"I shall die in a little time, so great are my pains; which death ought to be cheerfully borne, and to be welcomed by all men. But what principally troubles me is, that I shall die without being lamented, and without such mourning as men usually expect at a king's death. For I am not unacquainted with the temper of the Jews; but know that my death. will be a thing very desirable, and exceeding acceptable to them: because, during my life. time, they were ready to revolt from me, and to abuse the donations I had dedicated to God. It is, therefore, your business to resolve to afmy great sorrows slain: although they had done nothing that was unjust, or that was against him; nor were they accused of any other crimes: while it is usual for those who have any regard to virtue to lay aside their hatred at such a time, even with respect to those they justly esteemed their enemies. CHAP. VII. OF HEROD'S ATTEMPT UPON HIS OWN LIFE; AND OF THE PUNISHMENT OF ANTIPATER. Herod these commands ford me some alleviation of you & alot refuse A his relations, there came letters from his your consent in what I desire, I shall have a great mourning at my funeral, and such as never any king had before me. For then the whole nation will mourn from their very soul, which otherwise will be done in sport and mockery only. I desire, therefore, that, as soon as you see I have given up the ghost, you shall place soldiers round the hippodrome; and you shall not declare my death to the multitude till this is done: but you shall give orders to have those that are there in custody shot with darts; and this slaughter of them all will cause that I shall not miss to rejoice on a double account: that as I am dying, you will make me secure that my will shall be executed in what I charge you to do; and that I shall have the honor of a memorable mourning at my funeral." He then deplored his condition, with tears in his eyes; and conjured them by the kindness due from them as his kindred, and by the faith they owed to God; and begged of them, that they would not hinder him of this honorable mourning at his funeral. So they promised him not to transgress his com mands. ambassadors, who had been sent to Rome, unto Cæsar: which, when they were read, informed him, that Acme was slain by Cæsar, out of his indignation at what hand she had in Antipater's wicked practices and that as to Antipater himself, Cæsar left it to Herod to act as became a father, and a king; and either to banish him, or to take away his life, as he pleased. When Herod heard this he was somewhat better, out of the pleasure he had from the contents of the letters, and was elevated at the death of Acme, and at the power that was given him over his son. But, as his pains were become very great, he was now ready to faint for want of somewhat to eat. So he called for an apple, and a knife: for it was his custom formerly to pare the apple himself, and soon afterwards to cut and eat it. When he had got the knife, he looked about and attempted to stab himself; but his first cousin Achiabus prevented him, and held his hand, and cried out loudly: whereupon a woeful lamentation echoed through the palace, and a great tumult was made, as if the king were dead. Upon this, Antipater, who verily believed his father was deceased, grew bold in his discourse;, as hoping to be imme Now any one may discover the temper of this man's mind; which not only took plea-diately released from his bonds, and to take sure in doing what he had done formerly against his relations, out of the love of life; but by those commands of his, which savored of no humanity: since he took care, when he was departing out of this life, that the whole nation should be put into mourning, and deprived of their dearest kindred, when he gave order that one out of every family should be the kingdom into his hands. So he discoursed with the gaoler about letting him go; and in that case promised him great things, both now and hereafter: as if that were the only thing now in question. But the gaoler did not only refuse to do what Antipater would have him, but informed the king of his intentions, and how many solicitations he had had from CHAP. VIII. OF HEROD'S DEATH, WILL, AND BURIAL. he became a king: and though he were encompassed with ten thousand dangers, he got clear of them all, and continued his life till a very old age. But as to the affairs of his family, he was very unfortunate, though he deemed himself fortunate, in being able to conquer his enemies. But Salome and Alexas, before the king's death was made known, dismissed those that were shut up in the hippodrome; and told them, that the king ordered them to go their ways to their own lands, and take care of their own affairs; which was esteemed, by the nation, a very great benefit. And now the king's death was made public; when Salome and Alexas gathered the soldiery together in the amphitheatre at Jericho. And the first thing they did was to read Herod's letter to the soldiery; thanking them for their fidelity and good will to him, and exhorting them to afford his son Archelaus, whom he had appointed for their king, like fidelity and good will. After which Ptolemy, who had the king's seal intrusted to him, read the king's