(circa 72 B.C.-A.D. 4)
The son of Antipater I. He was called "the Great" for his building programs. The Jews prospered under his leadership. Jerusalem and Caesarea prospered, the Temple was made more grand, and a temple to Caesar Augustus was built on the coast where Jews offered sacrifices for his sins.
In 40 B.C., the Roman Senate made Herod the King of the Jews. In 38, he played a significant role in driving the Parthians out of Jerusalem.
He was paranoid and suppressed opposition and had family and community members killed. When the Magi, the representatives of the Parthians, arrived, he was agitated.
(Hillsdale College - Ancient Christianity)