In the Nativity story, a heavily pregnant Mary and Joseph ended up in Bethlehem because they were fleeing a king who had the ordered the slaughter of all male children. Herod the Great (74 BC – Circa 1 AD) is the historical ruler to whom that murderous deed is attributed. In real life, Herod comes across as somebody who could have ordered such a fell deed. Forget about killing other folks’ children: Herod ordered his own children put to death. After he’d executed their mother. Below are twenty three fascinating things about Herod and other biblical figures.
23. The Baddie King From the Nativity
In the Christian Gospels, King Herod the Great of Judea decreed the death of all male children at the time of Jesus’ birth. He was mean to his own kids, as well, leading Emperor Augustus to remark: “I would rather be Herod’s pig than his son“. The Roman client king and founder of the Herodian Dynasty that lasted until 92 AD built massive projects such as the Second Temple in Jerusalem and the fortress of Masada. However, he is best known from the New Testament as the king who ordered the Massacre of the Innocents when Jesus was born. His reign had started off well, but as it progressed, Herod grew paranoid about plots against him, whether real or imaginary. Those around Herod manipulated his fears, and he often lashed out violently. His victims included members of his own family.
