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The Herods: Murder, Politics, and the Art of Succession
Until his death in 4 BCE, Herod the Great's monarchy included territories that once made up the kingdoms of Judah and Israel. Although he ruled over a rich, strategically crucial land, his royal title did not derive from heredity. His family came from the people of Idumea, ancient antagonists of the Israelites. Yet Herod did not rule as an outsider, but from a family committed to Judaism going back to his grandfather and father. They had served the priestly dynasty of the Maccabees that had subjected Idumea to their rule, including the Maccabean version of what loyalty to the Torah required. Herod's father, Antipater, rose not only to manage affairs on behalf of his priestly masters, but to become a pivotal military leader. He inaugurated a new alignment of power: an alliance with Rome negotiated with Pompey and Julius Caesar. In the crucible of civil war among Romans as the Triumvirate broke up, and of war between Rome and Parthia, Antipater managed to leave his sons with the prospect of a dynasty. Herod inherited the twin pillars of loyalty to Judaism and loyalty to Rome that became the basis of Herodian rule. He elevated Antipater's opportunism to a political art. During Herod's time, Roman power took its imperial form, and Octavian was responsible for making Herod king of Judea.
375 pages, Hardcover
First published August 3, 2021
27 people are currently reading
164 people want to read
About the author
Bruce Chilton
87 books17 followersBruce Chilton (sometimes Bruce D. Chilton) (born 1949) is an American scholar of early Christianity and Judaism.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bruce_C...
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bruce_C...
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Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
November 12, 2021
When I was in my teens, I developed a fascination with the Herods of the Bible, arguably the most infamous dynasty to have ruled over Judaea. There was something luridly fascinating about these men and women that clung to power for so long, despite the many bouts of unrest that convulsed the region during their reigns. Thus, when I saw Bruce Chilton’s new book about this infamous biblical dynasty at my local Barnes & Noble, I knew that I was going to have to read it.
Chilton gives us a fascinating overview of the most important members of this turbulent family, focusing in particular on Herod the Great, his sons Archelaus and Herod Antipas; his grandson Herod Agrippa I; and his grandchildren Agrippa II and Berenike. Though they attained very different levels of political success — Herod the Great, for all of his cruelty, was a surprisingly skilled politician, while his son Antipas found his loyalty to Rome rewarded with exile to Gaul — as Chilton points out they all possessed an extraordinary ability to use political imagery and power to their own advantage.
The book also excels at providing two important contexts for the Herodians. First, there’s the Roman Republic and later the Roman Empire. Herod the Great’s rise to political power intersected with some of the major developments of the Mediterranean world, most notably the civil wars that swept through Rome, culminating in the defeat of Antony and Cleopatra at the Battle of Actium. Likewise, the fates of his sons and grandsons would be very much bound up with Roman imperial politics for both good and ill, particularly under the successors to Augustus. Time and again, the Herodians would have to grapple with the ugly and often violent politics of the imperial family. Rome was the one inescapable reality that all of the Herodians had to deal with, and it affected every aspect of their rule and their relationships with their Jewish subjects.
Likewise, The Herods also gives us the biblical context in which these events took place, allowing us to see how understanding the actions and personalities of the Herods would impact the events of the Bible. As Chilton demonstrates again and again, it is impossible to truly grasp the import of the Gospels, and of Jesus’ ministry, without understanding the milieu in which it emerged. Several members of the dynasty make appearances in the biblical narratives — most notably Herod the Great (who allegedly ordered the slaughter of the innocents, though this was likely undertaken by his son); Antipas (notorious for persecuting John the Baptist and putting Jesus on trial); Agrippa I (consumed by worms); and Agrippa II and Bereniké (who presided over the trial of Paul).
Of course, Herod the Great is arguably the most important figure in the book, and Chilton demonstrates that, whatever else he might have been, he was a canny ruler who managed to keep the approval of Rome and (at least to a degree) that of his subjects. Unfortunately, Herod’s legacy would be forever tainted by his later actions, his political shrewdness and brilliance overshadowed by a paranoia that would see him destroy several members of his family, including several of his sons. From the ashes of Herod’s last days several of his progeny would emerge largely unscathed, though none of them would ever attain the power that their father had, since Augustus responded to the chaos by splitting up his domains.
Herod Antipas is probably best known to most readers as the tetrarch responsible for the execution of John the Baptist — an event that Chilton reminds us was more politically than erotically motivated, regardless of the popular myth that he was spurred on by his wife’s daughter — but in the book’s telling he was a savvy and canny strategist who worked assiduously to reclaim his father’s monarchical mantle. Unfortunately, his efforts were always doomed to failure, both because the notoriously megalomaniacal Caligula was almost impossible to predict and because Antipas fell afoul of his own nephew, who played a key role in securing his banishment.