than as it should stand when Cæsar had inspected it. So there was presently an acclamation made to Archelaus, as king. And the soldiers came by bands, and their commanders with them, and promised the same good will and readiness to serve him, which they had exhibited to Herod: and they prayed God to be assistant to him. tiene his Herod altered his will, upon the alteration of his mind: for he appointed Antipas, to whom he had before left the kingdom, to be tetrarch of Galilee and Perea; and granted the kingdom to Archelaus. He also gave Gaulonitis, Trachonitis, and Paneas, to Philip, who was his son, but * own brother to Archelaus, by the name of a tetrarchy: and bequeathed Jamnia, Ashdod, and Phasaelus, to Salome, his sister, with five hundred thou-will; which was to be of force no otherwise sand drachmæ of coined silver. He also made provision for all the rest of his kindred, by giving them sums of money, and annual revenues; and so left them all in a wealthy condition. He bequeathed also to Cæsar ten millions of drachmæ of coined money: besides both vessels of gold and silver, and exceeding costly garments, to Julia, Cæsar's wife; and to certain others five millions. When he had When he had done these things, he died, the fifth day after he had caused Antipater to be slain: having reigned since he had procured † Antigonus to be slain thirty-four years; but since he had been declared king by the Romans, thirtyseven. A man he was of great barbarity towards all men, and a slave to his passion; being above the consideration of what was right. Yet was he favored by fortune as much as any man ever was: for from a private man When it is here said, that Philip the tetrarch, and Archelaus the king or ethnarch, were genuine brothers; if those words mean own brothers, or born of the same father and mother, there must be here some mistake: because they had indeed the same father Herod; but dif ferent mothers: the former Cleopatra, and Archelaus Malthace. They were indeed brought up together privately at Rome, like own brothers: and Philip was Ar After this was over, they prepared for the funeral: it being Archelaus's eare that the procession to his father's sepulchre should be very sumptuous. Accordingly he brought out all his ornaments to adorn the pomp of the funeral. The body was carried upon a golden bier, embroidered with very precious stones, of great variety; and it was covered over with purple, as well as the body itself: he had also a diadem upon his head, and above it a crown of gold; and held a sceptre chelaus's deputy, when he went to have his kingdom confirmed to him at Rome. Chap. 9, and Of the War, II. 2. Which intimacy is perhaps all that Josephus intended by the words before us. + These numbers of years for Herod's reign, 34 and 37, are the very same with those Of the War, I. 33, and are among the principal chronological characters belonging to the reign or death of Herod. it would give it him. Although, by his acceptance of the government, he should not want the ability of rewarding their kindness to him: and that it should be his endeavor, as to all things wherein they were concerned, to prove, in every respect, better than his father. Hereupon the multitude, as it is usual with them, supposed that the first days of those that enter upon such governments declare the intentions of those that accept them: and so by how much Archelaus spake the in his right hand. About the bier were his sons, and his numerous relations. Next to these was the soldiery; distinguished according to their several countries and denominations. And they were put into the following order. First of all went his guards; then the band of Thracians; and after them the Germans; and next the band of Galatians; every one in their habiliments of war. And behind these marched the whole army, in the same manner as they used to go out to war; and as they used to be put in array by their muster-more gently and civilly to them, by so much masters, and centurions. These were followed by five hundred of his domestics, carrying spices. So they went eight furlongs to Herodium for there, by his own command, he was to be buried. : * with his friends. did they more highly commend him, and made application to him for the grant of what they desired. Some entreated that he would ease them of some of their annual payments; but others desired him to release those that Now Archelaus paid him so much respect, were put into prison by Herod, who were as to continue his mourning till the † seventh many, and had been put there at several day for so many days are appointed for it times; while others required that he would by the law of our fathers. And when he had take away those heavy taxes which had been given a treat to the multitude, and left off his levied upon what was publicly sold and mourning, he went up into the temple. He bought. So Archelaus contradicted them in had also acclamations and praises given him nothing; since he pretended to do all things which way soever he went; every one striv- so as to get the good will of the multitude to ing who should appear to use the loudest ac- him: as looking on that good will to be a clamations. So he ascended a high elevation great step towards his