Question

Describe the reign of Herod the Great. What years did he rule? What was his greatest accomplishment? What kind of person was he? How was he viewed by the Jews?

Answer 1

Herod the Great reigned from 37 BCE to 4 BCE, with the expansion of the Second Temple as his greatest accomplishment. His rule was marked by ruthlessness, and he was generally viewed unfavorably by Jews due to his ancestry, political alliances, and harsh oppression.

Step-by-step explanation:

Herod the Great reigned from 37 BCE to 4 BCE. He is known for his role as a client king of Rome over Judea. Herod's greatest accomplishment was arguably the expansion of the Second Temple in Jerusalem, known as Herod's Temple, which greatly impressed both Jewish and non-Jewish contemporaries alike. However, his reign was also marked by tumult; as a person, Herod was known for his ruthlessness and paranoia, executing several members of his own family and suspected enemies. The perception of Herod by the Jews was complex and often negative. Despite his grand building projects and efforts to boost the economy, many Jews viewed him unfavorably because of his Idumean ancestry, political alliance with Rome, and his harsh rule.