Indeed, Herod Agrippa would be one of the major beneficiaries of his uncle’s fall, and he proved as adept at navigating the fraught waters of Roman imperial politics as his grandfather had been. He was fortunate that his mother happened to be very good friends with Antonia the Younger, the mother of the later Emperor Claudius and the grandmother of Emperor Caligula. And, though he would be rendered into another infamous despot as a result of his persecution of several key Christian leaders, he was also a passionate defender of the rights and privileges of his Jewish subjects.
Lastly, Chilton looks at Herod Agrippa II and Berenike, who attained significant success as rulers until they were caught up in the increasingly hot conflict between Rome and Judaea. Bereniké is an especially fascinating figure in Chilton’s telling, not only because of her political survival during one of the most fraught and dangerous times in her homeland but also because she famously became lovers with none other than Titus, the son and heir of the Emperor Vespasian. It was a canny move on her part, especially considering the inevitability of the Roman defeat of the Judaeans, and it’s her misfortune that Titus died so early in his reign. Her brother likewise died early, bringing an end to this illustrious dynasty.
The Herods is a brisk biographical narrative that helps us understand, and even appreciate, the genius of this infamous family. Flawed and dangerous and murderous they might have been, but the Herods were undeniably skilled at maintaining power at one of the region’s most tumultuous moments and in a milieu that was repeatedly riven by sectarian and political differences. A dynasty less capable would have fallen into ruin far earlier, but the Herodians used a mix of murder, manipulation, and propaganda to ensure their survival. The fact that they remain so notorious even today is an indication of just how influential they were and how strong a hold they maintain over our collective imagination.
Chilton gives us a fascinating overview of the most important members of this turbulent family, focusing in particular on Herod the Great, his sons Archelaus and Herod Antipas; his grandson Herod Agrippa I; and his grandchildren Agrippa II and Berenike. Though they attained very different levels of political success — Herod the Great, for all of his cruelty, was a surprisingly skilled politician, while his son Antipas found his loyalty to Rome rewarded with exile to Gaul — as Chilton points out they all possessed an extraordinary ability to use political imagery and power to their own advantage.
The book also excels at providing two important contexts for the Herodians. First, there’s the Roman Republic and later the Roman Empire. Herod the Great’s rise to political power intersected with some of the major developments of the Mediterranean world, most notably the civil wars that swept through Rome, culminating in the defeat of Antony and Cleopatra at the Battle of Actium. Likewise, the fates of his sons and grandsons would be very much bound up with Roman imperial politics for both good and ill, particularly under the successors to Augustus. Time and again, the Herodians would have to grapple with the ugly and often violent politics of the imperial family. Rome was the one inescapable reality that all of the Herodians had to deal with, and it affected every aspect of their rule and their relationships with their Jewish subjects.
Likewise, The Herods also gives us the biblical context in which these events took place, allowing us to see how understanding the actions and personalities of the Herods would impact the events of the Bible. As Chilton demonstrates again and again, it is impossible to truly grasp the import of the Gospels, and of Jesus’ ministry, without understanding the milieu in which it emerged. Several members of the dynasty make appearances in the biblical narratives — most notably Herod the Great (who allegedly ordered the slaughter of the innocents, though this was likely undertaken by his son); Antipas (notorious for persecuting John the Baptist and putting Jesus on trial); Agrippa I (consumed by worms); and Agrippa II and Bereniké (who presided over the trial of Paul).
Of course, Herod the Great is arguably the most important figure in the book, and Chilton demonstrates that, whatever else he might have been, he was a canny ruler who managed to keep the approval of Rome and (at least to a degree) that of his subjects. Unfortunately, Herod’s legacy would be forever tainted by his later actions, his political shrewdness and brilliance overshadowed by a paranoia that would see him destroy several members of his family, including several of his sons. From the ashes of Herod’s last days several of his progeny would emerge largely unscathed, though none of them would ever attain the power that their father had, since Augustus responded to the chaos by splitting up his domains.
Herod Antipas is probably best known to most readers as the tetrarch responsible for the execution of John the Baptist — an event that Chilton reminds us was more politically than erotically motivated, regardless of the popular myth that he was spurred on by his wife’s daughter — but in the book’s telling he was a savvy and canny strategist who worked assiduously to reclaim his father’s monarchical mantle. Unfortunately, his efforts were always doomed to failure, both because the notoriously megalomaniacal Caligula was almost impossible to predict and because Antipas fell afoul of his own nephew, who played a key role in securing his banishment.
Indeed, Herod Agrippa would be one of the major beneficiaries of his uncle’s fall, and he proved as adept at navigating the fraught waters of Roman imperial politics as his grandfather had been. He was fortunate that his mother happened to be very good friends with Antonia the Younger, the mother of the later Emperor Claudius and the grandmother of Emperor Caligula. And, though he would be rendered into another infamous despot as a result of his persecution of several key Christian leaders, he was also a passionate defender of the rights and privileges of his Jewish subjects.
