King Herod the Great ruled Judea from 37 BC until his death in 4 BC. Outside of Judea, the Greeks and Romans found his charm (and his extravagant benefactions) irresistible. He generously endowed the Greek Olympic Games, sponsored building projects in prestigious cities such as Athens and Rhodes, and erected public buildings, palaces, and even entire cities, some of which still astonish visitors.

At home, Herod was despised for his ruthless oppression and cruelty. He may be most well-known by biblical scholars for his order to kill all boys under the age of two in and around Bethlehem shortly after the birth of Jesus.