Judaea. Jerusalem. Herodians. Herod I (the Great) 40-4 BC. Dated RY 3 = 38/7 BCE
Eight Prutot Æ

22 mm, 6,31 g

Military helmet, front view, wreath featuring acanthus leaf around, with cheek pieces and straps, star above flanked by palm branches / ΗΡΩΔΟΥ ΒΑΣΙΛΕΩΣ, tripod with ceremonial bowl (lebes) above, flanked by LΓ (date) to left, and monogram to right.

very fine

Meshorer 44; Hendin 1169; HGC 10, 651; DCA 804.

Herod the Great, a Roman-appointed Jewish king is known for transformative building projects in Judea, notably the reconstruction of the Second Temple. Born in Idumea, he rose to power through Roman connections, becoming Galilee's governor around 47 BC and later appointed King of the Jews by the Roman Senate in 40 BC. Herod's rule ended Hasmonean autonomy, but faced internal challenges, including conflicts with the Hasmoneans and navigating Roman power struggles. Herod's reign marked a shift in Judea's history, featuring grand construction like the Temple Mount expansion and fortresses such as Masada. Despite these achievements, discontent grew due to heavy taxation and clashes with Jewish traditions. Accusations of insensitivity, like placing a golden eagle at the Temple entrance, led to opposition from religious sects. Herod's legacy includes controversies, such as executing family members, including his wife Mariamne I. The Massacre of the Innocents, narrated in the Gospel of Matthew, adds a religious dimension, although its historicity is debated. Despite architectural accomplishments, Herod's death in 4 BC, marked by a painful illness, brought internal strife, reflecting the delicate balance between Roman influence, Herod's governance, and the aspirations of Judea's populace.

From the Matteo Savoca collection