Lastly, Chilton looks at Herod Agrippa II and Berenike, who attained significant success as rulers until they were caught up in the increasingly hot conflict between Rome and Judaea. Bereniké is an especially fascinating figure in Chilton’s telling, not only because of her political survival during one of the most fraught and dangerous times in her homeland but also because she famously became lovers with none other than Titus, the son and heir of the Emperor Vespasian. It was a canny move on her part, especially considering the inevitability of the Roman defeat of the Judaeans, and it’s her misfortune that Titus died so early in his reign. Her brother likewise died early, bringing an end to this illustrious dynasty.
The Herods is a brisk biographical narrative that helps us understand, and even appreciate, the genius of this infamous family. Flawed and dangerous and murderous they might have been, but the Herods were undeniably skilled at maintaining power at one of the region’s most tumultuous moments and in a milieu that was repeatedly riven by sectarian and political differences. A dynasty less capable would have fallen into ruin far earlier, but the Herodians used a mix of murder, manipulation, and propaganda to ensure their survival. The fact that they remain so notorious even today is an indication of just how influential they were and how strong a hold they maintain over our collective imagination.
November 14, 2022
Summary: A history of this dynasty, tracing its rise from Antipater, the rule of Herod the Great, and his descendants who struggled to recover control over the territories he ruled amid Roman power and rising Jewish discontent.
Any reader of the New Testament recognizes that one or another of the Herods plays a significant part in the birth of Jesus, the ministry and crucifixion of Jesus, and the beginnings of the Christian movement, and the trial of and appeal by Paul to Rome. What is often not considered is the rise of this family from Idumea amid the power struggles of the Jews to maintain independence amid, first the Seleucids and then the Roman power that came to assert control over the lands that once constituted ancient Israel.
Bruce Chilton traces the history of this family and their shrewdness in maintaining Jewish support and pleasing their Roman masters. It begins with Antipater, who modestly never claimed the title “king” of Idumea but allied with Hyrcanus II as high priest of the Jerusalem temple and leader of Judea and allying himself with Pompey against the Seleucids, securing both Hyrcanus in Jerusalem and securing Roman favor for his own family.
Herod, known as “The Great,” was his son. He married Mariamne, the granddaughter of Hyrcanus, gaining legitimacy with the Maccabees, and works first with Mark Antony and then Octavian, securing kingship over Jerusalem, Samaria, Galilee, and Idumea. Chilton traces his ruthlessness, executing first Mariamne’s brother, then Mariamne, and her sons but leaving his kingship in disarray at his death.
Chilton situates the birth of Jesus and the massacre of the innocents during the brief reign of Herod’s son Archelaus over Judea. while Philip ruled in Gaulanitis and Antipas in Galilee and Samaria. Antipas was the shrewdest, stealing his brother Philip’s wife Herodias and working throughout his reign to regain control of Judea and Jerusalem, only to lose it all to his nephew, Agrippa I, who had cultivated Caligula, who succeeded Tiberius, who had favored Antipas. Antipas was the one Jesus called “the fox” and Chilton has some interesting insights into gospel passages alluding to Antipas, who concurred in the execution of Jesus, as well as the beheading of John.
Agrippa I recovered the realm of Herod the great, persecuted restive minorities, including the followers of Jesus, and, as recorded in Acts, died an early and grisly death just days after being proclaimed as a god. He was succeeded by Agrippa II over parts of Agrippa I’s realm under tight control of Rome, aided by his sister Berenike, perhaps the more ambitious of the two. But affairs among the Jews were spiraling into open rebellion that they could not stop, resulting in brutal Roman suppression and the fall of Jerusalem. It was Agrippa II and Berenike who consult with Felix and hear Paul’s defense and appeal to Rome.
Chilton offers a narrative that underscores the shrewdness and ambition and ruthlessness, when necessary, of the Herods. He also shows the significant roles played by women in this dynasty: Mariamne, Herodias, Salome, and Berenike among them. We learn of other competent, but lesser lights, like Philip, who appears to have led well in Gaulanitis, and Phasael, Herod the Great’s more restrained older brother who administered Jerusalem until Herod took control.
While Chilton provides both a timeline and a Dramatis personae of important figures, it would have been helpful to provide a family tree or genealogy to make clear the relations among the various figures, and the offspring of multiple marriages. It is also evident that Chilton credits other sources like Josephus above the New Testament writers at points of conflict.
That said, Chilton’s account of this dynasty enriches our understanding of the figures who intersect with the New Testament narratives and played a vital role in second Temple Israel during the decisive century before the fall of the temple.
____________________
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a complimentary review copy of this book from the publisher.
Any reader of the New Testament recognizes that one or another of the Herods plays a significant part in the birth of Jesus, the ministry and crucifixion of Jesus, and the beginnings of the Christian movement, and the trial of and appeal by Paul to Rome. What is often not considered is the rise of this family from Idumea amid the power struggles of the Jews to maintain independence amid, first the Seleucids and then the Roman power that came to assert control over the lands that once constituted ancient Israel.
