11. Herod’s unpopularity was made worse by his love of Greek Culture.
Herod’s Hellenism made his unpopularity worse. His childhood tutor, the Grecian Nicolaus of Damascus had instilled in Herod a love of Greek culture and philosophy. It was an admiration that Herod actively acted upon as King. He became a patron of the city of Athens- and the Olympic games, which he financed and presided over in 12 BC. Herod designed his port of Caesarea on Greek lines. He also had his currency designed incorporating a Greek legend “Herodou Basileos” alongside an incense burner on a tripod – a desperate attempt to show his consideration of Orthodox Jewish practice. It did not work. Most Judean’s saw his love of Hellenism as another sign of their King’s non-Jewishness.
