Most of us know King Herod only as the villain of the Nativity story, the jealous ruler who sought to destroy the newborn “King of the Jews.”
But the historical Herod was far more complex. Ruling Judea as Rome’s client king from 40 to 4 BCE, Herod combined ruthless political instincts with extraordinary architectural vision. He rebuilt the Jerusalem Temple, founded Caesarea, and constructed desert fortresses that rivaled Rome’s grandeur.
In this live two-lecture event, world-renowned archaeologist Dr. Jodi Magness uncovers the truth behind Herod’s reign, his political alliances, and the archaeological remains that tell his story, culminating in the discovery of his long-lost tomb at Herodium in 2007.
Was Herod truly “the Great,” or simply the tyrant of Christmas? Join us to find out.