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 A team of archaeologists from the Hebrew University in Jerusalem announced they have discovered the tomb of Herod the Great. This find confirms the existence of one of the major players in early Christianity.
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It was news that confirmed the existence of one of the major players in early New Testament history and put one more nail in the coffin of those who consider the Gospels a mere fabrication. In a news release, the Hebrew University of Jerusalem announced the discovery of the tomb of Herod of the Great, including his sarcophagus and mausoleum on the Northeast slope of Mount Herodium.
Herod was part of a larger clan who ruled Palestine during its Roman occupation -- his grandfather and father had ruled before him. Herod, who was pronounced "King of the Jews" in 40 BC by the Roman Senate, died in 4 AD.
Most Christians are familiar with Herod the Great and his role embedded in the Christmas story. Herod was the king the Magi consulted when they came to Judea looking for the "King of the Jews" (Mat 2:1). This news troubled Herod (v 2) and he asked the Magi to report back when they had found the new King.
When the Magi - warned in a dream to avoid Herod - took a different route home, Herod was enraged by their betrayal (v 16). After consultations with his counselors, Herod determined where the Jewish Messiah had been born and brutally ordered all the boys -- two years and younger -- in Bethlehem and area be put to death (v 19, 20).
Joseph had also been warned via an angelic encounter to flee to Egypt with his family and was only allowed to return after Herod had died (Mat 2:13, 15, 19).
History of Herod
This behavior was totally in character for Herod, who was not only vicious but suspicious of any potential challenges to his throne. He often dressed as a commoner and circulated among his citizens trying to discover what people thought of him and at the same time search out potential challenges to his authority.
When Herod's sister -- Salome -- became jealous of the influence of Herod's first wife Mariamme, she told Herod his wife was being unfaithful. Herod married Mariamme because of her Jewish ancestry in an effort to gain support from the Jews. Despite the groundless charges, Herod ordered Mariamme killed. He was later so overcome by grief, his doctors feared he would die. Some suggest, this marked a turning point in Herod's life as he tipped over into insanity.
Later Herod killed Mariamme's sons, who Salome accused of rebellion. He also killed Antiphar the son of his favoured wife. With such a willingness to kill family members over gossip and innuendo, the killing of other people's children would have been second nature to Herod.
The murder of the Bethlehem boys took place at the end of his reign when most historians conclude he was mad.
Nearing death, Herod ordered the arrest of 70 elders of Israel who were to be put to death when Herod died, so all Israel would mourn his passing. However, after his death, the 70 were released, transforming Herod's funeral into a day of celebration.
Herod's construction of Herodium
While King, Herod was involved in numerous building projects. He helped rebuild the Jewish temple in an effort to gain the favour of the Jewish priestly class a project which he started in 20 BC. The temple was named Herod's temple. Other projects included the building of a palace at Masada.
However, his most ambitious project involved the construction of the Herodium complex located 12 kilometres south of Jerusalem. It was one of the most elaborate "monarchial" complexes constructed during this period of Roman history. First Herod built a large cone shaped hill which was high enough to be seen from Jerusalem. The complex once completed included a fortified palace on top of the mound complete with watch towers. A second palace with elaborate gardens, stables and pools was built along the lower half of the hill.
Herod chose this specific location to build Herodium because it marked the spot in 43 BC when Herod -- who was then governor of Palestine -- defeated the Parthians. The Parthians had attacked Jerusalem forcing Herod to flee. During his flight, the chariot containing Herod's mother overturned. Herod was forced to stop. He was completely distraught thinking his mother had died, but she only suffered minor injuries. However, the accident allowed the Parthians to catch the fleeing group forcing Herod to engage the Parthians in battle.
Flavius Josephus' record
Flavius Josephus was a first-century Jewish historian. He wrote in his book -- the Jewish wars - a description of Herod's funeral and stated that his body was interred in a tomb at Herodium. Josephus dated Herod's death in 4 AD.
Concerning Herod's burial, Josephus wrote:
Around the bier were Herod's sons and a large group of his relations; these were followed by the guards, the Thracian contingent, Germans and Gauls, all equipped as for war. The reminder of the troops marched in front, armed and in orderly array, led by their commanders and subordinate officers; behind these came five hundred of Herod's servants and freedmen, carrying spices. The body was thus conveyed for a distance of two hundred furlongs to Herodium, where, in accordance with the directions of the deceased, it was interred. So ended Herod's reign."
Jewish Wars, 1,23,9
Unfortunately, Josephus' record as a historian has come under attack, primarily from Liberal commentators annoyed by the references to Jesus Christ in his writings.
Tomb discovery
Based on Josephus' testimony, Hebrew University Professor Ehud Netzer had been excavating the Herodium site looking for Herod's tomb since 1972.
 According to Josephus, Herodium was destroyed by the Romans in 71 AD during the Great Jewish Revolt of 66 AD to 72 AD. The Jewish rebels had taken over Herodium and were using it as a base. The Jewish Temple was destroyed a year earlier as part of this same Roman campaign. Jesus had prophesied the Temple would be utterly destroyed and that no stone would lie upon another (Luke 21:6). Its destruction matched exactly Jesus' prophecy as the Romans not only burned the temple, but eventually pulled down the walls.
Netzer -- an expert on Herod - and his team of archaeologists finally found the tomb when they dug at a different location on the side of the hill between Herod's two palaces.
It was here they discovered Herod's mausoleum. In the Hebrew University news release, Netzer and his team described it as "one of the most startling finds in Israel in recent years." Though largely destroyed, it still contained decorated urns used to store the ashes of the cremated bodies.
They also found the remains of a large, highly decorated sarcophagus constructed of red limestone. The team concluded this was undoubtedly the sarcophagus of King Herod since the only other sarcophagus' of similar size and quality were used for royalty -- such as the King's Tomb in Jerusalem.
Though at this point, they have not found Herod's name recorded in the tomb, they expect to find it. Herod's name, however, has appeared in other excavations areas on the Herodium site.
In addition, the sarcophagus was purposely broken into hundreds of smaller pieces which according to the archaeologist working on the site substantiated its Herod connection. In its new release, the Hebrew University stated:
Worthy of note is the fact that the sarcophagus was broken into hundreds of pieces, no doubt deliberately. This activity, including the destruction of the monument, apparently took place in the years 66-72 C.E. during the first Jewish revolt against the Romans, while Jewish rebels took hold of the site, according to Josephus and the archaeological evidence. The rebels were known for their hatred of Herod and all that he stood for, as a "puppet ruler" for the Romans.
Conclusion
The discovery of Herod's tomb adds another page to growing archaeological evidence substantiating the Gospel accounts. In addition, it authenticates the work of Josephus Flavius he wrote concerning Jesus:
At this time there appeared Jesus a wise man, if indeed one should call him a man. For he was a doer of startling deeds, a teacher of the people who receive the truth with pleasure. And he gained a following both among many Jews and among many of Greek origin. He was the Messiah. And when Pilate, because of an accusation made by the leading men among us, condemned him to the cross, those who had loved him previously did not cease to do so. For he appeared to them on the third day, living again, just as the divine prophets had spoken of these and countless other wondrous things about him. And up until this very day the tribe of Christians, named after him, has not died out.
[Jewish Antiquities, 18.63-64]
Source: Tomb of King Herod discovered at Herodium by Hebrew University archaeologist: Hebrew University of Jerusalem / Wycliffe Bible Encyclopedia / Herodium - King Herod's Palace - Fortress: Israel Ministry of Foreign Affairs / Hebrew University: Herod's tomb
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