Bruce Chilton traces the history of this family and their shrewdness in maintaining Jewish support and pleasing their Roman masters. It begins with Antipater, who modestly never claimed the title “king” of Idumea but allied with Hyrcanus II as high priest of the Jerusalem temple and leader of Judea and allying himself with Pompey against the Seleucids, securing both Hyrcanus in Jerusalem and securing Roman favor for his own family.
Herod, known as “The Great,” was his son. He married Mariamne, the granddaughter of Hyrcanus, gaining legitimacy with the Maccabees, and works first with Mark Antony and then Octavian, securing kingship over Jerusalem, Samaria, Galilee, and Idumea. Chilton traces his ruthlessness, executing first Mariamne’s brother, then Mariamne, and her sons but leaving his kingship in disarray at his death.
Chilton situates the birth of Jesus and the massacre of the innocents during the brief reign of Herod’s son Archelaus over Judea. while Philip ruled in Gaulanitis and Antipas in Galilee and Samaria. Antipas was the shrewdest, stealing his brother Philip’s wife Herodias and working throughout his reign to regain control of Judea and Jerusalem, only to lose it all to his nephew, Agrippa I, who had cultivated Caligula, who succeeded Tiberius, who had favored Antipas. Antipas was the one Jesus called “the fox” and Chilton has some interesting insights into gospel passages alluding to Antipas, who concurred in the execution of Jesus, as well as the beheading of John.
Agrippa I recovered the realm of Herod the great, persecuted restive minorities, including the followers of Jesus, and, as recorded in Acts, died an early and grisly death just days after being proclaimed as a god. He was succeeded by Agrippa II over parts of Agrippa I’s realm under tight control of Rome, aided by his sister Berenike, perhaps the more ambitious of the two. But affairs among the Jews were spiraling into open rebellion that they could not stop, resulting in brutal Roman suppression and the fall of Jerusalem. It was Agrippa II and Berenike who consult with Felix and hear Paul’s defense and appeal to Rome.
Chilton offers a narrative that underscores the shrewdness and ambition and ruthlessness, when necessary, of the Herods. He also shows the significant roles played by women in this dynasty: Mariamne, Herodias, Salome, and Berenike among them. We learn of other competent, but lesser lights, like Philip, who appears to have led well in Gaulanitis, and Phasael, Herod the Great’s more restrained older brother who administered Jerusalem until Herod took control.
While Chilton provides both a timeline and a Dramatis personae of important figures, it would have been helpful to provide a family tree or genealogy to make clear the relations among the various figures, and the offspring of multiple marriages. It is also evident that Chilton credits other sources like Josephus above the New Testament writers at points of conflict.
That said, Chilton’s account of this dynasty enriches our understanding of the figures who intersect with the New Testament narratives and played a vital role in second Temple Israel during the decisive century before the fall of the temple.
____________________
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a complimentary review copy of this book from the publisher.
March 29, 2022
Super interesting history of the Herods, their position and political skill in an extremely difficult place and time, the time right before and after Christ (Herod the Great born 74BCE).
Herods father, Antipeter, a leader of the country/area of Idumea (Edom) the area south of Judea.He recognized the position of Rome and aimed to pacify the Judeans, governed by the priest-kings of the Maccabee’s, as well as Rome. He was friendly with the Roman leader Pompey. He split control of the governed areas with Herod as well as Herods older brother, Phaesal and Herod. There were two other children as well as a sister, Salome. Both sons were circumcised and trained in the Torah.
Herod eventually took over through his fathers death and brothers I think. Herod was a great military leader, ferocious, inspiring, winning battles against high odds. He was tall, handsome and a skilled politician. Herod had to contend and befriend Mark Antony and Cleopatras after Caesars death. She apparently tried to seduce him, which he put off. He continued good relations with Rome after Mark Antony and Cleopatra, and was given kingship of the entire area. Rebuilt many cities, and rebuild of the temple. As he aged, grew suspicious and killed many, including within his own family, his wife… The author wasn’t sure if it was him or his son who was responsible for the slaughter of the innocents.
His children were Archeleas, Antipas, and Philip (those that governed). Grandson was Agrippa I, great grandchildren were Agrippa II and Bernike - of Pauls fame, who were the last of the Herods when Titus destroyed the temple and made Great war on the Jews. Bernike was a great protector of the Jews and famously had an affair with Titus, likely would have wed if he hadn’t died at age 42. Domitian wasn’t so kind.
Jesus was crucified with the approval of Antipas. The author portrays Pilate as cruel to the Jews for not much reason, all the more reason for his likely conversion.
This is a fascinating book that does a great job of explaining the political realities at the time of Jesus and the early Christian church- which were frightful at best, today you get socially canceled for what you say, then literally…..
