Herod I, known as Herod the Great, was a Roman Jewish client king of the Herodian kingdom of Judea, born around 72 BCE in Idumea. He was the son of Antipater the Idumaean and Cypros, a Nabatean Arab princess. Herod's family background included Edomite ancestry, as his ancestors had been forcibly converted to Judaism. Raised as a Jew, he rose to power through his father's connections with Julius Caesar, becoming the provincial governor of Galilee around 47 BCE. He successfully managed taxes and eliminated banditry in the region, gaining favor with the Roman authorities.In 41 BCE, Mark Antony appointed Herod and his brother Phasael as tetrarchs to support Hyrcanus II. Following Antigonus' usurpation of the Judean throne in 40 BCE, Herod fled to Rome, where he was unexpectedly named King of the Jews by the Roman Senate. He returned to Judea, married Mariamne, the granddaughter of Hyrcanus II, and launched a military campaign against Antigonus, capturing Jerusalem in 37 BCE. This victory marked the end of the Hasmonean dynasty and the beginning of the Herodian dynasty.Herod's reign lasted approximately 37 years, during which he undertook extensive building projects, including the reconstruction of the Second Temple in Jerusalem and the construction of fortresses and cities such as Caesarea Maritima. His architectural endeavors aimed to gain the support of the Jewish populace and improve his reputation, although they were also funded through a heavy taxation system that burdened the people. Despite his efforts, Herod's rule was marked by brutality, including the execution of family members, which led to a polarized legacy among historians.Herod's relationship with the Roman Empire was crucial for maintaining his authority. He navigated political challenges, including the rivalry between Antony and Octavian, ultimately aligning with Octavian after Antony's defeat. Herod's governance faced opposition from Jewish sects, particularly the Pharisees and Sadducees, due to his disregard for traditional practices and the appointment of foreign high priests. His reign was characterized by a mix of public displays of Jewish identity and private indulgence in Hellenistic culture.Herod's death occurred around 4 BCE, following a painful illness. He had arranged for his kingdom to be divided among his sons: Herod Archelaus became ethnarch of Judea, Herod Antipas received Galilee and Peraea, and Philip ruled territories north and east of the Jordan River. Herod's legacy remains complex, with significant architectural contributions overshadowed by his tyrannical reputation and the violent suppression of dissent during his rule.