The question of how old Jesus was when King Herod died is a topic that has intrigued scholars, theologians, and historians alike for centuries. It is a crucial event in understanding the timeline of Jesus’ life and the intricacies of the historical context surrounding his birth. By unpacking the timing and discussing the various theories surrounding this pivotal moment, we delve deeper into the mysteries of the life and times of one of the most influential figures in history.
At the heart of the matter lies the accounts provided in the New Testament gospels, where there are varying perspectives on the exact age of Jesus at the time of King Herod’s demise. The Gospel of Matthew posits that Jesus was a mere infant, while the Gospel of Luke suggests that he was around 12 years old. The discrepancy between the two accounts has sparked extensive debate and scholarly examination, as experts strive to reconcile the divergent narratives and ascertain the true chronology of events. By critically analyzing the available evidence, we can shed light on the age-old question and gain a deeper understanding of the historical and theological implications of Jesus’ birth in relation to the political climate of ancient Judea.
Historical Context
A. Overview of King Herod’s reign
Before delving into the controversy surrounding Jesus’ age when King Herod died, it is crucial to understand the historical context of Herod’s reign. Herod the Great, also known as Herod I, was a Roman client king who ruled over Judea from 37 BC until his death. He was known for his ambitious building projects and his efforts to pacify the region under Roman rule.
B. Key events during Herod’s rule
Throughout his reign, Herod faced numerous challenges, including political conflicts and uprisings. One of the most significant events during his rule was the Roman capture of Jerusalem in 37 BC, which marked the beginning of his reign as the Roman-appointed ruler of Judea. He also faced opposition from the Hasmonean dynasty and various religious factions.
C. Jesus’ birth and the events surrounding it
Jesus’ birth is believed to have taken place during the last years of Herod’s reign. According to the Gospel accounts, Jesus was born in Bethlehem during the time of a census decreed by the Roman Emperor Augustus. The birth of Jesus was accompanied by the visit of the Magi and the subsequent massacre of male infants in Bethlehem by Herod, who saw Jesus as a potential threat to his rule.
### IControversy surrounding Jesus’ age
The determination of Jesus’ age when King Herod died has been a topic of great controversy among scholars and historians. Various interpretations and arguments have emerged, each presenting distinct age scenarios for Jesus during this crucial historical event.
Scholars have highlighted different perspectives regarding Jesus’ age at the time of King Herod’s death. Some argue that Jesus was an infant, while others suggest that he was a young child. These varying opinions stem from the interpretations of biblical references and other historical evidence.
The New Testament makes mention of King Herod, specifically in relation to Jesus’ birth. The Gospel of Matthew recounts the visit of the Magi to Herod, seeking the newborn king of the Jews. Herod’s subsequent order to execute all male infants in Bethlehem suggests that Jesus was a very young child, potentially around two years old, at the time of these events.
Moreover, connections between Jesus’ birth and Herod’s reign can be found in historical records. Herod was known for his despotic rule and his efforts to maintain his power, which included the infamous massacre of the innocents. These events provide important context, but the exact timing of Jesus’ birth and Herod’s death still remains an issue of debate.
To unravel the controversy, scholars have turned to chronological evidence from historical documents and records. Jewish and Roman sources offer valuable insights into the timeline of Herod’s reign and the events surrounding Jesus’ birth. By analyzing these sources, researchers have attempted to establish a more precise understanding of Jesus’ age when King Herod died.
However, rivaling dates and opinions persist within the scholarly community. Pivotal theories proposed by scholars have generated conflicting arguments for different age ranges. Some argue for a shorter period of time between Jesus’ birth and Herod’s death, while others suggest a longer timeframe.
To further complicate matters, Josephus, a Jewish historian from the first century, provides an account of Herod’s death in his works. Scholars have examined Josephus’ credibility and evaluated the reliability of his account in determining Jesus’ age. This analysis has yielded additional insights, but has not settled the dispute conclusively.
The state of Herod’s health in his final years also plays a role in assessing Jesus’ age during this period. Descriptions of Herod’s deteriorating health have been compared to Jesus’ age, offering another perspective to consider.
Additionally, the examination of Roman census practices and potential implications for determining Jesus’ age has also been investigated. The presence of census records has the potential to shed light on the timing of Jesus’ birth in relation to King Herod’s death.
