Herod the Great (c.74-4BC) was King of
Judaea, but only by the blessings of
Rome. His first appointment as Governor of
Galillee[?] in 47BC was due to
Julius Caesar. Seven years later,
Mark Antony elevated him to king, and in 31BC
Augustus allowed him to retain his throne. Herod is known for being a ruthless ruler, but he was also an able and far-sighted administrator who helped in building the economic might of Judaea, founding cities and developing agricultural projects, the most famous project involving rebuilding of the Jewish Temple. His cruelty was reflected in the
Gospel account of the
Massacre of the Innocents.
