Roman conquest and rule begin in Palestine in 63 BCE, marking the end of Hasmonean rule, which subsequently marked the end of Jewish autonomy until the modern era. Pompey besieged Jerusalem and annexed it to Rome during the civil war between brothers Hyrcanus II (Pharisees) and Aristobulus II (Sadducees). Hyrcanus II was installed as "ethnoarch" (not a kind, but a ruler of the people). Then, Idumean Anipater (from Idumea, south of Jerusalem, where people were forcibly "Judaized" by Hasmoneans) was installed as a procurator, while his sons were installed as local rulers (Herod was given Galilee). "The Abomination of Desolation" was believed to have occurred in 63 BCE when Pompey enters the "Holy of Holies," something that only the High Priest may do once a year.
The rise of Herod began after Antipater was murdered in 43 BCE. Then in 40 BCE, Herod helps the Romans expel the Parthians, thus gaining Roman approval and their recognition of him as King of Judea. Then in 39 BCE, Herod takes contorl of Galilee, Samaria, and Idumea. In 37 BCE, he takes over Jerusalem from the Parthians after seige.
Archaeological evidence of Herod's existence can be found in the coins of the time period that have his name inscribed on them. However, none of these coins have his portrait on them (as most Roman coins would have had) because he was sensitive to Jewish customs, as he was "superficially Jewish" since he was forcibly "Judaized" during the Hasmonean era. At the same time, he had pagan symbols on the coins (i.e., a star) to keep Roman approval.
During his entire reign, he tries to stay on the good side of both the Jews and the Romans, but ultimately, the Jewish people did not approve of him as king. Still, he ruled form 37 to 4 BCE. While many regarded him as a dictator, he was portrayed as paranoid and impulsive. Biblical evidence backs this claim in Matthew 2, where King Herod is outraged at the idea that a new Jewish King, named Jesus, would rule. Therefore, in an effort to prevent this from happening, he orders a mass murder of all boys in Bethlehem who were two years and younger.
Though he is infamous for being a dictator, he is also credited for his massive building projects that provided many jobs for the people of Jerusalem. One his most notable project was the expansion of the Temple, creating a Western Wall (that still stands today as the holiest place in Judaism). In models of Herod's Temple, it can be seen that the architecture reflected very much that of Roman buildings at the time. Discovered in excavations around the Temple Mount, was a Herodian Miqvah, or ritual bathing area, that was used for purification before entering the Temple. Also discovered was a side entrance to the Temple Mount, that was built upon a structure called, Robinson's Arch. Furthermore, on the top of the Southwest Corner was a stone that had the inscription: "For the Place of Trumpeting..." According to Josephus, the Priest would go to the highest point (the Southwest Corner of the Temple Mount) and blow the trumpet to mark the beginning and end of Sabbath. This inscription is archaeological evidence supporting Josephus' claim. The Citadel of David (believed to have been built during the Hasmonean Period and fortified by Herod) was also discovered. This fortification was most likely used as a keep during sieges from outside forces, but Herod also probably used it as a fortress when his people revolted.
After the destruction of the Second Temple in 70 CE, archaeologists uncovered a site known as the "Burnt House," which shows what common life was like during the Herodian period. Other sites of this period include: the Herodian Palace and Theater, Siloam Pool expansions, drainage systems, Jerusalem Hippodrome, and the Antonia Fortress (where Romans stayed to keep an eye on Temple activities). Around the Temple, there is a fence with an inscription with a warning to all Gentiles that entrance beyond this point would result in death.
Because Herod was sensitive to Jewish customs, he built another theater after Caesar in Caesarea, as homage to the Romans. He also built aquaducts and ports in Caesarea. For his own protection, he also built the Herodion just south of Jerusalem, which had a miqveh and a triclinium that marked the dining area.
Though Herod accommodated the Jews in many ways (respected the Temple and provided work), he was hated by them because he was only "half Jewish" and he was ultimately a puppet king to the Romans.
After discussing Herod's Jerusalem, we close lecture today with the question of whether Jesus existed or not. Although we have no solid archaeological evidence of his existence, is absence of evidence, evidence of absence?
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