Salome I facts for kids

Territory of Salome I, sister of Herod the Great (in salmon orange) and Roman Syria (in red), as given to her in 4 BCE after her brother's death and the partition of his kingdom.

Salome I (born around 65 BCE, died around 10 CE) was an important woman in ancient times. She was the sister of Herod the Great, a powerful king. Salome was also the mother of Berenice. She became a ruler of several cities, including Iamnia, Azotus, and Phasaelis, starting in 4 BCE.

Salome's Life and Family

Salome I was born around 65 BCE. Her brother was King Herod the Great. She married a man named Costobarus, who was a governor of a region called Idumea.

They had three children together. Their son was Antipater IV. Their daughter Berenice later married Aristobulus IV, who was Herod the Great's son. Salome also had another daughter.

After Costobarus, Salome married Alexas Helcias. He was an important person in Herod's court.

A Notable Divorce

Salome had a disagreement with her first husband, Costobarus. She decided to end their marriage. At that time, it was unusual for a wife to divorce her husband in her culture. Usually, only the husband could end a marriage.

However, Salome was a powerful woman. She chose to follow her own authority rather than the usual custom. She ended her marriage with Costobarus.

Her Grandchildren

Salome's daughter, Berenice, had several children. These included Herodias, who became a famous figure in history. Berenice's son, Herod Agrippa I, later became a king of Judea. Other grandchildren were Herod of Chalcis, Aristobulus Minor, and Mariamne III.

Becoming a Ruler

When her brother, Herod the Great, died in 4 BCE, his kingdom was divided. Salome was given control over a region called a toparchy. This area included the cities of Iamnia, Azotus, and Phasaelis. She also received a large amount of money, 5000 drachmae. A drachma was a type of ancient coin.

The Roman emperor Augustus also gave her a royal home in the city of Ascalon. Even though Salome was called a queen of these areas, they were still under the main control of the Roman governor of Judea.

After Salome I died, her territory of Iamnia was given to Livia, who was the Roman empress. Later, it went to Livia's son, Tiberius, who became emperor.

See also

In Spanish: Salomé I para niños