In conclusion, the controversy surrounding Jesus’ age when King Herod died reveals the complexity of historical research and interpretation. While there is no definitive consensus among scholars, the examination of historical evidence, biblical references, and the assessment of various factors provide valuable insights into this intriguing historical event.
IBiblical references
In order to understand the timing of Jesus’ age when King Herod died, it is important to examine the biblical references that mention Herod and his reign. The New Testament provides valuable insights into the events surrounding Jesus’ birth and the connection with Herod’s rule.
The Gospel of Matthew describes how the birth of Jesus took place during the reign of King Herod. According to Matthew 2:1-2, “After Jesus was born in Bethlehem in Judea, during the time of King Herod, Magi from the east came to Jerusalem and asked, ‘Where is the one who has been born king of the Jews?'”
This passage clearly indicates that Jesus was born while Herod was still reigning. The account continues with the visit of the Magi to Herod, who became troubled by their news of a new king. Herod then ordered the massacre of all male infants in Bethlehem who were two years old and younger, based on the time the Magi had indicated the star had appeared.
This information provides a crucial clue regarding Jesus’ age when Herod died. Since Herod ordered the killing of infants who were up to two years old, it can be inferred that Jesus was likely younger than two years at the time of Herod’s death. This aligns with the traditional belief that Jesus was born around 4 BC and Herod died in 1 BC.
However, some scholars argue that the reference to the Magi’s visit and Herod’s subsequent actions may not have occurred immediately after Jesus’ birth. They suggest that there could have been a longer time gap between the birth and the visit, allowing for Jesus to be older than two years when Herod died.
Another biblical reference that sheds light on the timing is the account of Joseph and Mary fleeing to Egypt with Jesus to escape Herod’s wrath. In Matthew 2:13-14, an angel appeared to Joseph in a dream, instructing him to take Jesus and Mary to Egypt until Herod’s death. This implies that Herod’s death was imminent and that Jesus was still a young child at the time.
Overall, the biblical references indicate that Jesus was likely younger than two years old when Herod died. However, the exact age remains a subject of controversy and interpretation among scholars and historians. Further analysis of historical documents and records, as well as the examination of other factors such as Josephus’ account and census records, are necessary to achieve a more precise understanding of Jesus’ age during this pivotal historical event.
Chronological evidence
Analysis of historical documents and records
Determining the age of Jesus when King Herod died is a topic of immense historical significance. To unravel this mystery, scholars and historians rely on various sources of chronological evidence. The analysis of historical documents and records plays a crucial role in shedding light on this crucial historical event.
Historians consider both Jewish and Roman historical sources to paint a comprehensive picture of the timeline surrounding Herod’s death. Jewish historian Flavius Josephus is one such prominent source, as his works provide valuable insights into the world of ancient Judea. By examining Josephus’ writings, historians can gain a clearer understanding of the events leading up to and following Herod’s demise.
Roman historical sources, such as official records and inscriptions, also contribute to the chronological evidence. These sources can help corroborate certain details mentioned in Josephus’ accounts and provide additional information about the political climate during that time. By piecing together information from various sources, historians can create a more accurate timeline of events.
Jewish and Roman historical sources
Apart from textual sources, archaeological discoveries also offer insight into the timing of King Herod’s death and Jesus’ age. For example, coins minted during Herod’s rule can provide important clues about the succession of kings and overlap with significant events. Additionally, inscriptions on ancient monuments may mention Herod and his reign, helping historians establish a more precise timeline.
Another important aspect of the chronological evidence is the examination of cultural practices and customs. Jewish festivals, such as Passover, are tied to specific dates on the Jewish calendar. By aligning Jesus’ age with these religious events, historians can narrow down possible age scenarios.
However, it is important to note that interpreting this chronological evidence is not without its challenges. Historical records may contain inconsistencies or discrepancies, and gaps in the available information can make it difficult to draw definitive conclusions. Furthermore, different scholars may interpret the same evidence differently, leading to rivaling theories and opinions.
Despite these challenges, the analysis of historical documents, records, and archaeological findings has great value in unpacking the timing of King Herod’s death and Jesus’ age at the time. By meticulously examining these sources and considering their limitations, historians are able to piece together a more comprehensive understanding of this crucial historical event.
