Tuesday, February 15, 2011
Herodian Jerusalem
Last class, we left off at the end of during the Hasmonean dynasty. Its successors were the Romans, who ruled starting 63 BCE. Jerusalem under Roman rule was also called the reign of Herod, or Jesus' Jerusalem. During this time, Herod the Great ruled over Jerusalem. Herod is depicted in the Bible as being harsh, tyranistic, and paranoid. He ruled from 37-4 BCE. Herod aimed to exert sensitivity to the Jews yet maintain a good relationship with Jerusalem's successor, Rome. As a result, Herod became increasingly paranoid and impulsive, which is effective for Rome, yet made Herod hated by Jews. Herod was well-liked by Rome because he took all of the negative publicity from the Jewish people. However, this caused him to be hated among the commoners in Jerusalem. Professor Cargill posed an interesting question, challenging us to think about whether Herod was actually a good or a bad ruler. Although he may have been socially hated by Jews, he was still commemorated as a good leader because he economically and religiously supported Jerusalem. He rebuilt the Temple, improved Jerusalem's economic welfare, and respected all religious Jewish views. As a devout Christian, I am slightly conflicted as to what to believe, especially now knowing the historical and archaeological truths.
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