Herod's Misunderstood Legacy

Model of Herod's Temple

        Herod’s rule in Jerusalem marked the peak of the city’s influence in ancient times. Armstrong captures this in Jerusalem: One City, Three Faiths by describing how Jerusalem grew under Herod yet maintained a relative level of peace during this period of immense growth (c. 37-4 BCE). As a result, this shows that Herod, although a vicious ruler, was quite a capable one who expanded Jerusalem’s city limits and its spiritual significance with the remodeling of the Temple.

        Satisfying both the Romans as well as the Jews is also a testament to Herod's capability as Jerusalem’s ruler. For instance, Herod acknowledged the might of the Roman Empire and played that to his advantage by always “watch[ing] the developments in Rome very carefully” (Armstrong 126). Herod’s caution allowed for him to rule over Jerusalem for a long period of time, considering he constantly allied himself with whoever was on top. His strong relationship to the Romans therefore enabled him to secure full control of the Judean region amidst a time of “very treacherous political climates” (Dhar). Herod also acknowledged the role he played in a predominantly Jewish state. Doing so meant that he had to keep Jerusalem in order, which he did as “Herod was able to to appoint and depose high priests at will without inspiring revolution (Armstrong 126). This is quite a remarkable event considering the chaos surrounding electing a priest in the spiritually most influential city in the world.

Herod’s awareness of situations and his ability to manipulate them is further exemplified in his rebuilding of the Temple in Jerusalem. Herod understood that leveling the Temple building would lead to riots because it was not his right to do so. Understanding this subsequently allowed for Herod to approach his reconstruction in an alternative way, where he would focus on expanding the Temple Mount in order to accommodate more people. In doing so, Herod ordered the construction of the Lower Market which was “very popular with tourists and pilgrims” (Armstrong 130). Surging tourist levels consequently allowed for Jerusalem’s economy to grow exponentially as a result of Herod’s constructions. 

        Because of this, Herod’s architectural significance to Jerusalem cannot be ignored. Yes, his viciousness as a tyrant is definitely condemnable, but his ideas for the Temple Mount as part of his vision for what Jerusalem could become makes him one of the city’s most prominent figures in history. Without Herod, for example, the Western Wall and the Temple Mount would be remarkably different than it is. So, it is only right that we acknowledge Herod’s legitimacy in his vast reconstruction of Jerusalem.

Citations (s):

Dhar, Rittika. “King Herod the Great: King of Judea.” History Cooperative, 25 Aug. 2023, historycooperative.org/king-herod-of-judea/. Accessed 21 Feb. 2024.