Rivaling dates and opinions
Pivotal theories proposed by scholars
In the debate surrounding Jesus’ age when King Herod died, scholars have put forth various theories, each with its own set of arguments and evidence. These theories aim to reconcile the available historical and biblical information to determine an approximate age for Jesus during Herod’s death.
One prominent theory suggests that Jesus was born in 4 BCE, which aligns with the widely accepted belief that Herod died in 4 BCE. This theory places Jesus as an infant or a young child when Herod passed away. Proponents of this theory point to the Gospel accounts of Jesus’ birth and the related events occurring during Herod’s reign.
On the contrary, another hypothesis proposes that Jesus was born around 6 BCE, meaning he would have been a teenager or young adult at the time of Herod’s death. This theory takes into account the possibility of a discrepancy in the historical record and suggests that Herod’s death might have occurred in 1 BCE or even later. Advocates of this theory argue that it allows for a more plausible timeline, considering Jesus’ ministry and the events leading up to his crucifixion.
Conflicting arguments for different age ranges
The divergent theories regarding Jesus’ age when King Herod died are accompanied by conflicting arguments presented by scholars. Those in favor of Jesus being an infant or a young child during Herod’s death emphasize the fulfillment of biblical prophecies and the significance of Jesus as the long-awaited Messiah. They argue that Jesus’ birth occurring close to Herod’s death highlights the divine plan and its timing.
On the other hand, proponents of Jesus being a teenager or young adult suggest that a more mature age aligns better with the recorded historical events and the timeline of Jesus’ ministry. They point out that Jesus’ teachings and actions display a level of wisdom and maturity that would be unlikely in someone as young as an infant or a young child.
These conflicting arguments reflect the complexities of deciphering the historical timing of crucial events in relation to Jesus’ age. Scholars continue to delve into the available evidence, engaging in debates and discussions to arrive at a consensus regarding the age of Jesus when King Herod died.
As the search for conclusive evidence and understanding continues, it is essential to approach the subject with open-mindedness and acknowledge the challenges posed by limited historical records and divergent interpretations. Ultimately, the determination of Jesus’ age when King Herod died requires the careful examination and synthesis of multiple sources, historical calculations, and scholarly consensus – a task that may remain subject to ongoing debate, despite the collective efforts towards reaching a definitive conclusion.
# VJosephus’ Account
## A. Examination of Josephus’ Works and Credibility
In the quest to determine the age of Jesus when King Herod died, one significant source of information is the works of the Jewish historian Flavius Josephus. Josephus was a first-century Jewish scholar who wrote extensively about the history of the Jewish people and the events of his time. His writings, particularly “Antiquities of the Jews” and “The Jewish War,” provide valuable insights into the political and social climate of the region during Herod’s reign.
However, it is crucial to critically assess the credibility of Josephus’ account. Despite being highly regarded as a historian, there are instances where Josephus’ accuracy and objectivity have been questioned. Some scholars argue that he may have embellished certain events or tailored his narratives to align with the interests of his Roman patrons. Consequently, it is essential to approach Josephus’ writings with a discerning eye and corroborate his claims with other sources.
## B. Evaluation of Josephus’ Account on Herod’s Death
Josephus provides a detailed account of King Herod’s death in “Antiquities of the Jews.” According to Josephus, Herod’s health began to deteriorate rapidly in the final years of his reign. He suffered from excruciating abdominal pain and severe inflammation. Josephus describes Herod’s physical condition as agonizing, with constant vomiting and terrible itching.
In an attempt to relieve his suffering, Herod sought various medical treatments, including a visit to a hot spring in Callirhoe. However, his condition continued to worsen, leading to his eventual demise. Josephus reports that Herod died shortly after an eclipse. He notes that his death occurred in the 37th year of Herod’s reign and 27 years after he was declared king by the Roman Senate.
While Josephus’ account provides valuable information about Herod’s death, it does not explicitly mention Jesus’ age at the time. Therefore, scholars must carefully evaluate the details surrounding Herod’s demise and consider other sources to establish Jesus’ age accurately.
Examining Josephus’ account on Herod’s death is just one aspect of the complex puzzle of determining Jesus’ age when King Herod died. By incorporating this information with findings from biblical references, chronological evidence, analysis of Herod’s illness, census records, the infancy narrative, and the Jewish calendar, scholars can piece together a more comprehensive understanding of the timing of this crucial historical event. Through careful analysis and scholarly consensus, it is possible to shed light on the age of Jesus when King Herod passed away, deepening our understanding of this significant period in history.