preservation of the gomade for him, and took his seat in a throne vernment. Accordingly he went and offered made of gold; and spake kindly to the mul-sacrifice to God; and then sat down to feast. titude; and declared with what joy he received their acclamations, and the marks of the good will they shewed to him. And returned them thanks, that they did not remember the injuries his father had done them, to his disadvantage; and promised them he would not be tardy in rewarding their alacrity in his service, after a suitable manner. But that he should abstain at present from the name of king; and that he should have the honor of that dignity, if Cæsar should confirm and settle that will which his father had made: and that it was on this account, that when the army would have placed the diadem on his head at Jericho, he would not accept of that honor, which is usually so much desired, because it was not yet evident that he who was to be principally concerned in bestowing *At eight stadia or furlongs a day, as here, Herod's funeral, conducted to Herodium, (which lay at the distance from Jericho, where he died, of 200 stadia or fur CHAP. IX. OF THE SEDITION WHICH WAS RAISED AGAINST ARCHELAUS; this time ‡ some of the Jews got toT gether out of a desire of innovation. They lamented Matthias, and those that were slain with him, for pulling down the golden eagle; who had not any respect paid them by a funeral mourning, out of the fear men were in of Herod. The people made a great clamor and lamentation hereupon; and cast out some reproaches against the king; as if that tended to alleviate the miseries of the deceased. These people assembled together, longs, Of the War, I. 33,) must have taken up no less + See the note Of the War, I. 1. and them. and desired of Archelaus, that, in way of re- tions. And although Archelaus sent many to venge on their account, he would inflict pu- speak to them, yet they treated them not as mesnishment ou those who had been honored by sengers sent by him, but as persons that came Herod and that, in the first place, he would of their own accord to mitigate their anger; deprive the high-priest whom Herod had and would not let one of them speak. The made; and would appoint one more agree- sedition also was made by such as were in a able to the law, and of greater purity, to offi- great passion and it was evident that they ciate at the altar. This was granted by Ar- were proceeding farther in seditious pracchelaus, although he was greatly offended attices, by the multitude's running so fast unto their importunity: because he proposed to go to Rome immediately, to look after Cæsar's determination about him. However he sent the general of his forces to use persuasions, and to tell them that the death which was inflicted on their friends was according to the law and to represent to them that their petitions about these things were carried to a great height of injury to him: that the present time was not proper for such petitions; but required their unanimity, until he should be established in the government by the con-mented Judas and Matthias, those teachers of sent of Cæsar, and should be come back to them. For that he would then consult with them in common, concerning the purport of their petitions; but that they ought at present to be quiet, lest they should seem seditious persons. When the king had suggested these things, and instructed his general in what he was to say, he sent him to the people. But they made a clamor, and would not give him leave to speak, and put him in danger of his life: and as many more as were desirous to venture upon saying openly any thing which might reduce them to a sober mind, and prevent their going on in their present courses. Because they had more concern to have all their own wills performed, than to yield obedience to their governors: thinking it to be a thing insufferable, that while Herod was alive they should lose those that were the most dear to them, and that when he was dead they could not get the actors to be punished. So they went on with their designs after a violent manner; and thought all to be lawful and right which tended to please them: and being unskilful in foreseeing what dangers they incurred; and when they had some suspicion of such a thing, yet did the present pleasure they took in the punishment of those they deemed their enemies overweigh all such considera Now upon the approach of that feast of unleavened bread, which the laws of their fathers had appointed for the Jews at this time; which feast is called the Passover, and is a memorial of their deliverance out of Egypt: when they are required to slay more sacri fices than at any other festival; and when an innumerable multitude came thither out of the country, nay, from beyond its limits also, in order to worship God; the seditious la the laws; and kept together in the temple, and had plenty of food; because these seditious persons were not ashamed to beg it. And as Archelaus was afraid lest some terrible thing should spring up by the means of these men's madness, he sent a regiment of armed men, and with them a captain of a thousand, to suppress the violent efforts of the seditious before the whole multitude should be infected