Herods father, Antipeter, a leader of the country/area of Idumea (Edom) the area south of Judea.He recognized the position of Rome and aimed to pacify the Judeans, governed by the priest-kings of the Maccabee’s, as well as Rome. He was friendly with the Roman leader Pompey. He split control of the governed areas with Herod as well as Herods older brother, Phaesal and Herod. There were two other children as well as a sister, Salome. Both sons were circumcised and trained in the Torah.
Herod eventually took over through his fathers death and brothers I think. Herod was a great military leader, ferocious, inspiring, winning battles against high odds. He was tall, handsome and a skilled politician. Herod had to contend and befriend Mark Antony and Cleopatras after Caesars death. She apparently tried to seduce him, which he put off. He continued good relations with Rome after Mark Antony and Cleopatra, and was given kingship of the entire area. Rebuilt many cities, and rebuild of the temple. As he aged, grew suspicious and killed many, including within his own family, his wife… The author wasn’t sure if it was him or his son who was responsible for the slaughter of the innocents.
His children were Archeleas, Antipas, and Philip (those that governed). Grandson was Agrippa I, great grandchildren were Agrippa II and Bernike - of Pauls fame, who were the last of the Herods when Titus destroyed the temple and made Great war on the Jews. Bernike was a great protector of the Jews and famously had an affair with Titus, likely would have wed if he hadn’t died at age 42. Domitian wasn’t so kind.
Jesus was crucified with the approval of Antipas. The author portrays Pilate as cruel to the Jews for not much reason, all the more reason for his likely conversion.
This is a fascinating book that does a great job of explaining the political realities at the time of Jesus and the early Christian church- which were frightful at best, today you get socially canceled for what you say, then literally…..
July 21, 2025
I'm somewhat embarrassed to admit that Fortress Press sent me a free copy of this title for review a couple of years ago. Shortly after requesting it, I became a lot busier than I anticipated. But here I am now, on the other side of grad school, having finished it. True to my word, I offer my honest thoughts.
I was interested in this book primarily to gain some background on the NT and early Christianity. That, I certainly got, and more! The story of each Herodian is full of more drama, irony, and excitement than I anticipated, and Chilton narrates the events well. He fills the reader in on his engagement with primary sources, regularly reminds the reader of who everyone is (and how they're related), and incorporates adjacent happenings that inform the main events. I thoroughly enjoyed reading this volume!
Something I found particularly interesting was how he finished his work with a moderate defense of theocracy. He uses the history of the Herodians to illustrate a case that our current Western perspective on theocratic political philosophy is skewed. Theocratic ideas have supported just as many benevolent and peaceful governments as violent regimes -- just as secular ideas have done. Obviously, he's not endorsing theocracy, but he presents a helpfully balanced view on the topic.
My only criticism is ideological. If you, like me, are a conservative confession Christian, you're likely to find Chilton's interactions with NT sources frustrating at times, intriguing at others, and at still other moments just bewildering. Chilton is, of course, not of our tribe, and so I don't expect him to treat the New Testament the way I do. He regularly challenges NT chronology, balks at biblical versions of events, and attributes disagreements in various details to the gospel writers. I expected this going in, and I appreciated the challenges he brought to my assumptions, and gave me plenty of issues to read up on later. Still, on certain matters he represents a position further to the left than even a number of critical scholars, and I wish he had been more up front about the debated questions concerning these primary source documents.
All in all, I can heartily recommend this book to anyone interested in ancient and military history, political intrigue, Judaism, and Christianity.
I was interested in this book primarily to gain some background on the NT and early Christianity. That, I certainly got, and more! The story of each Herodian is full of more drama, irony, and excitement than I anticipated, and Chilton narrates the events well. He fills the reader in on his engagement with primary sources, regularly reminds the reader of who everyone is (and how they're related), and incorporates adjacent happenings that inform the main events. I thoroughly enjoyed reading this volume!
Something I found particularly interesting was how he finished his work with a moderate defense of theocracy. He uses the history of the Herodians to illustrate a case that our current Western perspective on theocratic political philosophy is skewed. Theocratic ideas have supported just as many benevolent and peaceful governments as violent regimes -- just as secular ideas have done. Obviously, he's not endorsing theocracy, but he presents a helpfully balanced view on the topic.
My only criticism is ideological. If you, like me, are a conservative confession Christian, you're likely to find Chilton's interactions with NT sources frustrating at times, intriguing at others, and at still other moments just bewildering. Chilton is, of course, not of our tribe, and so I don't expect him to treat the New Testament the way I do. He regularly challenges NT chronology, balks at biblical versions of events, and attributes disagreements in various details to the gospel writers. I expected this going in, and I appreciated the challenges he brought to my assumptions, and gave me plenty of issues to read up on later. Still, on certain matters he represents a position further to the left than even a number of critical scholars, and I wish he had been more up front about the debated questions concerning these primary source documents.
