King Herod the Great (jan 1, 37 BC – jan 1, 4 BC)

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Herod the Great ruled Judea from 37–4 BCE as a Roman-backed king. He was a powerful and ambitious ruler known for massive building projects, including the expansion of the Second Temple, the construction of Caesarea Maritima, Masada, Herodium, and other fortresses. Politically, he kept Judea stable under Roman influence and maintained close loyalty to Rome.

From a Jewish perspective, Herod was deeply controversial. He was not from the Davidic line or the Hasmonean family, but from an Idumean background. To strengthen his legitimacy, he married the Hasmonean princess Mariamne I, but later executed her and eliminated many Hasmonean rivals. He is remembered as both a great builder and a cruel ruler who ruled through fear, suspicion, and violence.

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