Herod the Great, the ruler of Judea, embarks on a quest to win over his people through marriage, building works, and even murdering his in-laws. The podcast explores the infamous Slaughter of the Innocents and delves into Herod's ruthless nature, declining health, and the division of his kingdom. It also examines the challenges faced by Herod in uniting Judaism and protecting Judea from Roman influence.
Herod's reign is marked by a ruthless suppression of rebel forces, including massacring rebels in caves and executing their families.
Despite his ambitious building projects and resistance against Roman domination, Herod's legacy is tarnished by his brutal acts of cruelty towards his family and potential threats.
Deep dives
Herod's relentless pursuit of power
Herod, named King of the Jews by his Roman bosses, fights to regain full control of his kingdom by brutally suppressing rebel forces. He demonstrates his ruthlessness by massacring rebels in caves and executing their families. His ambition and complex background make it difficult for him to gain acceptance as king, but he secures support from Rome and embarks on military campaigns to secure his borders and trade routes.
Herod's tumultuous personal life
Herod's personal life is marked by tragedy, strife, and acts of cruelty. He marries Princess Mariamne, a Hasmonean descendant, in an attempt to solidify his rule, but their relationship quickly deteriorates. Suspicions and jealousies lead to the execution of Mariamne and her family members. Herod's succession plans are similarly tangled, as he has numerous wives and children, leading to tensions among his heirs.
Herod's legacy of grand architectural projects
Herod's reign is characterized by a prolific building spree that aims to secure his legacy. He constructs impressive structures such as the port city of Cesarea Maritima, with its innovative breakwaters, and expands the Second Temple in Jerusalem. Despite the impressive scale and grandeur of his constructions, Herod's legacy is met with mixed reviews, and many of his buildings are eventually destroyed.
Herod's decline and legacy
Towards the end of his reign, Herod becomes increasingly paranoid, executing those he perceives as threats, including his own sons. He suffers from a debilitating illness that causes physical decay and extreme pain. Despite his ruthless rule and troubled personal life, Herod's legacy includes his role in preserving Jewish culture and resisting Roman domination during a turbulent period.
Herod leaves Rome to wrest Judea from the Parthians. He will marry a princess, commission extraordinary building works, and even murder his in-laws as he tries to win over his people. But how will that desperate quest shape his subjects’ lives, and his own legacy? And what of Herod’s most notorious act - the Slaughter of the Innocents?
A Noiser production, written by Kate Harrison.
This is Part 2 of 2.
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