All in all, I can heartily recommend this book to anyone interested in ancient and military history, political intrigue, Judaism, and Christianity.
August 5, 2021
If you are acquainted with the Gospels & Acts, you probably remember multiple members of the Herod dynasty putting in less than flattering appearances (starting with Herod the Great’s attempt to murder the infant Jesus in Matthew 2). In this book, Bruce Chilton tells the full story of the Herodian dynasty’s rule over Israel. It is a convoluted tale of political & religious maneuvering, egomania, paranoia, sexcapades, and violence.
Chilton portrayal of the Herods seems fairly balanced. He frequently gives them credit for savvy political moves but does not downplay the cruelty, hubris, and mania that characterized this ruling family. I appreciated getting the full picture of who these people were and how they (and Israel) fit into the broader history of the Roman Empire. If that is what you are interested in, I would definitely recommend this book (especially if you don’t want to wade through Josephus’s Antiquities and Jewish War on your own).
However, I would not recommend coming to this book to learn about the Herods’ interaction with John the Baptist, Jesus, and the early church leaders. The author’s views in this regard are steeped in higher criticism, the “historical Jesus” movement, and all the related academic jargon. He treats the Bible (especially the Gospels and Acts) as distorted legends and propaganda to be sifted through for tiny grains of truth. Jesus is recast to suit a purely naturalistic/sociological/political understanding of religion devoid of true divine revelation. Call me unenlightened, but the “historical Jesus” is a pathetic, unconvincing substitute for the Son of God.
As a follower of Jesus who takes the Gospels as divinely-inspired Scripture, I am probably not the intended audience for this book. Nevertheless, it did increase my overall understanding of these people and their time period, and I am glad that I read it (even if the “historical Jesus” parts made me cringe).
Chilton portrayal of the Herods seems fairly balanced. He frequently gives them credit for savvy political moves but does not downplay the cruelty, hubris, and mania that characterized this ruling family. I appreciated getting the full picture of who these people were and how they (and Israel) fit into the broader history of the Roman Empire. If that is what you are interested in, I would definitely recommend this book (especially if you don’t want to wade through Josephus’s Antiquities and Jewish War on your own).
However, I would not recommend coming to this book to learn about the Herods’ interaction with John the Baptist, Jesus, and the early church leaders. The author’s views in this regard are steeped in higher criticism, the “historical Jesus” movement, and all the related academic jargon. He treats the Bible (especially the Gospels and Acts) as distorted legends and propaganda to be sifted through for tiny grains of truth. Jesus is recast to suit a purely naturalistic/sociological/political understanding of religion devoid of true divine revelation. Call me unenlightened, but the “historical Jesus” is a pathetic, unconvincing substitute for the Son of God.
As a follower of Jesus who takes the Gospels as divinely-inspired Scripture, I am probably not the intended audience for this book. Nevertheless, it did increase my overall understanding of these people and their time period, and I am glad that I read it (even if the “historical Jesus” parts made me cringe).
December 7, 2023
A comprehensive history of the line. However, using holy scriptures as fact is questionable to say the least. It lowers the credibility of the author quite a bit.
August 7, 2023
Learning about Herod the Great and his dynasty is difficult. There are multiple sources, each with their own agenda, a complicated history of succession, and New Testament studies often treat the Herods as background players to Jesus and Paul.
In "The Herods" Bruce Chilton makes the case that the Herodian dynasty shaped modern Rabbinic Judaism and Christianity, and their rule has an impact on approaches to governance in Western nations.
Chilton relates why Herod is called "the Great". His massive public works that still exist today, his diplomatic skill in navigating the Roman civil war, his fortitude in a political fight with Cleopatra, and his success in battle, first as a regional warlord then as a king are why Herod earns the title.
Chilton is also sympathetic to the women in Herod's dynasty, and parses the sexism and antisemitism in the histories written about them to deliver a view of their real life and impact.
"The Herods" focuses on the narrative lives of the dynasty, but dips just enough into politics in Rome and religious arguments in Judea to give context to Herod and his children's actions. This book is the best 3-dimensional explanation of what was happening in that region during the turn of the first century.
The biggest surprise for me in this history was the impact Herod's dynasty had in carving out freedoms for diaspora Jews in Rome. Because of Herod the Great's influence and the petitions of his children to a line of Caesars, Jews were free to practice their religion, send money to support Jerusalem's temple, and were protected from persecution.
The biggest weakness in Chilton's book is his preference to show the Herod family in a more favorable light than the Bible. For example Chilton asserts that Herod Agrippa had James son of Zebedee beheaded because he was a violent insurrectionist, in contrast to the pacifist apostle Peter.
I recommend "The Herods" if you already have a high level understanding of the birth of Second Temple Judaism and Rabbinic Judaism, and want to go deeper into the lives of the family that was in the room where it happened.
