King Herod the Great

    During Jesus' birth, King Herod the Great ruled Palestine. He was known for his great building projects and arbitrary actions and ruthlessness.  

    Herod's dominion was divided into three parts among his sons after his death. Archelaus was given control of Judea and the region of Perea east of the Jordan. Because he was a bad king, complaints of his subjects led to him being exiled by the Emperor to Gaul in 6 A.D. Antipas was given control of Galilee. Again, because of his actions, his subjects complained and was exiled to Gaul in

39 A.D. Philip was the only successful ruler. He controlled from Galilee was regions of Trachonitis, Gaulanitis, Batanaea, and Auranitis to the southeast.