with the like madness; and gave them this charge, that if they found any more openly seditious than others, and more busy in tumultuous practices, they should bring them to him. But those that were seditious on account of those teachers of the law irritated the people by the noise and clamor they used to encourage them in their designs. So they made an assault upon the soldiers, and came up to them; and stoned the greatest part of them: although some of them ran away wounded, and their captain among them. And when they had thus done, they returned to the sacrifices which were already in their hands. Now Archelaus thought there was no way to preserve the government, but by cutting off those who made this attempt upon it. So he sent out the whole army upon them, and sent the horsemen to prevent those that had their tents without the temple from assisting those that were within; and to kill such as run away from the footmen, when they thought themselves out of danger. Accordingly, the horsemen slew three thousand men: while the rest went to the neighboring mountains. Then did Archelaus order proclamation to be made to them all, that they should retire to their own homes. So they went away and left the festival, out, of fear of somewhat worse which would follow; although they had been so bold by reason of their want of instruction. So Archelaus went down to the sea, with his mother, and took with him Nicolaus, and Ptolemy, and many others of his friends, and left his brother Phillip as governor of all things, belonging both to his own family and to the public. There went out also with him Salome, Herod's sister; and her children, and many of her kindred, were with her: which kindred of hers went, as they pretended, to assist Archelaus in gaining the kingdom; but in reality to oppose him, and chiefly to make loud complaints of what he had done in the temple. But Sabinus, Cæsar's steward for the Syrian affairs, as he was making haste into Judea to preserve Herod's effects, met with Archelaus at Cæsarea. But Varust came at that time, and restrained him from meddling with them; for he was there, as sent for by Archelaus by the means of Ptolemy. And Sabinus, out of regard to Varus, did neither seize upon any of the castles that were among the Jews, nor did he seal up the treasures in them: but permitted Archelaus to hold them, until Cæsar should declare his resolution about them. So upon this promise he tarried still at Cæsarea. But after Archelaus was sailed for Rome, and Varus was removed to Antioch, Sabinus went to Jerusalem, and seized on the king's palace. He also sent for the keepers of the garrisons, and for all those that had the charge of Herod's effects, and declared publicly that he should require them to give an account of what they had; and he disposed of the castles in the manner he pleased: but those who kept them did not neglect what Archelaus had given them in command; but continued to keep all things in the manner that had been enjoined them, under the pretence that they held them all for Cæsar. * Malthace. At the same time Antipas, another of Herod's sons, sailed to Rome, in order to gain the government; being persuaded by Salome that he should take that government; and that he was a much honester and fitter man than Archelaus for that authority, since Herod had, in his former will, deemed him the worthiest to be made king: which ought to be esteemed more valid than his latter testament. Antipas also brought with him his mother, and Ptolemy the hrother of Nicolaus; one that had been Herod's most honored friend, and was now zealous for Antipas. But it was Ireneus the orator, and one who, on account of his reputation for sagacity, was intrusted with the affairs of the state, who most of all encouraged him to attempt to gain the kingdom. By his means it was, that when some advised him to yield to Archelaus as to his elder brother, and who had been declared king by their father's last will, he would not submit so to do. And when he was come to Rome, all his relations revolted to him; not out of their good will to him, but out of their hatred to Archelaus. Though indeed they were most desirous of gaining their liberty, and to be put under a Roman governor. But if there were too great an opposition made to that, they thought Antipas preferable to Archelaus: and so joined with him, in order to procure the kingdom for him. Sabinus also by letters accused Archelaus to Cæsar. Now when Archelaus had sent in his papers to Cæsar, wherein he pleaded his right to the kingdom by his father's will, with the accounts of Herod's money, and with Ptolemy, who brought Herod's seal, he expected the event. But when Cæsar had read these papers and Varus's and Sabinus's letters, with the accounts of the money and what were the annual incomes of the kingdom, and understood that Antipater had also sent letters to lay claim to the kingdom: he summoned his friends toge ther, to know their opinions; and with them Caius, the son of Agrippa, and of Julia his daughter, whom he had adopted; and made him sit first of all; and desired such as pleased to speak their minds about the affairs now before them. Now Antipater, Salome's son, a very subtle + The president of Syria. orator, |