VIAnalysis of Herod’s illness
There has been much debate and speculation about the age of Jesus when King Herod died. In order to shed light on this crucial historical event, it is important to analyze the descriptions of Herod’s deteriorating health and compare it with Jesus’ age during that time.
According to historical accounts, Herod’s health began to deteriorate towards the end of his reign. Josephus, a first-century Jewish historian, describes Herod’s various ailments in his works. He mentions that Herod suffered from excruciating abdominal pain, fever, and extreme weakness. These symptoms are consistent with a number of possible illnesses, including kidney disease, intestinal infection, or even cancer.
Considering Herod’s declining health, it is reasonable to assume that Jesus would have been relatively young when Herod died. It is widely believed that Jesus was born between 6 and 4 BCE, as Josephus places Herod’s death in 4 BCE. Based on this timeline, Jesus would have been a young child, possibly around two years old, when Herod’s health began to deteriorate.
This aligns with biblical narratives that describe Herod’s attempt to kill Jesus by ordering the massacre of all male infants in Bethlehem who were two years old and younger. This act, known as the “Slaughter of the Innocents,” suggests that Jesus was indeed a young child at the time.
However, there are differing opinions on Jesus’ precise age during Herod’s illness. Some scholars argue that the biblical narrative is not historically accurate and that the events surrounding Jesus’ birth were added later for theological purposes. They suggest that Jesus may have been older, possibly in his teens, when Herod died.
To determine the most likely scenario, it is crucial to consider not only the description of Herod’s illness but also other sources of evidence such as census records, Jewish religious events, and historical calculations. By examining these sources, scholars can piece together a more comprehensive understanding of Jesus’ age when King Herod died.
In conclusion, the analysis of Herod’s illness offers valuable insights into Jesus’ age during this crucial historical event. While it is reasonable to assume that Jesus was a young child when Herod’s health began to decline, there is still ongoing debate and further research is needed to reach a definitive conclusion. By considering multiple sources and perspectives, researchers can continue to unravel the timing of King Herod’s death in relation to Jesus’ age.
Census records
Examination of Roman census practices
Determining the exact age of Jesus when King Herod died has been a subject of controversy and debate among scholars and historians. While there are various theories and arguments proposing different age scenarios, one potential source of evidence that can shed light on this matter is Roman census records.
During the time of King Herod and Jesus’ birth, the Roman Empire conducted censuses for the purpose of taxation and social control. These censuses required individuals to register in their ancestral hometowns, providing detailed information about their family and household members. While the primary objective was to determine tax liabilities, these records also provided valuable data on population demographics.
By examining Roman census practices and the historical context surrounding them, it is possible to extract clues that could help determine Jesus’ age when King Herod died. These records would have included Joseph and Mary, Jesus’ parents, as they traveled to Bethlehem for the census ordered by Caesar Augustus.
Some scholars argue that Jesus was likely a young child or an infant during this census, as it is unlikely that Joseph and Mary would have made the arduous journey if Mary was in the later stages of pregnancy. This interpretation aligns with the biblical account of Jesus being born in Bethlehem and the subsequent events surrounding his birth.
Potential implications for determining Jesus’ age
If Jesus was indeed a young child or an infant during the Roman census ordered by Caesar Augustus, this suggests that he would have been born shortly before or around the time of King Herod’s death. This scenario would align with the biblical references that connect Jesus’ birth with the reign of King Herod.
Furthermore, the age of Jesus during King Herod’s death has implications for the chronology of Jesus’ life and ministry. It would determine the timeline for significant events such as Jesus’ baptism, his teachings, and ultimately, his crucifixion and resurrection.
However, it is important to consider the limitations and challenges in using Roman census records as evidence for determining Jesus’ age. These records may not provide specific dates or ages, but rather general information about individuals and their households. Additionally, there may be discrepancies or gaps in the available census data, further complicating the task of accurately determining Jesus’ age when King Herod died.
While census records can offer valuable insights into the historical context and demographics of the time, they should be approached with caution and in conjunction with other sources of evidence. By examining these records alongside biblical references, Josephus’ account, and other historical calculations, scholars can work towards reaching a consensus on Jesus’ age when King Herod died.
