Herod the Great was born in 73 B.C to a Jewish father and a Nabatean mother. The Jews did not accept Herod as a leader at first, so he fled to Rome. There, Caesar gave support to him to rule over the Jews. Read More...
When he returned to Jerusalem and established his reign by force.
During his reign, Herod the Great built many magnificent buildings and was a first to successfully build many architectural feats. One of these feats was the ability to use cement that can harden underwater to create the Caesarea harbor.
Then Herod, when he saw that he was mocked of the wise men, was exceeding wroth, and sent forth, and slew all the children that were in Bethlehem, and in all the coasts thereof, from two years old and under, according to the time which he had diligently enquired of the wise men. (Matthew 2:16)
Herod is also known for other strongholds like Masada and Herodium and for building the magnificent Temple and enlarging the Temple Mount. His job was to protect Roman interests. He was responsible for watching over the frontier borders to the East, South, and North.
Herod the Great had magnificent fortresses built along the edge of his border. By doing this, he was able to show Rome’s power to other nations as well as guard the nation of ancient Israel.
Every Herod the Great artifact comes with a certificate of authenticity from the Israel Antiquities Authority (IAA) and all required documents for export.
Herod the Great also minted his own coins in order to show his dominance in the area.
Zak’s Antiquities Shop sells many artifacts from the time of Herod the Great: coins, pottery, jewelry made from ancient coins and Roman glass, and lamps.