In "The Herods" Bruce Chilton makes the case that the Herodian dynasty shaped modern Rabbinic Judaism and Christianity, and their rule has an impact on approaches to governance in Western nations.
Chilton relates why Herod is called "the Great". His massive public works that still exist today, his diplomatic skill in navigating the Roman civil war, his fortitude in a political fight with Cleopatra, and his success in battle, first as a regional warlord then as a king are why Herod earns the title.
Chilton is also sympathetic to the women in Herod's dynasty, and parses the sexism and antisemitism in the histories written about them to deliver a view of their real life and impact.
"The Herods" focuses on the narrative lives of the dynasty, but dips just enough into politics in Rome and religious arguments in Judea to give context to Herod and his children's actions. This book is the best 3-dimensional explanation of what was happening in that region during the turn of the first century.
The biggest surprise for me in this history was the impact Herod's dynasty had in carving out freedoms for diaspora Jews in Rome. Because of Herod the Great's influence and the petitions of his children to a line of Caesars, Jews were free to practice their religion, send money to support Jerusalem's temple, and were protected from persecution.
The biggest weakness in Chilton's book is his preference to show the Herod family in a more favorable light than the Bible. For example Chilton asserts that Herod Agrippa had James son of Zebedee beheaded because he was a violent insurrectionist, in contrast to the pacifist apostle Peter.
I recommend "The Herods" if you already have a high level understanding of the birth of Second Temple Judaism and Rabbinic Judaism, and want to go deeper into the lives of the family that was in the room where it happened.
January 15, 2024
I love a good history book and this one checked all the boxes. For one thing, I learned a lot, which is the first thing I look for in a nonfiction book. I think the topic, the Herodian dynasty, will be relevant to people of many interests. It’s clearly relevant to people interested in the history of Judaism, particularly Second Temple Judaism. Also very relevant to people interested in the history of early Christianity. But I think it’s also very relevant to all those out there who “think about the Roman Empire” several times a day. The Herodians were right there in the middle of all the turmoil of Roman politics. And it’s interesting to see the familiar stories of Rome from the perspective of the edge of the realm. This includes the First and Second Triumvirates, Octavian, Mark Antony, and Cleopatra, Tiberius and Sejanus, Vespasian and Titus. Herod the Great of course takes center stage but the author gives due attention to the other, also fascinating, members of the family: Antipater, Antipas, Herodias, Agrippa I, Agrippa II, and Berenice. In addition to the useful facts and figures the narrative of the dynasty is also just super compelling. It’s the stuff of high drama. The morals of the Herodians leaves much to be desired but it at least makes for a great story. The way that the fortunes of the dynasty depend on the ever-shifting alliances of imperial power also heightens the suspense.
December 8, 2024
While I thought I was fairly well versed on the bible and biblical history, it turns out that I had a major gap in my knowledge—knowing almost nothing about the Herodian dynasty. These are the men that scripture tells us ordered all the male children murdered and sent Jesus to Pontius Pilate to be executed. They were fascinating men, often politically very canny, often paranoid, and always blood thirsty. What surprised me the most was their close alignment with Rome and actual friendship with critical emperors such as Augustus. It also surprised me to learn that John the Baptist belonged to a sect that had always rejected the Herodian dynasty’s right to rule. It adds dimensions to a story that I thought I knew very well.
This is a very interesting book for those interested in a little bit of the political history regarding Judea and Rome.
This is a very interesting book for those interested in a little bit of the political history regarding Judea and Rome.
July 27, 2022
The most interesting part of this easy-to-read book is the chapter on Herod the Great, who married into the Maccabean dynasty and then had a huge chunk of his family killed. I'd always thought of Herod as paranoid and maniacal- but Chilton suggests that given the Maccabeans' habit of intra-family civil war, Herod may have had good reason to be suspicious. Herod may have been caught in a vicious circle: he kills family member A (possibly for good reason), causing family member B to be upset with him (and possibly plotting against him), causing him to kill family member B, upsetting family member C, etc. Under the circumstances, it is perhaps surprising than anyone in Herod's family survived him.
July 26, 2022
While at times it reads a bit too dry, the history of the Herod dynasty is put to the reader in this book in very clear, easy to follow narrative. Touching on all of the important names and events, it puts the biblical stories into their correct historical context, while at the same time showing us the connections of the Herods to the more well known personages of their times (Roman Emperors especially) and how they had to plan their moves and manipulate their situations to come up on the top. Some were astoundingly savvy and successful. Some were not. I would have only liked more on the Herod court and culture within it, since the politics is really the only consideration in this book.