Infancy narrative
A. Significance of Luke’s account of Jesus’ birth
The Gospel of Luke provides a detailed account of Jesus’ birth, including important clues that can help determine his age when King Herod died. Luke’s narrative includes the angel’s announcement to Mary, the journey to Bethlehem for the census, the birth of Jesus in a manger, and the visit of the shepherds. These events shed light on the possible age of Jesus at the time of Herod’s death.
Luke’s meticulous storytelling implies the importance of Jesus’ birth and its connection to Jewish prophecy and history. The inclusion of specific details indicates that the author intended to provide an accurate and reliable account of Jesus’ infancy. Therefore, examining Luke’s narrative can provide valuable insights into the timing of this crucial historical event.
B. Possible hints regarding Jesus’ age
While there are no explicit mentions of Jesus’ age in Luke’s account, there are several indirect hints that can be explored. First, the journey to Bethlehem for the census, which was ordered by the Roman Emperor Augustus, provides a historical context. Scholars estimate that the census took place around 6-4 BCE. If Jesus was born during this time, it would suggest that he was an infant or a very young child when Herod died in 4 BCE.
Additionally, Luke mentions that after Jesus’ birth, Mary and Joseph presented him at the Temple in Jerusalem for the purification ritual required by Jewish law. The Law of Moses specified that this ritual should take place 40 days after the birth of a male child. If Jesus was presented at the Temple and had reached the age of 40 days, it could offer a clue to his age at the time of Herod’s death.
Furthermore, the visit of the Magi, or Wise Men, is another element in Luke’s narrative that can provide insights. The Magi are said to have seen the star of Bethlehem and traveled from the East in search of the newborn king. Their journey and investigation into Herod’s court indicate that it took some time for them to arrive in Jerusalem. This suggests that Jesus may have been around a year old or older by the time the Magi found him.
Although these hints are not definitive, they contribute to the ongoing debate among scholars trying to determine Jesus’ age when King Herod died. By carefully analyzing Luke’s account of the infancy narrative, researchers can gather valuable information that may narrow down the age scenarios and shed more light on this crucial historical event.
RecommendedJewish calendar and religious events
A. Assessment of Jewish festivals and celebrations
In order to gain a better understanding of Jesus’ age at the time of King Herod’s death, it is crucial to consider the Jewish calendar and its associated religious events. The Jewish festivals and celebrations can provide valuable insights into the possible timeline of Jesus’ life.
The Jewish calendar is based on lunar and solar cycles, with key religious events occurring at specific times throughout the year. Some of these events include Passover, Pentecost, and the Feast of Tabernacles. These festivities were significant and widely observed during Jesus’ time.
By examining the narratives and accounts of Jesus’ life in the New Testament, scholars have attempted to align different events, such as Jesus’ baptism and crucifixion, with specific Jewish holidays. This process allows for a more precise estimation of Jesus’ age during important religious events.
B. Aligning Jesus’ age with key religious events
One commonly debated event is Jesus’ visit to the temple in Jerusalem at the age of twelve, as mentioned in Luke 2:41-52. This incident occurred during the Passover feast, indicating that Jesus was actively participating in Jewish customs and religious observances.
Based on this account and the age of Jesus mentioned, it can be inferred that Jesus was already immersed in Jewish traditions and rituals by this point. Therefore, it is likely that Jesus was several years older than twelve when King Herod died.
Another key event to consider is the Last Supper, which is often associated with the Passover meal. By examining the chronology of the Gospels, scholars have proposed that Jesus was in his early thirties during this event. This aligns with the widely accepted notion that King Herod died around 4 B.C., making Jesus approximately 32 years old at the time.
While the exact alignment of Jesus’ age with specific Jewish religious events may not be definitively determined, studying the Jewish calendar and its traditions sheds light on the potential timing of Jesus’ life in relation to King Herod’s death.
It is important to note, however, that these associations are based on interpretations of biblical texts and historical events. As with other aspects of determining Jesus’ age when King Herod died, there may be varying opinions and perspectives among scholars.
In the next section, we will explore the historical calculations and methodologies employed to estimate Jesus’ age during this crucial period, as well as the challenges and limitations involved in this process.
Historical calculations
A. Utilizing different sources for calculations
Determining Jesus’ age when King Herod died involves analyzing various historical sources and calculating the timeline of events. Scholars have examined both biblical and non-biblical sources to piece together an approximate age for Jesus during this crucial historical event.
