. In Judea, the Hasmonean dynasty was brought back to power under King Antigonus the Hasmonean. He was friendly with the Parthians. Herod the Great, the son of Antipater the Idumean, escaped to Rome.

Herod convinced the Roman Senate that he was loyal to Rome. Because of this, the Roman Senate declared him "King of the Jews." Even though he was announced as king, Herod didn't fully take control of Judea until 37 BCE. He then ruled the Herodian kingdom as a king under Roman authority for 34 years. He stopped any opposition and started many huge building projects. These included the harbor at Caesarea Maritima, the large area around the Temple Mount, and fortresses like Masada and Herodium.

Herod ruled Judea until 4 BCE. When he died, his kingdom was divided among his three sons.

The Tetrarchies

Herod Archelaus, one of Herod's sons, received the main part of the kingdom. This included Judea, Edom, and Samaria. He ruled for ten years until 6 CE. He was then sent away to Gaul (modern-day France).

Philip the Tetrarch, another son of Herod, was given control over the northeast part of his father's kingdom. He ruled there until he died in 34 CE.

Herod Antipas, also a son of Herod, became the ruler of Galilee and Perea. He ruled until he was sent away to Spain by Emperor Caligula in 39 CE. Herod Antipas is mentioned in the Christian New Testament. He was involved in the death of John the Baptist and the trial of Jesus. The Gospel of Luke says that Jesus was first brought before Pontius Pilate, the Roman governor. Pilate then sent Jesus to Antipas, since Jesus had been active in Antipas's territory. But Antipas sent Jesus back to Pilate.

The Last Herodian Rulers

Agrippa I was Herod the Great's grandson. He was friends with Emperor Caligula. In 37 CE, Caligula made Agrippa I king over the lands that had belonged to Herod Philip I. In 39 CE, he also received the territories of Herod Antipas. In 41 CE, Emperor Claudius added parts of the Judea province to Agrippa's territory. This meant Agrippa I almost reunited his grandfather's kingdom under his rule. Agrippa I died in 44 CE.

Agrippa I's son, Agrippa II, was appointed king and ruler of the northern parts of his father's kingdom. He helped the Romans during the Great Revolt of Judea. Agrippa II was the last of the Herodian rulers. When he died in 92 CE, the dynasty ended. His kingdom then became a full part of the Roman province of Judaea.

Other Herodian rulers included Herod of Chalcis, who was king of Chalcis, and his son, Aristobulus of Chalcis, who ruled Chalcis and Armenia Minor.

List of Herodian Rulers (47 BCE – 100 CE)

• Antipater the Idumaean (Governor of Judaea) 47–44 BCE
• Herod the Great
  • Governor of Galilee 47–44 BCE
  • Tetrarch of Galilee 44–40 BCE
  • Elected king of all Judaea by the Roman Senate 40 BCE, reigned 37–4 BCE
• Phasael (Governor of Jerusalem) 47–40 BCE
• Pheroras (Governor of Perea) 20–5 BCE
• Herod Archelaus (Ethnarch of Judaea) 4 BCE – 6 CE
• Herod Antipas (Tetrarch of Galilee) 4 BCE – 39 CE
• Philip the Tetrarch (Tetrarch of Batanaea) 4 BCE – 34 CE
• Salome I (Tetrach of Jabneh) 4 BCE – 10 CE
• Tigranes V of Armenia (King of Armenia) 6–12 CE
• Herod Agrippa
  • King of Batanaea 37–41 CE
  • King of Galilee 40–41 CE
  • King of all Judaea 41–44 CE
• Herod of Chalcis (King of Chalcis) 41–48 CE
• Herod Agrippa II
  • Tetrarch of Chalcis 48–53 CE
  • King of Batanaea 53–100 CE
• Aristobulus of Chalcis
  • King of Armenia Minor 55–72 CE
  • Tetrarch of Chalcis 57–92 CE
• Tigranes VI of Armenia (King of Armenia) 58–61 CE
• Gaius Julius Alexander (King of Cetis) 58–72 CE

Family Tree of the Herodian Dynasty

See also

In Spanish: Dinastía herodiana para niños