June 19, 2024
With the Maccabean dynasty is waning and the threat of Roman power on the precipice, the Herodians enter the scene, brokering power between the Roman empire and the Jewish people, more or less. Chilton has provided an excellent history of this family which lies in the background of the NT. The interplay between politics and religion is also something that Chilton draws attention to. This is essential reading for anyone desiring to understand the complexities of the sociopolitical context of the NT and, also, to understand how power and authority was negotiated among the Jewish people with Rome.
August 29, 2025
I listened to he audiobook (which was tolerable but I assume not as enjoyable as reading) and it was extensive, informative and interesting. The book describes thoroughly the geo political realities and the narratives of the time . It excels at portraying the contexts of events we know mostly superficial details about such as the rebellions, destruction of the temple, life and death of Jesus , John and his followers and the book provides it all through the description of the Herodian dynasty.
It’s a real eye opener if you wish to get to know the zeitgeist of one one of the most wild eras of Jews, Jerusalem , Rome and would add the history of zealotry
It’s a real eye opener if you wish to get to know the zeitgeist of one one of the most wild eras of Jews, Jerusalem , Rome and would add the history of zealotry
February 27, 2024
A rather rambling conclusion and the odd iffy-writing-style moments keep this from a full 5 stars...but it's easily the single best work I've ever read about the Herod dynasty. What I find particularly fascinating is that it reveals so much more than the Biblical accounts would has us believe, including the deep inter-relationship with the upper echelons of Roman power, and the physical and political impressiveness of Herod himself. An excellent tearing down of long-held anecdotal beliefs & expectations.
December 22, 2022
Wow. Never did I imagine how much detail and support information there was on the Herod's, their lives, actions, and effect. I was once again impressed with how accurate biblical accounts are with historical accounts. The scholarship of this book was simply impressive. Frankly, this is a very boring field of study which this author made interesting, and readable. On to my biographies shelf it goes for future references.
March 7, 2023
This was a great overall of the Herod family and the many upheavals that marked their reign. While they held power granted by the Roman government, Herod the Great did much to expand and solidify his rule. His sons and those that followed were not as capable, leaving huge vacuums of power, and inviting revolts.
Highly enjoyed this read, and the fabulous documentation within. It was nice to have reference points to go back to, and mark.
Highly enjoyed this read, and the fabulous documentation within. It was nice to have reference points to go back to, and mark.
February 22, 2022
A good rendering of the political background/environment that Jesus, Paul and the New Testament are situated in. Purely the dynamic of Herod the Great being Idumean (from the line of Esau) and ruling over Israel gives a whole different perspective on the appointment of the Sanhedrin as a ruling authority during the time of Jesus.
April 15, 2022
This was an interesting read, did not know a lot about the Herodic dynasty. There are many historical gaps in the story due to the nature of historical works in the period, which detracts from the accuracy in certain regards. However, there are not really other choices. A good look at the politics of the region through the end of the Roman republic and the rise of the empire.
April 27, 2022
A fascinating history of a tumultuous time. Chilton does a phenomenal job catching the atmosphere of Judea during the Herodian days by providing much description and detail of the people, places, and events. I would recommend this to anyone interested in learning more about this land at this time--especially Christians interested in the politics found in the Gospels and Acts.
November 5, 2023
I am a bit of a history nut, so I enjoyed the audiobook. More detailed information than I could digest in one reading, but the gist of this important era of Roman and Judean history comes through. Sadly, very little has changed over the last 2,000 years. When will we learn to get along? -- Probably never! We keep repeating the same mistakes.
August 29, 2024
A well-written textbook about the Herodian dynasty that held my attention like a novel. It uses a variety of sources and perspectives to illuminate this important family who was so much part of Judean and Roman history beyond what is revealed in the Bible. It is one of those books so filled with information that you can read it multiple times and find something new.
January 12, 2025
The books that I read before that dealt with this period did not mention the Herods or at least not enough for me to remember so this was quite informative from a historical point of view and I would love to read this book again in physical form. I thought the information was well presented and explained in a way that made it easy enough to follow along. Also, Jesus had a brother named James?!
March 11, 2022
Thsi book did a very good job of putting the Herods into their historical context in the larger world of Rome. Given that only one of the Herods is known to most people, it was nice to get this larger picture. It was well written and moved nicely.
September 9, 2021
A masterful book on the first centuries BCE and CE and the characters who play a secondary role in the New Testament.
May 17, 2023
I really enjoyed this book for what it is. It's written to be a readable history. And while academic, I'd say it places methodological and justification questions in the footnotes, so that you can enjoy a story. Often, you can sense he's trusting his primary source, Josephus, even when there may be scholarly debate behind the scenes about Josephus' accuracy. Sometimes Chilton's interpretation of certain events—like when he reads Jesus' "temple-cleansing" as not being his act, or just him and his disciples, but more like a small mob—seem far more concrete than I'm comfortable with. But again, it's supposed to be a readable history, not a textbook, so I can't really complain. It achieved it's goal and I enjoyed learning about Chilton's interpretation of the Herods.
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