One source of historical calculations is the New Testament, which mentions Herod in several passages. These references provide some clues regarding Jesus’ age, as they establish a connection between Herod’s reign and the events surrounding Jesus’ birth. By examining the biblical accounts, scholars can deduce a probable timeframe for Jesus’ birth and subsequent interactions with Herod.
In addition to biblical references, scholars also rely on external sources such as Flavius Josephus, a first-century Jewish historian. Josephus’ works contain detailed accounts of Herod’s reign and his death. By studying Josephus’ writings, historians can gain insight into Herod’s deteriorating health and the timeline leading up to his demise. This information helps in estimating Jesus’ age during this period.
B. Challenges and limitations in determining Jesus’ age
While historical calculations provide valuable clues, there are challenges and limitations in precisely determining Jesus’ age when King Herod died. Firstly, the available sources often provide different and sometimes conflicting information, making it difficult to establish a definitive age.
Moreover, the infancy narratives found in the Gospels of Matthew and Luke offer only fragmentary details about Jesus’ early years. These accounts do not provide explicit dates, making it necessary to rely on contextual clues and historical context to make educated estimations.
Another challenge is the lack of precise record-keeping during the time. Ancient records were sparse, and specific birth dates were rarely documented. This makes it challenging to calculate Jesus’ age based solely on historical documents and records.
Furthermore, different scholars may interpret the available evidence differently, resulting in varying calculations and opinions. The interpretation of Jewish calendar dates and the alignment of Jesus’ age with significant religious events can also introduce complexities and disagreements.
In light of these challenges, scholars often offer a range of possible ages for Jesus when King Herod died, acknowledging the uncertainties and limitations inherent in historical calculations.
Overall, while historical calculations play a vital role in determining Jesus’ age when King Herod died, they are subject to challenges, limitations, and differences in interpretation. The field of historical research continuously engages with these complexities, striving to gain a better understanding of the timing of this crucial event in relation to Jesus’ age.
Conclusion
A. Summary of Findings and Analysis
In this article, we have delved into the crucial historical question of Jesus’ age when King Herod died. The determination of Jesus’ age at the time of Herod’s death holds great importance as it helps us understand significant events in both biblical and secular history.
Throughout our exploration, we have examined various aspects of this topic, including the historical context of King Herod’s reign and the key events that took place during that time. We also discussed the controversies surrounding Jesus’ age, with scholars and historians offering different interpretations and arguments for distinct age scenarios.
Biblical references played a crucial role in our investigation, particularly the mentions of Herod in the New Testament and the connections between Jesus’ birth and Herod’s rule. We also considered chronological evidence, analyzing historical documents and records from both Jewish and Roman sources.
Rivaling dates and opinions were explored, with scholars proposing pivotal theories and conflicting arguments for different age ranges for Jesus when Herod died. Furthermore, we examined Josephus’ account of Herod’s death and evaluated his credibility as a historical source.
The analysis of Herod’s illness and its comparison with Jesus’ age provided additional insight into this matter. We also discussed the potential implications of census records and the significance of Luke’s account of Jesus’ birth in determining his age.
Alignment with the Jewish calendar and key religious events helped shed light on Jesus’ age when Herod died. However, we acknowledge the challenges and limitations in historical calculations, as different sources may yield varying results.
B. Final Thoughts on the Timing of King Herod’s Death in Relation to Jesus’ Age
While there may not be a definitive answer to the question of Jesus’ exact age when King Herod died, there is a general consensus among scholars. Based on the available evidence, the predominant opinion suggests that Jesus was likely in his early thirties at the time of Herod’s death.
The conclusion that Jesus was in his early thirties when Herod died allows for the alignment of key historical events, biblical references, and the cultural and religious context of the time. It also provides a logical framework for understanding the sequence of events leading up to Jesus’ ministry and crucifixion.
This study expands our understanding of the historical backdrop and timing of crucial events in biblical history. The efforts of scholars and historians in unraveling these mysteries contribute to the larger body of knowledge surrounding the life of Jesus and the historical context in which he lived.
In conclusion, while there may be varying opinions and interpretations, the consensus among scholars indicates that Jesus was in his early thirties when King Herod died. This finding helps us piece together the intricate puzzle of biblical and secular history, shedding light on significant events that shaped the world we know today.