Herod the Great
Herod the Great (73-04 BC). King of Judaea under the Romans from 37. Although he had the temple at Jerusalem r& built, many Jews resented his introduction of Greek culture into Jerusalem. He was an efficient and able ruler, but is remembered for his tyrannical and blood-thirsty deeds, particularly his alleged decision to kill all the male infants in Bethlehem in his attempt to destroy Jesus Christ.