The Herodian Dynasty Family Tree
Quick Summary
The Herodian dynasty ruled parts of Judea and the surrounding regions during the final decades of the Second Temple period. Founded by Herod the Great, this Idumean family was known for its political alliances, brutal infighting, and complex relationship with Rome. This post outlines the key rulers in the Herodian family tree and how they shaped the biblical world.
Background: Who Were the Herods?
The Herods were not descendants of David or the Levitical priesthood. They were Idumeans (descendants of Edom) and gained power through political strategy and Roman favor. Herod the Great was appointed "King of the Jews" by the Roman Senate in 40 BCE and ruled until his death in 4 BCE.
Although Herod renovated the Second Temple and launched massive building projects, he was also infamous for his paranoia and cruelty, including the execution of several sons and wives.
Herod the Great (c. 37–4 BCE)
Appointed by Rome as king of Judea
Known for renovating the Jerusalem Temple (John 2:20)
Ordered the massacre of the infants in Bethlehem (Matthew 2:16)
Married ten wives and had many sons
His death led to the division of his kingdom among his surviving sons.
Herod’s Sons and Their Territories
1. Herod Archelaus (Ethnarch of Judea, Samaria, and Idumea)
Ruled from 4 BCE to 6 CE
Deposed by Rome for incompetence and cruelty (Matthew 2:22)
2. Herod Antipas (Tetrarch of Galilee and Perea)
Ruled from 4 BCE to 39 CE
Ordered the execution of John the Baptist (Mark 6:14–29)
Met Jesus during his trial (Luke 23:7–12)
3. Philip the Tetrarch (Iturea and Trachonitis)
Ruled from 4 BCE to 34 CE
Known for building Caesarea Philippi (Luke 3:1)
4. Herod Philip I
Private citizen; first husband of Herodias (Mark 6:17)
Herodias and the Next Generation
Herodias: Granddaughter of Herod the Great. She divorced Herod Philip I to marry Herod Antipas, a union condemned by John the Baptist.
Salome: Daughter of Herodias. Known for her role in John the Baptist's execution (Mark 6:22–28).
Herod Agrippa I (King of Judea, 41–44 CE)
Grandson of Herod the Great
Mentioned in Acts 12
Executed James the apostle and imprisoned Peter
Struck down by an angel and died (Acts 12:23)
Herod Agrippa II
Son of Agrippa I
Presided over Paul's trial alongside Bernice (Acts 25–26)
Never ruled Judea proper but held power in surrounding regions
Bernice and Drusilla
Bernice: Sister of Agrippa II; present at Paul’s trial
Drusilla: Another sister, married to Roman governor Felix (Acts 24:24)
Simplified Herodian Family Tree
Herod the Great
Herod Archelaus (Judea)
Herod Antipas (Galilee)
Married Herodias
Salome
Philip the Tetrarch (Iturea)
Herod Philip I (first husband of Herodias)
Aristobulus IV
Herod Agrippa I
Herod Agrippa II
Bernice
Drusilla
Roman Intervention and the End of the Dynasty
After Herod Agrippa I died, Judea returned to Roman rule. Though Agrippa II held limited power, the dynasty never regained full control. The destruction of the Second Temple in 70 CE marked the final collapse of Herodian influence.
Herods in the New Testament
Each generation of Herods intersected with the New Testament story:
Herod the Great: tried to kill infant Jesus (Matthew 2)
Herod Antipas: executed John the Baptist and mocked Jesus (Mark 6; Luke 23)
Herod Agrippa I: persecuted the early church (Acts 12)
Herod Agrippa II: heard Paul’s defense (Acts 26)
For a full narrative profile of each Herod, see The Herods of the New Testament.
Meaning for Today
The Herodian family was marked by ambition, paranoia, and political maneuvering. But amid their palaces and prisons, the true kingdom was breaking in. Christ came not to sit on their throne, but to proclaim a better one.
Even powerful rulers could not stop the movement of God’s kingdom. And that kingdom still outlasts every dynasty.
See Also
For more, see Schürer, Emil. The History of the Jewish People in the Age of Jesus Christ (175 B.C.–A.D. 135). Rev. and ed. by Géza Vermès, Fergus Millar, and Martin Goodman. Edinburgh: T&T Clark, 1973–87.
