Rise Of Herod

During the time of the birth of Christ Israel was under the control of the Roman Empire. Herod was an appointed ruler over the area and even as the powers at be changed Herod’s reach over the area also increased. Herod ruled as a Pro-Roman King but also worked with the Pharisee’s in ruling the Jewish land. Herod believed he provided for the Jews as well as those of pagan idol worship, he seemed to ride the fence with these actions and was considered a stranger by the Jews. By these actions and he not being Jewish the Pharisee’s seemed to despise him, along with the taxation of the people at 9-10%, which was high for a mostly agriculture economy, only added to their distaste. The economy at this time was supported by three key segments; agriculture of olives, figs, grains, dates, and vineyards; trade by sea, and large government projects. The disparity between the rich and poor was visible but not as noticeable as other cultures, the Jewish laws kept this disparity to a minimum. The average home in Israel were 1-2 rooms with dirt floors and flat roofs, many people slept on their roofs during warm seasons. …show more content…
During these times the Temple courtyard became a marketplace for the selling of sacrificial animals to tourist for a profit, the spiritual leaders also profited from these unorthodox activities. At this time the common language was Greek but the Jews utilized Hebrew, Aramaic, and Latin as their preferred communication. As Herod aged his mental state became weaker and more demented. He had his wife and her two sons murdered because of suspicion, we also can read of all the born males being executed at the time of the birth of Christ. Herod divided rule between his sons and died a tormented