5. Third Period. 14-4 B.C

The third period of Herod's reign is marked by the decline of his good fortune. His two sons by the Maccabean Mariamne, Aristobulus and Alexander, were two descendants Period, of the extirpated family who aroused z4-q, B.C. anew his earlier distrust and enmity. He had attempted to obliterate all causes of trouble by marrying Aristobulus to his sister's daughter Berenice, and Alexander to Gla phyra, daughter of the king of Cappadocia. During his journey to Agrippa (14 B.c.) the two princes had treated Salome and Phreroras with haughtiness and had given utterance to imprudent remarks about the murder of their mother. To intimidate them from possible revenge Herod recalled to the court his son Antipater by his first wife Doris. This son at once began to intrigue against his half-brother with such effect that Herod took them both to Rome to complain against them to Caesar, who brought about a reconciliation, which was, however, only on the surface. Herod then busied himself with building operations intended to perpetuate the memory of members of his family, and with great liberality made contributions to many cities out side his domains in favor of Greek customs and celebrations, not excluding largess for the Olympic games. While this brought him celebrity of a pleasant sort from the outside world, it excited the hatred of the Jews. The atmosphere of his own court was unwholesome, where resided not only Nicolas of Damascus and his brother Ptolemy, but the numerous wives of the king and a host of eunuchs and disreputable persons. Intrigue was in the air, and the palace inmates became involved. Herod trusted no one. By the device of Antipater suspicion was directed against Alexander, whose adherents were put to torture. Alexander himself was thrown into prison, from which his father-in law was just able to save him. But Salome renewed her intrigues, aided by Eurycles, a worthless Lacediemonian, and both sons by Mariamne were executed, 7 B.c. Meanwhile an attempt of Herod's against a band of brigands had incensed the emperor, who sent a sharp rebuke to Herod. The latter succeeded in placating the emperor through Nicolas of Damascus, and was given a free hand in dealing with his sons, with the result stated above. Herod named Antipater as his successor, and sent him with the will to Rome. Hardly had this been done when it came out through the death of Phreroras that Antipater had planned to poison Herod. Herod revoked his will; he named AntipaA, son of Malthace, his successor, and caused the execution of Antipater. In the joy of the prospect of speedy release from Herod's tyranny through the fatal disease from which he was then suffering, the people were easily induced to tear down from the temple gate the eagle which crowned it. But Herod was sufficiently well to have the instigators of the deed burned alive. His death occurred soon afterward, in the year 4 B.c. He had given orders that the noblest in the land should be slain at his death in order that sincere mourning should take place when he died. His final will directed that his son Archelaus should be king, Antipas was to have the tetrarchy of Galilee and Peraea, and Philip that of Gaulanitis, Trachonitis, and Panias.