Antipater The Idumaean - Roman Procurator and Appointments of Sons

Roman Procurator and Appointments of Sons

With Hycranus established, Antipater thrived and laid the foundation for his family’s success by navigating conflicts of loyalty and power-shifting within the Roman elite. When Julius Caesar and Pompey go to battle in Egypt, Pompey dies, so that Antipater shifted his allegiance to Caesar, and indeed ingratiated himself with Caesar. While Caesar was besieged in Alexandria, Antipater rescued him with three thousand men and the aid of numerous nearby friends. For his “demonstrations of valor” Caesar elevated Antipater to Roman citizenry, freed him from taxes, and showered him with honors and declarations of friendship.

Later when accused by Aristobulus’ son, Antigonus, who returns from Roman bondage to contest for power, Antipater made a great scene of his scars from fighting for Caesar’s life in Egypt. He defended himself with a history of unfailing loyalty to the Romans. This appeal persuades Caesar who then appointed Antipater the first Roman Procurator of Judea. This amity allows the Jews a special degree of protection and freedom to govern themselves and enjoy Rome’s good will. Josephus notes that with his newfound rights and honors, Antipater immediately began to rebuild the wall of Jerusalem that Pompey had destroyed when subduing Aristobulus. He established order by tempering civil disturbances in Judea and threatening to become a “severe master instead of a gentle governor” should the people grow seditious and unruly. Matters in Judea were finally calm for a time.

At this time came the defining point in Antipater's legacy, whereby he made his son, Phasael, governor of Jerusalem, and Herod the governor of Galilee, to the north of Samaria between the Sea of Galilee and Mediterranean. Herod was but fifteen years old and quickly made a name for himself to the contention of the Jews. The leading men of the Jews became embittered toward the family and made accusations against them that brought Herod to trial before the Sanhedrin, a Jewish ruling body. Now the principal character in the affairs of Jews was beginning to shift to the illustrious Herod as asserted his will and abilities with great show.