THE ARCHITECTURAL LEGACY OF HEROD THE GREAT
By Jonathan Brown
Introduction
Throughout history, few figures have left behind such an enduring mark on the architectural landscape of their culture (or even the world) as Herod the Great. Known for his ambitious building projects, Herod's structures embodied his quest for power and insatiable appetite for dignity. From his colossal fortresses to his magnificent palaces and temples, Herod's architectural endeavors showcased his unyielding desire for grandeur. In the present post, we will explore some of Herod's most notable building projects and briefly delve into the fascinating world of ancient Judean architecture.
Herod's Namesake: The Herodium
One of Herod's most ambitious and impressive projects was the Herodium, a massive palace (and fortress) complex situated on a cone-shaped hill in the Judean Desert. Herod constructed the great fortress-palace after having previously won a military victory at the site. About the year 40 BCE, due to a threat from the remaining Hasmoneans and Parthians, Herod fled Jerusalem for the desert fortress of Masada. His party was overtaken, however, because of the perilous path to Masada. Despite being ambushed, Herod’s soldiers were victorious, and he ended up building the Herodium at the site of his victory.
Herod meticulously designed the structure, combining strategic military elements with lavish amenities fit for nothing short of royalty. The Herodium boasted a fortified double wall system (both reaching 100 feet in height), watchtowers, and a magnificent palace complex complete with opulent living quarters, courtyards, and gardens. Atop the hill, Herod constructed a grand mausoleum for himself, showcasing his desire for eternal remembrance. The grand mountain-esque structure likely served as the backdrop for Yeshua (Jesus)’s object lesson from Matthew 21:21. From the Mount of Olives where He was teaching, both the Herodium and the Dead Sea were in view.
The Crown Jewel: The Second Temple of Jerusalem
Herod's most renowned religious project was the reconstruction of the Second Temple in Jerusalem. Or perhaps that is slightly overstating it. The Temple in Jerusalem (commonly called the Second Temple) had stood for roughly 500 years by the time Herod became king. However, he is largely credited with taking it from a rather modest and somewhat neglected structure, to becoming one of the most prominent religious structures of the time.
Recognizing the significance of the temple as the spiritual and cultural center of Judaism, Herod set out to expand and enhance the existing structure. The result was a magnificent edifice that incorporated architectural elements inspired by Hellenistic and Roman styles. The temple's vast courtyards, ornate facades, and intricately adorned interiors were a testament to Herod's devotion to appeasing the Jewish people, and his desire to solidify his position as not only their ruler, but also their patron.
The Impenetrable Fortress: Masada
Perched atop a rugged plateau overlooking the Dead Sea, Masada stands as a testament to Herod's militaristic engineering prowess and his determination to create impregnable fortifications. Originally a small fortress constructed during the reign of the Hasmonean ruler Alexander Janneaus, Herod transformed Masada into an impenetrable stronghold by constructing massive defensive walls, barracks, storage facilities, and a luxurious palace. The small and difficult passage required to reach Masada made it an effective “last stand” decades after Herod’s death, as the scene of the final campaign during the Jewish Revolt against Rome.
The grandeur of Masada, coupled with its strategic location, demonstrated Herod's unwavering commitment to ensuring his safety and dominance in the region. For as strong as the fortress was for a military complex, it was equally as comfortable in the palatial estate. Masada boasted bathhouses, a frigidarium (cold room), tepidarium (warm room), and caldarium (hot room). Because of these comforts – and the natural elevation – numerous Herodian rulers would visit the fortress during the height of winter and summer as a means of escaping the extremes of both temperatures.
To Be Entertained: Caesarea Maritima
As part of his efforts to strengthen ties with Rome, Herod built up the magnificent port city of Caesarea Maritima and embellished it with opulent structures, including a grand amphitheater and a stadium. Josephus describes horse races and games among the activities that took place in the lavish cultural hub.
Caesarea Maritima (not to be confused with Caesarea Phillipi) was built on the site of an earlier Greek stronghold named Straton’s Tower. This land was, itself, previously given to the Phoenicians by the Persians around the 3rd century BCE, and eventually passed into Jewish hands under the rule of Alexander Janneus. Roman general Pompey had captured the city halfway through the 1st century BCE, and Augustus gifted the city to Herod early in his reign as ruler. In response, Herod called the city Caesarea, after Augustus. Caesarea is featured numerous times in the book of Acts (eg. chs. 8, 9, 10, 11, etc.), and is even the place of the death of Herod Agrippa I (Acts 12).
Conclusion
Herod the Great's architectural projects stand as lasting testaments to his vision, ambition, and unrelenting pursuit of grandeur. From the imposing Herodium to the magnificent Second Temple of Jerusalem, and the awe-inspiring fortress of Masada to the dazzling structures of Caesarea Maritima, Herod's buildings captivated the ancient world with their scale, opulence, and ingenuity. Through his architectural endeavors, Herod aimed to solidify his reign, appease the diverse populations under his rule, and establish his legacy as a powerful and influential ruler. Today, these ancient structures continue to inspire awe and wonder to historians, archeologists, tourists, and the world at large. Despite all of this, though, Herod also leaves a bit of a hollow legacy. His love for the lavish and luxurious could not compensate for the cruelty and abuse that many suffered at his hands.