Herod I (The Great) the founder of the Herodian Dynasty. Ruled from 40-4 BCE.
Herod was not a Jew by birth, his family were Idumaeans (Edomites) that came from the southern part of Judaea. The Idumaeans were thought to be Nabataeans that were banished and who joined the Judaeans and assimilated into Judaism.
Herod's father Antipater was Idumaean who was an important adviser in the Hasmonean court. His mother was a Nabataean.
He was a client King of Rome, and was a friend of Marc Anthony and Augustus. He is noted for his great building projects. Most notable is the building of the port city and capital of Judea under Roman rule of Caesarea Maritima.
He is written about in The Book of Matthew in the New Testament as ordering the Slaughter of the Innocents.
AE Prutah (Lepton)
Obverse: No legend, double cornucopia and caduces between dots above.
Reverse: No legend, Crude Anchor.
15mm X 1.5g x 1h
Hendin 1189
Herod Archelaus
4 BCE-6 CE
Archelaus was the eldest son of Herod I and was supposed to take the throne upon Herod's death. However there being no right of assention because Herod was a client king. Approval had to come from Augustus in Rome. This meant that Archelaus had to travel to Rome.
His brother Antipas also wanted the throne so a dispute developed. To settle this dispute they both traveled to Rome to plead their cases-es. Augustus hearing their arguement. Decided to alter Herod's will and to disolve the Judaean monarchy. Nameing Archelaus Ethnarch of Judaea, Samaria, & Idumaea. And Antipas Tetrach of Peraea and Gallilee. He also promised Archelaus if he ruled well he would make him king. He didn't do well and on his 9th years of rule he was exiled to Vienna. And Coponius a Roman Prefect was placed in charge of Judea.
AE Prutah (Lepton)
Obverse: Helmet with Greek legend "Of Ethnarch"
Reverse: Bounch of grapes on a vine. Greek legend "Of Herod"
16mm x 1.29 x 9h
Hendin 1196
Posted 09/13/2017 5:41 pm
Awesome coins Ron and awesome history write up too
. I've also got a Herod the first coin too.
